 | 31 Aug 06 |
Okay, I’m stealing my villain post to brag about my new covers.
They are fabulous. I love them. I love them more than my first trilogy. They are rich and bold and dark. What do you think?
Can you see why I love them? Do they make you want to pick the book off the shelf? If a reader picks your book up, they have a fifty percent chance of buying it. (Next week I’m going to talk about back cover blurbs . . . unless I get sidetracked.) They’re much better with the foil and embossing. When my agent received the printed proofs (what they’re putting in the sales kits) she tossed the laser prints because the proofs are so much more detailed and incredible.
Anyway . . . villains. Right. From the first trilogy (because I don’t want to tip anyone off on the next trilogy!)
So a couple weeks ago we talked about who might play John & Rowan, Quinn & Miranda and Zack & Olivia. I think the consensus was that we need to go back to the drawing board for John & Olivia, but Emily Procter (Rowan); Nathan Fillion (Quinn); Evangeline Lilly (Miranda) and Hugh Jackman (Zack) could stay. So if there’s anyone out there who has contacts, I’ll be happy to send my book to any of those actors, just send me the address 
. . .
Now while the protagonists are important, IMO there is no one more important in any film than the antagonist. Even if you’re not writing a thriller, the antagonist must be as strong or stronger than the hero. For example, in CLIFFHANGER while the bad guys were bad (and, frankly, a little TOO cliche/bad for my taste), the other “bad guy” (the environment) was very compelling. And SILENCE OF THE LAMBS? I don’t even think I need to explain . . . but you have to look at both villains. Hannibal Lechter is stronger (as a character) and smarter than the heroine, but the guy who wears his victim’s skin (can’t remember his name, Harold?) is your “standard” serial killer. Both are critical to the story, but Anthony Hopkins carries the show.
The villain REALLY makes a movie, I’ve been thinking all week of who could play my villains. I’ve been thinking more in terms of major actors who have the talent to pull off a good villain. To me, the key to a top actor is the ability to play virtually any role. Johnny Depp can do it, villain or hero. Harrison Ford to a slightly lessor degree (I’m thinking that movie with Michelle Pffeifer, can’t remember the title.) Even the war hero Jimmy Stewart played a villain in at least one movie.
Good actors become great actors when they can pull off the bad guy. With that in mind . . .
******* WARNING: SPOILER ALERT *******
How about BRAD PITT as the villain in THE PREY? I never expected to like him in SEVEN (okay, I’m going to admit a deep, dark secret . . . I’m not a huge fan of Brad Pitt) . . . but I really thought he did a great job in SEVEN. Yeah, the movie was pretty darn good too, if you like dark, psychological suspense. (Raising hand!)
THE HUNT is a little harder, and there are two villains. What do you think of . . . Keanu Reeves for the primary villain?
Okay, I’m a huge fan of both THE MATRIX and SPEED. I know, everyone thinks Keanu can’t act, sort of like Julia Roberts he can only play one type of role, but if he can pull off a really evil villain I think he’d earn a lot of respect in Hollywood, don’t you think? (And I really, really, really loved THE MATRIX.)
The female villain is a lot harder. You don’t want someone obvious, but at the same time, you need to have someone capable of luring women into a trap and watching them be victimized. Here are a couple I thought of: Charlize Theron, Renee Zellweger and Jennifer Garner. What do you think? Any others?
Now, finally, THE KILL. This is actually the hardest for me because the killer rapes and murders children. But he’s also one of the most compelling because he’s organized, methodical, and intensely neat. He’s the everyday average person that parents fear the most.
What about Michael Keaton? I really thought he made a fantastic villain in PACIFIC HEIGHTS and he could probably pull off an insidious serial killer three decades into his career . . .
Actually, there are two villains in THE KILL though they are not working together. I think Keaton would probably play Brian Harrison Hall better than the serial killer. Hmmm. Time to procrastinate, I mean think, a little more about this.
What do you think? Can you picture any of these people playing any of my villains? What about someone else? Let me know! I’d love to hear your opinion
For Cele: John Billingsley as The Butcher:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award winning author Allison Brennan has published fourteen romantic thrillers with Ballantine, plus a novella and four short stories. She lives near Sacramento, California with her husband and five children. Recently, RT Book Reviews said, “A master of suspense, Brennan does another outstanding job uniting horrifying action, procedural drama and the birth of a romance — a prime example of why she’s tops in the genre.” For fun Allison enjoys wine tasting, swimming, playing video games, and—of course–reading. Her most recent release is CARNAL SIN, the second book in the Seven Deadly Sins supernatural romantic suspense series. Her Lucy Kincaid series will launch in January, 2011 with LOVE ME TO DEATH.
Subscribe to Posts 
Great covers, Allison! And if someone passes you Hugh Jackman’s addy, you could kindly send it my way. I promise I won’t stalk him.
Any of the villains you mention will be terrific. I love the unexpected, like Brad Pitt. Maybe Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson could be the Butcher.
About Hannibal Lechter, in a way he was more of a mentor in the Silence of the Lambs than the villain–a twisted, evil mentor. No Yoda, that’s for sure. His character–and Anthony Hopkins’ acting–made the movie great.
by Edie Ramer August 31st, 2006 at 5:35 amGreat post Allison.
The covers are great.
The Harrison Ford film you’re thinking of is “What Lies Beneath”.
And I too am not much of a Brad Pitt fan either and I thought Michael Keaton made an awesome villain in Pacific Heights.
by Jennifer Elbaum August 31st, 2006 at 5:46 amAllison, you are going to KILL with those covers! They are amazing. Your publisher really knows what it’s doing, and they have the perfect writer in you. I just can’t see how they would miss!
I loved “What Lies Beneath”. Very spooky.
by J. Carson Black August 31st, 2006 at 5:56 amAllison,
Love the covers! They’re fantastic! I want to go out and buy the books right NOW!
Michele
by Michele Acker August 31st, 2006 at 6:22 amAllison, those covers will have the books jumping off the shelves. I can see Brad Pitt. He played a nasty in The Devil’s Own. Think that was the one with him as an Irish terrorist. Maybe Mark Wahlberg, he’s a pretty versatile actor.
by Amanda August 31st, 2006 at 6:29 amI love the covers! They are some of the best I’ve seen. I can see why you are so pleased. I would absolutely pick those books up off the shelf!
Brad Pitt???? I was never a huge fan, but these days I’m a non-fan.
by Jennifer August 31st, 2006 at 6:46 amLove the covers, A. Will try after more caffeine to make the villain connection. My brain is just pure mush this week. Lord help us when I blog tomorrow.
by Karin August 31st, 2006 at 7:24 amGreat covers Allison, very vivid.
The Villains:
The Prey:
Unfortunately Bruce Dern is too old
and Michael Pitt is far too young
So my choice would be Robert Addie – He played Mordred in Excalibur
The Hunt:
John Billingsley (brilliant actor)
The Kill
Gorin Visnjic
I think I see the characters very different
by Cele August 31st, 2006 at 7:58 amAllison,
by Tracey Lyons August 31st, 2006 at 8:19 amI love them because if you look closely enough you’ll see that on the second and third covers it says bestselling author of Speak no Evil, and bestselling author of See no Evil.
T
The covers are fantastic, Allison. Dark and bold–they will definitely jump out on the stand. I really like Cele’s suggestions (especially Gorin); I also like Brad Pitt as a villian. Maybe it would make me like him more, lord knows I’m tired of him as is.
by Monica M. August 31st, 2006 at 9:10 amFabulous covers, Allison. Those are really beautiful.
You can have all your other villains except for Michael Keaton. I don’t want him raping and murdering children!!
by Elisabeth August 31st, 2006 at 9:36 amLOL Edie. I can’t stand Tom Cruise, and I think Mel’s too old. Maybe he can play Roger Collins, Rowan’s mentor who lied to her. You’re absolutely right about Hannibal.
WHAT LIES BENEATH!!! Thank you Jennifer! I was hitting myself last night when I wrote the blog and I couldn’t find it.
Thanks Jake! I love the covers and I hope they fly off the shelves. Cross fingers, say prayers, do everything I need to do . . . wait, I have to finish the books first. Yikes! (just kidding–the first book is done and in production. Whew.)
Thanks Michele! I hope you like the stories, too!
Ohhhh, Mark Wahlberg . . . you’re right, Amanda. I can see him as a villain.
See, Jen, no one here is a huge Brad Pitt fan. How did he become so popular? I never saw it. I do think he’s a better actor now, though, than he was when he started. Maybe in his maturity (personal life excluded) he’s a better actor.
Isn’t that cool Tracey? On SPEAK NO EVIL it says “Bestselling Author of THE KILL.” They can’t put NYT because I haven’t hit the top 15 . . . yet. But because I hit the top 50 USAT and a second list (expanded NYT) they’ll put “bestselling author.” It’s weird, I know.
Thanks Monica! Someone, get the word to Brad Pitt that we’d love him to play the villain in THE PREY. Or THE KILL.
LOL Elizabeth. Okay, Michael Keaton can play Brian Harrison Hall, who is a much more compelling character in many ways (went to prison for a crime he didn’t commit — did prison create a killer or would he have been a killer anyway?)
by Allison August 31st, 2006 at 10:20 amSpecial note to Cele: Okay, I had to look up some of those . . . Robert Addie died of cancer in 2003.
John Billingsley . . . yes! He would be great as a villain, and he’s a very talented actor. I’m going to amend the post in a minute with his photo . . .
I’d never heard of Goran Visnjic, but he might work. He’s have to crop his hair. The villain in THE KILL is ex-military and a neat freak. He’d have a buzz cut or similar. But also, he has to look normal, nice. Average. If Goran can pull that off and also be a creepy killer, then great. And Michael Keaton can play Brian.
Now, someone just has to buy the film rights!!!
by Allison August 31st, 2006 at 10:27 amhmm, no one’s mentioned John Travolta who btw plays a great villain. I can’t think of the movie he did with Christian Slater. But he was great.
by Tracey Lyons August 31st, 2006 at 10:39 amLove the covers, Allison! The colors are brilliant and with the word EVIL standing out–okay, jumping out–at you, the books will fly on the shelves, have no fear!
I don’t see either Jennifer Garner (who I love!) or Renee Z. playing villains, but have you seen Charlize Theron in her Oscar winning MONSTER (I think that’s the title). She was fabulous. Such a terrific psychologically warped character.
Michael Keaton has those creepy eyes and brows that scream villain. (Of course, he was such a cute dad in that movie with Terry Garr. I’m having trouble remembering titles today!)
Anyway, Allison, the covers are terrific, and I know the contents will be even better! Congratulations!
by Patti Berg August 31st, 2006 at 11:14 amOh, ya know I never thought to look to see if they are all alive. Addie had that nordic blonde, cold blue eyes look. That is how I saw the villian in The Prey.
I do definately agree with Charlize Theron – they are all formidabile actresses, but she could pull it off, flawlessly.
I thought of John Billingsley because of his two appearances on Cold Case the man was chilling.
Goran Visnjic played the villian in Practical Magic and I think is on ER but I might be wrong about that.
by Cele August 31st, 2006 at 12:31 pmCasting Director, now that would be a job I’d give radio up for.
by Cele August 31st, 2006 at 12:32 pmJason Isaacs has those ice cold blue eyes too. He is always a great villian.
by Amanda August 31st, 2006 at 1:07 pmAllison, your new covers are bold, dark and awesome! Congrats!
by Kelly Parra August 31st, 2006 at 1:24 pmOh, Tracey, you’re right about Travolta, but what about Christian Slater? He played the bad guy in HEATHERS which is one of my favorite teen/cult movies.
Theron would make a great villainess.
Thanks Patti! I’m so glad you like them. The movie is MR. MOM and I love it, too
. . . Keaton is a versatile actor.
Cele, Casting Director. Yep, that would be a fun job!
Amanda, I had to look up Jason Isaacs. (I really need to go out and see more movies!!!) . . . great villain material.
by Allison August 31st, 2006 at 1:35 pmThanks Kelly!!! I’m so glad you like them
by Allison August 31st, 2006 at 1:36 pmWhat about the guy who played Angel of Buffy/Angel fame? He plays on Bones now. OMG, that guy can play the villain. And then there is Christopher Walken, …. another guy who can really play evil.
by Theresa August 31st, 2006 at 1:57 pmThose covers are AMAZING. I love them. I would so pick them up immediately.
How about Gerard Butler for The Kill? Here’s the IMDB link to him — look at those photos. He played the bad guy in the second Tomb Raider flick, but he’s a good guy in Timeline. (Cheesy movie, but I have watched it a couple of times just for him.)
http://imdb.com/name/nm0124930/
LOL, yep, Goran Visnjic is definitely on ER. He’s a hottie a lot of people swooned over for a while.
I am also a Matrix freak. (hated the third one. don’t even get me started)… but I think I am the only person on the planet who hasn’t watched Silence of the Lambs.
-toni
by toni mcgee causey August 31st, 2006 at 2:54 pmAllison, those covers are just ELECTRIC! I mean they look like they could practically JUMP Off the shelves and into someone’s hand. I think they are fabulous, and I don’t know how you can lose with those!
by Natalie August 31st, 2006 at 3:14 pmI’m really bad at who should play which character, but I wanted to pop up and say that those are FABULOUS covers! They are sure to scream off the shelves.
OTOH, if I can just pick a dead actor here, remember when they got Henry Fonda to play the bad guy in Once Upon A Time In The West? It was a controversial piece of casting at the time because he was a hero figure (and because he shoots a little boy in the opening scene). And those piercing blue eyes. Wow.
Toni, you aren’t the only person who hasn’t watched Silence of the Lambs. I’m afraid I’d wet myself.
by Lynn Raye Harris August 31st, 2006 at 3:36 pmOkay, I didn’t literally mean remember when. I was an infant when the movie was released.
by Lynn Raye Harris August 31st, 2006 at 3:45 pmThose covers are TO DIE FOR! (no puns intended LOL)
by Cece August 31st, 2006 at 4:25 pmOkay I haven’t read the books yet (beating head on desk) but one of my all time favorite villians is Edward Norton in Primal Fear with Richard Gere–he’s so versatile and I just *heart* him so!
‘Henry Fonda to play the bad guy in Once Upon A Time In The West? It was a controversial piece of casting at the time because he was a hero figure (and because he shoots a little boy in the opening scene). And those piercing blue eyes. Wow.’
by Karin August 31st, 2006 at 5:59 pmI just saw that again not too long ago. He played a mean son of a bitch!
Oh, Theresa, I know exactly who you’re thinking of but I can’t think of his name either. Dave? David? Urgh. And Christopher Walken! Absolutely.
Gerald Butler, never heard of him but I checked out his page and I agree! He’d definitely work
We’ll have a hate fest on the third MATRIX some day, Toni. I’m glad you liked my covers (whew!)
Thanks Natalie! I’m still staring at them all the time.
Thanks Lynn! I’m glad you like them. And you know what, I love old movies and often picture older actors. Like I think Cary Grant would have made a great villain. I loved him in NOTORIOUS. Like I said before, great actors are versatile and can really pull off a villain better than character actors.
Thanks Cece! And don’t worry about not reading the books. I won’t hunt you down or anything
by Allison August 31st, 2006 at 8:36 pmGreat covers, Allison. Really eye-catching. The cover fairies have blessed you again
. I think Charlize would make a terrific villian. And I’m not biased, or anything 
.
by Michelle Diener September 1st, 2006 at 12:53 amI know I’m a day late with this, so I don’t even know if you’ll read it, but I absolutely LOVE your covers! Can’t wait to read all of them.
Here’s an interesting tidbit about Silence of the Lambs: Some of it was filmed here in Shaler Township (outside of Pittburgh), and some members of the police dept. (where I work) got to be extras in the movie. The scene with the SWAT team breaking into the house–well, that was really the Shaler Police. Unfortunately, this was all before I started working here!
by Joyce Tremel September 1st, 2006 at 11:42 amThanks Michelle! Another plug for Charlize. Anyone know her? I’ll send her a free copy of THE HUNT.
Thanks Joyce! I tend to read my blogs for a couple days after I post
Interesting trivia about LAMBS. My cousin was an extra in TERMINATOR II which was filmed in the San Francisco Bay Area. He couldn’t stand next to Arnold because my cousin was taller 
by Allison September 1st, 2006 at 11:47 amLove the covers! The covers are fabulous…but I have to say the titles are what will pull these babies off the shelf and into my shopping cart! LOVE the titles!
No question about the female villain, Charlize Theron. Jennifer Garner is too cool and sweet.
And I’m SO glad someone in the world besides me thinks Keanu Reeves can act! I think he’d make a great villain!
by Elizabeth Krecker September 1st, 2006 at 9:01 pmWell, she’s a fellow country-woman, but I’m afraid I don’t know her
by Michelle Diener September 3rd, 2006 at 6:29 amI can tell you, instead of Brad Pitt, you HAVE to have Hugh Jackman.
by Andrea (aka Eanay) September 17th, 2006 at 1:15 amI know that you think he would be a good nice guy, but in Australia, he first came to prominence in a show called Corelli where he was an inmate. He was brilliant! He would make a great villian.
Incidently, that show is where he met his wife, Deborah Lee Furness.
Michele Lee
In case you don’t know, 20 hours of battery life refers to music
by iPod Music Downloads May 27th, 2007 at 7:09 amMichele Lee
Ok, I just want to say I have done some nice reading here. Do visit
by iPod Video Downloads May 27th, 2007 at 4:38 pmMichele Lee
Did you know that the 80GB iPod can hold up to 20,000 songs, and
by iPod Movie Downloads May 27th, 2007 at 6:23 pm