The Giver movie

So the ONLY book it seems that hasn't been made into a movie yet is The Giver by Lois Lowry.  I have absolutely adored this book every since I first read it in 7th grade.  If you haven't read it, GO READ IT.  It's brilliant, and it always makes me cry at the end.  But if you haven't, I'll give you a quick summary:  This novel is set in a dystopian society where everything is "perfect."  Everything is controlled in the Community; there is no war, hunger, fear, or pain.  Everyone is assigned a role in the Community when they turn 12.  When the main character Jonas turns 12, he is chosen to be trained by The Giver, who is the only person who holds the memories of everyone in their civilization.  Jonas has to receive the memories from The Giver and eventually take his place.  The more memories he receives, the more Jonas learns about true pain and joy.  He also starts to feel more isolated from his friends and family, as they have never experienced such emotions.

So.  I have been thinking about this book lately.  And if I could make the movie RIGHT NOW, these actors would be my picks for the characters.  Granted, some of the actors will very soon be too old to play some of the younger characters, but humor me and let me relish in the perfection of this dream cast that I've created. 

 JONAS:  Joel Courtney (Super 8)

   This kid was absolutely wonderful in Super 8.  I thought his acting was very subtle but incredibly sincere.  Even though he is 15 years old right now, he definitely looks young enough to play a 12-year-old.

   I think that Courtney is a very talented young actor, and has a great ability to show emotional depth.  He'd have to wear some blue contacts to play Jonas, but otherwise I think he's perfect to portray Jonas' courage, sensitivity, and emotional growth.

FIONA:  Georgie Henley (Chronicles of Narnia)

  This lovely 16-year-old has the same calm and sweet demeanor of Fiona in the novel.  She becomes Jonas' love interest, and it is heartbreaking when Jonas wishes that she was capable of feeling what he feels.  She is supposed to be slightly alluring, as well as the peace-keeper among Jonas' friends.  If you have seen Henley in any of the Chronicles of Narnia movies, you know how charming she can be, but she is also very capable of acting reserved.  Both of these\aspects are perfect for Fiona.  Start working on your American accent, Henley.

LILY:  Bailee Madison (Bridge to Tarabithia, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark)

  Lily is the spirited younger sister of Jonas.  She is so cute and giggly in the book, and c'mon.  Just look at her.  Don't you see CUTE AND GIGGLY? 

ASHER:  Zachary Gordon (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

  Sort of the jokester and unorganized one among Jonas' friends, and I definitely see that kind of spunky personality in this young actor.  Even though the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies have kind of dumb humor in them, I think Gordon would be able to pull back a bit on the schtick and be more serious, especially since this character still has some funny moments. 

JONAS' FATHER:  Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight, Thank You For Smoking)

  Even at the beginning of the book when there is seemingly nothing wrong, Jonas' father makes me a little uneasy.  He's just a little too nice.  He's just a little too calm.  But (SPOILER ALERT) he's enough of a creep to be okay with killing babies.  Yeah, if I didn't actually know who Aaron Eckhart was, and I saw him in the street, I'd say he has a baby killer face.

JONAS' MOTHER:  Katie Holmes (Batman Begins)

  Jonas' mother is pleasant enough, but definitely does not have any emotional depth, just as the other adults in the Community.  I always thought Katie Holmes kind of had dead eyes.  Don't get me wrong, I think she's a very consistently good actress.  But it's those eyes and her Stepford-wifey demeanor that makes it easy to see her as a character that is somewhat of an empty shell.

 THE GIVER:   Michael Gambon (Harry Potter)

   Okay, so maybe this one is a little cliche.  But isn't it next to impossible to think of a wise old man and NOT think of Dumbledore?  Honestly though, what I really like about Michael Gambon is that he is able to play wise and mysterious without coming across as cheesy.  The Giver is definitely mysterious, but it's mostly because he tries to reveal only what he absolutely has to in order to protect Jonas, who he deeply cares for.  Alright.  Now that I'm typing this, it's sounding more and more like Dumbledore.  So sue me.