This meme is a way to discuss the books that have made their way to film, or to talk about the books we wish would be made into a movie. You are open to talk about any book out there in any way that you want. For example: Who would you have play the leads in the movie? Who would direct? Animated or live action? Etc.
This week my meme will focus on LANDLINE by Rainbow Rowell. I’m still living in the moment with this book, having just put it down mere hours ago. No words can describe how much the story affected me. I see myself in both Neal (mostly Neal) and Georgie (mainly the worst parts of her). But this is not a review, so more on that later…
I had one actor in mind for Neal the whole way through, and so I was inspired to expand upon that thought and cast the three main characters in the book. From this, came a poster… and snow. I hope you enjoy – both the book and the post below.
Let me know what you think of my poster and dream cast in the comments! 
Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Published by St. Martin's Press on July 8, 2014
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Women, Family Life, Fiction, Love & Romance
Buy the Book • Goodreads
Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.
Maybe that was always besides the point.
Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.
When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.
That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .
Is that what she’s supposed to do?
Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?
Georgie – Drew Barrymore
Georgie McCool is a thirty-something year old television sitcom writer, wife and mother. She works full-time (and then some) and loves what she does for a living. Little does she realize that while her career is successful, her family life is falling apart.
Drew Barrymore is a household name for most people, coming from a long-line of Hollywood stars. Her breakout role was in the 1980’s film ET: The Extraterrestrial, leading to a (mostly) successful career including such films as Ever After, 50 First Dates, The Wedding Singer and alongside Bradley Cooper in He’s Just Not That Into You. In addition to being an actress, she’s also a screenwriter, film director, producer, model and author. As far as I’m concerned, she would make a wonderful Georgie.
Neal – Mark Ruffalo
Neal Grafton is Georgie’s husband and full-time father to their two children, Alice and Noomi. He loves Georgie with all his heart, but he’s not exactly “happy” with the way things have been.
Mark Ruffalo is best known for his role as Bruce Banner in The Avengers series and Matt in 13 Going on 30, which was my inspiration for casting him as Neal. He’s known for being the underdog, frequently playing “the guy next door”. Envisioning Mark Ruffalo as Neal was my reason for this whole post to begin with.
Seth – Bradley Cooper
Seth is Georgie’s long-time best friend and professional partner. While a bit of a “lady’s man”, he is always there for Georgie when she’s in trouble.
Bradley Cooper is best known for his role in the film Silver Linings Playbook, alongside Jennifer Lawrence. He’s also starred in The Hangover trilogy, Wedding Crashers and He’s Just Not That Into You. His experience in dramatic comedies make him ideal for the role of Seth. Plus, he has the chiseled good looks that describe the character. A perfect Legolas to Neal’s “Frodo”.
About Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell writes books. Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE). Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL). But she always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they're screwing up. And people who fall in love.
When she's not writing, Rainbow is reading comic books, planning Disney World trips and arguing about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things.
She lives in Nebraska with her husband and two sons.
Let me know what you think of my movie post and dream cast in the comments!
If you decide to make your own Make it a Movie post this week, please add the URL in the comments below. (Please link directly to the post URL – not your blog URL!)
I love your two male casts– they are perfect. Not sure about the Georgie one– Drew may be a little too goofy for the role of Georgie. She’s gotta be a bleeding heart in ways that I’m not sure she can pull off (although she’s definitely had some great moments in several romcoms she’s been in – 50 first dates, the wedding singer, etc).
Sorry I couldn’t complete our convo yesterday– we were going to dinner w/ friends and the car battery died, it was an interesting night to say the least lol!!!
Oh, and here’s my review of Landline if you’re interested
http://cahreviews.blogspot.com/2014/05/review-of-landline-by-rainbow-rowell.html
I imagine Georgie as a funny girl, and yes, a bit goofy even… She *is* a comedy writer for a show that reminds me of Two and a Half Men. She’s beautiful, but not in the most outwardly obvious way and she’s of a healthy weight. Her attitude is a mix of Julia Louis-Dreyfus or Tina Fey meets, well, Drew Barrymore… Haha!
I love your description that she’s a “bleeding heart” and would LOVE to see who you think would best play her.
…And oh no! I hope that your night was an adventure, at least! (Also, I’m off to read your review now!)
You’re right in that she has to be funny and capable of comedic moments, but I see her more as sharp and sometimes nerdy but capable of really deep, emotional moments. I guess I’ve never seen Drew as more than sweet, bubbly, and kind of airheaded, although she’s definitely an accomplished actress.
That’s tough. I’m not good at this stuff, which is why I never try to come up with a cast LOL! Maybe someone like Rachel McAdams, who definitely comes across as wicked smart and can pull off comedy (Mean girls), but can pull off the more serious moments (The Notebook, etc) or possibly Elizabeth Banks, who has done a ton of roles of all sorts — I’ve been pretty impressed by her– from romcoms to Hunger Games Effie.
Funny!! Elizabeth Banks was a contender for the role in my cast list, too! But then I felt that Drew looked more “soft” which I thought was fitting for the “hour-glass figure” of Georgie. I also considered Amy Adams (Talledega Nights, Enchanted), but again with the figure…
oooh yes, I love Amy Adams!!!
<3
Haven’t read Landline yet (it seriously just sits on my shelf, mocking me – next week!), but I LOVE your poster and I heartily approve of your cast. I would watch the movie for those two things alone, so you totally sold me! =)
OK…I think I may need to get in on this meme. Between this and your Throne of Glass installment…I am just loving this idea! I haven’t read Landline yet but I ADORE the poster you created and the casting choices totally sold me.
I’ve not read Landline yet but I love this casting! And the poster you made…PERFECT. Love this so much and this feature is one of my very favorites. Great work Jenna!
Ok, I’m dying. This cast and that poster are amazing. I agree with everything and am feeling a little heartbroken knowing this moving won’t be coming out this Christmas. Mark Ruffalo is SOOOOOO perfect as Neal. And Bradley Cooper as Seth? Brilliant! And I think Drew Barrymore would pull this off really well. I can practically see her trying to figure out what’s going on with the phone in her room and the airport scene and then Neal. And…AH. It’s just perfect. I want to reread the book so I can picture these actors as the characters! Well done
Heya my business is for any main time frame in this article. I stumbled upon that aboard and i also in discovering It practical & the item taught me to be out and about a great deal. I hope to offer one thing again and also assistance other people such as you forced me to be.
This actors are perfect!
I just reread Landline for the second time, and I loved it just as much as the first. I was just AFFECTED by this book the entire time I was reading.
This is such a fun feature, and I think you NAILED the male casting. I’m not sold on Drew – I think you explain your choice well, I just don’t know if I can quite see it. I can’t think of anyone better, though.