As you may have heard by now, Jesse Eisenberg, star of “The Social Network,” met Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg while hosting Saturday Night Live this past weekend. It was the first time Eisenberg came face-to-face with his character’s real-life counterpart, and the awkward awesomeness was positively palpable.
We can’t stop watching the clip of the live showdown between The Bergs (“I invented poking!”), and it got us thinking: which other biopic subjects would incite juicy controversy when confronted with the actors who played them? After the jump, check out our predictions of ten imaginary meetings between actor and biopic subject!
“The Fighter” - Christian Bale & Dicky Eklund
It’s a well-known fact that Bale is a method actor (he reportedly impressed – and slightly terrified – “The Dark Knight” director Christopher Nolan upon their first meeting by showing up in character as Batman), so we were betting that we’d be seeing double if he were to pair with his “Fighter” muse, the kinetic, passionate and unique personality that is Dicky Eklund. Our theories were squashed last night, though, when Eklund surprised Bale by joining him onstage as he accepted his SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. Bale thanked Eklund for the opportunity to play him – it was one of the evening’s most poignant moments.
“Walk the Line” - Joaquin Phoenix & Johnny Cash
Cash approved Phoenix for the role before his 2003 death, but it proved to be riddled with landmines for Joaquin. He was hospitalized after filming wrapped, perhaps due to his immersion into embodying the Man in Black, and – despite the silver lining of a Best Actor Golden Globe win for Phoenix – the role reportedly ushered his retirement from acting. Would the “I’m Still Here” star of today have many kind words for Cash? It's hard to say. One thing is for sure: the hiphop mashup between Cash and Phoenix would be awesome to hear!
“Evita” - Madonna & Eva Perón
We’re fairly certain the famed Argentinean First Lady and activist would have a little somethin’ somethin’ to say about the fact that an American pop star interpreted her life in musical form. Although all the 1996 film’s awards props would probably soften the blow (though we’re pretty sure Madge wouldn’t offer up her Golden Globe as an olive branch).
“W.” - Josh Brolin & George W. Bush
Oliver Stone’s semi-satirical rendering of the life of ex-American president George W. Bush created quite a stir among film critics and politicians alike – the Bush family never officially commented on the film, but it’s rumored that George W. did, in fact, see it at one point, and enjoyed it. To put all the rumors (though certainly not the drama) to rest, how incredible would it be to stage a screening with Brolin and Bush as the guests of honor?
“Cleopatra” - Elizabeth Taylor & Cleopatra
Can we say diva-off? If it were possible to travel through time and arrange for these famously pampered prima donnas to meet over tea, it’s safe to say the only thing that could weigh down the tension in the room would be a discussion about the carat counts of their cumulatively amassed jewelry collections.
“Marie Antoinette” - Kirsten Dunst & Marie Antoinette
When it comes to historical interpretations, one can’t always have one’s cake and eat it, too. Kirsten Dunst’s stylized, rock-n-roll-soundtracked, youthful version of Queen of France Maria Antonia’s early life would either strike a nerve with the royal figure or completely delight her.
“Gia” - Angelina Jolie & Gia Carangi
If wild child model (according to some, the first supermodel) Carangi were with us today, her reaction to Jolie would certainly depend on which Angelina Era the two encountered each other within. Vial-of-blood-wearing Jolie? Action star Jolie? Peaceful mother Jolie? Come to think of it, Angelina’s probably had more costume and personality changes than Carangi experienced on photo shoot sets during her short life.
“The Doors” - Val Kilmer & Jim Morrison
It’s hard to tell if the notorious bad boy rocker would be impressed or offended by Kilmer’s hallucinogenic, over-the-top portrayal of him in director Oliver Stone’s dreamlike depiction of his rise and fall as the lead singer of The Doors. But there’d definitely be a peace pipe involved if they met – and we’re not speaking in the metaphorical sense.
“Pollock” - Ed Harris & Jackson Pollock
American abstract painter Jackson Pollock was a notoriously reclusive artist, so if he’d viewed Harris’ portrayal of his struggles with alcoholism, tumultuous marriage and subsequent infidelity, he’d very likely voice his disapproval regarding the Hollywoodized airing of his dirty laundry.
“Braveheart” - Mel Gibson & William Wallace
Gibson’s rendering of the plight of William Wallace caught some heat among historians for its dramatized (and, allegedly, historically inaccurate) portrayal of the 13th century Scottish knight who led the First War of Scottish Independence. What would Wallace have to say to Gibson? Perhaps something along the lines of Gibson never taking his freedom. Our money’s on the fact that Mel would bite his tongue, lest another expletive-laden rant make its way into the mainstream.
Tell us what you think in the comments section and on Twitter!
Tags Jesse Eisenberg, mark zuckerberg, The Social Network
** FOLLOW MTV MOVIES BLOG ON TWITTER! **
Mark Zuckerberg & Jesse Eisenberg's SNL Showdown: How Would These Ten Other Pairs Get Along In Public?
Posted 1/31/11 9:32 am EST by Katie Calautti in Commentary, Humor
As you may have heard by now, Jesse Eisenberg, star of “The Social Network,” met Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg while hosting Saturday Night Live this past weekend. It was the first time Eisenberg came face-to-face with his character’s real-life counterpart, and the awkward awesomeness was positively palpable.
We can’t stop watching the clip of the live showdown between The Bergs (“I invented poking!”), and it got us thinking: which other biopic subjects would incite juicy controversy when confronted with the actors who played them? After the jump, check out our predictions of ten imaginary meetings between actor and biopic subject!
“The Fighter” - Christian Bale & Dicky Eklund
It’s a well-known fact that Bale is a method actor (he reportedly impressed – and slightly terrified – “The Dark Knight” director Christopher Nolan upon their first meeting by showing up in character as Batman), so we were betting that we’d be seeing double if he were to pair with his “Fighter” muse, the kinetic, passionate and unique personality that is Dicky Eklund. Our theories were squashed last night, though, when Eklund surprised Bale by joining him onstage as he accepted his SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. Bale thanked Eklund for the opportunity to play him – it was one of the evening’s most poignant moments.
“Walk the Line” - Joaquin Phoenix & Johnny Cash
Cash approved Phoenix for the role before his 2003 death, but it proved to be riddled with landmines for Joaquin. He was hospitalized after filming wrapped, perhaps due to his immersion into embodying the Man in Black, and – despite the silver lining of a Best Actor Golden Globe win for Phoenix – the role reportedly ushered his retirement from acting. Would the “I’m Still Here” star of today have many kind words for Cash? It's hard to say. One thing is for sure: the hiphop mashup between Cash and Phoenix would be awesome to hear!
“Evita” - Madonna & Eva Perón
We’re fairly certain the famed Argentinean First Lady and activist would have a little somethin’ somethin’ to say about the fact that an American pop star interpreted her life in musical form. Although all the 1996 film’s awards props would probably soften the blow (though we’re pretty sure Madge wouldn’t offer up her Golden Globe as an olive branch).
“W.” - Josh Brolin & George W. Bush
Oliver Stone’s semi-satirical rendering of the life of ex-American president George W. Bush created quite a stir among film critics and politicians alike – the Bush family never officially commented on the film, but it’s rumored that George W. did, in fact, see it at one point, and enjoyed it. To put all the rumors (though certainly not the drama) to rest, how incredible would it be to stage a screening with Brolin and Bush as the guests of honor?
“Cleopatra” - Elizabeth Taylor & Cleopatra
Can we say diva-off? If it were possible to travel through time and arrange for these famously pampered prima donnas to meet over tea, it’s safe to say the only thing that could weigh down the tension in the room would be a discussion about the carat counts of their cumulatively amassed jewelry collections.
“Marie Antoinette” - Kirsten Dunst & Marie Antoinette
When it comes to historical interpretations, one can’t always have one’s cake and eat it, too. Kirsten Dunst’s stylized, rock-n-roll-soundtracked, youthful version of Queen of France Maria Antonia’s early life would either strike a nerve with the royal figure or completely delight her.
“Gia” - Angelina Jolie & Gia Carangi
If wild child model (according to some, the first supermodel) Carangi were with us today, her reaction to Jolie would certainly depend on which Angelina Era the two encountered each other within. Vial-of-blood-wearing Jolie? Action star Jolie? Peaceful mother Jolie? Come to think of it, Angelina’s probably had more costume and personality changes than Carangi experienced on photo shoot sets during her short life.
“The Doors” - Val Kilmer & Jim Morrison
It’s hard to tell if the notorious bad boy rocker would be impressed or offended by Kilmer’s hallucinogenic, over-the-top portrayal of him in director Oliver Stone’s dreamlike depiction of his rise and fall as the lead singer of The Doors. But there’d definitely be a peace pipe involved if they met – and we’re not speaking in the metaphorical sense.
“Pollock” - Ed Harris & Jackson Pollock
American abstract painter Jackson Pollock was a notoriously reclusive artist, so if he’d viewed Harris’ portrayal of his struggles with alcoholism, tumultuous marriage and subsequent infidelity, he’d very likely voice his disapproval regarding the Hollywoodized airing of his dirty laundry.
“Braveheart” - Mel Gibson & William Wallace
Gibson’s rendering of the plight of William Wallace caught some heat among historians for its dramatized (and, allegedly, historically inaccurate) portrayal of the 13th century Scottish knight who led the First War of Scottish Independence. What would Wallace have to say to Gibson? Perhaps something along the lines of Gibson never taking his freedom. Our money’s on the fact that Mel would bite his tongue, lest another expletive-laden rant make its way into the mainstream.
Tell us what you think in the comments section and on Twitter!
Tags Jesse Eisenberg, mark zuckerberg, The Social Network
Comments