If you have followed The Playlist for even a brief period, you will quickly realize that most of the staff here adores David Fincher and his filmography. Hell, that’s not unique, as a ton of film fans absolutely love the work the filmmaker does. And we have to assume that there are a large number of actors in Hollywood that feel the same way. So, it must be nice, if you’re Sacha Baron Cohen, to hear David Fincher rave on and on about how great you are during a conversation with a fellow filmmaker, Aaron Sorkin.
Sorkin and Fincher spoke as part of The Director’s Cut podcast, where they discussed “The Trail of the Chicago 7,” which Cohen stars in. And during the conversation, Fincher talked about the actor and how much he respects what Cohen is able to bring to a film set. And no, it’s not a constant barrage of jokes and Borat quotes. Instead, Fincher talks about how smart and talented Cohen is as a performer.
“He’s so deft and specific,” said Fincher. “He’s such an intellect about the things he’s doing. He’s so thoughtful.”
He added, “He’s so quite and thoughtful and chooses his words so specifically…”
Yes, that’s David Fincher gushing over Sacha Baron Cohen. As if the actor needs anymore acclaim, as Cohen is up for numerous awards for his recent “Borat” sequel, as well as his scene-stealing performance in ‘Chicago 7,’ which very well could land him an Oscar nomination.
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The conversation continues with Fincher asking Sorkin if he’s seen the test photos of Cohen as Freddie Mercury during the initial development of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Many will remember that Cohen was the original star of the film (well before Rami Malek would land the role), and he eventually left over creative differences involving the subject matter of the film. Apparently, according to Fincher, the pictures of Cohen as Mercury are pretty impressive. And Fincher would know, considering he spoke with Cohen about the project before the film would eventually change hands.
“Dude, you have to see…these photos are spectacular,” said Fincher.
Given how “Bohemian Rhapsody” would turn out, with Malek winning an Oscar but many fans generally viewing it as a pretty mediocre film overall, you have to wonder just how great Cohen would have been as the lead. Unfortunately, unless those pictures were to somehow get released, that version will have to exist only in our minds.
As for a film that Cohen actually did star in, the aforementioned ‘Chicago 7,’ Fincher talked about how great the actor was in the ensemble.
“At first I was really nervous,” Fincher said about the idea of Cohen playing Abbie Hoffman, but then says, “And then I found him to be so winning.”
Sorkin said Cohen was the one actor who stayed attached to the project over the year, because he was originally cast by Steven Spielberg. When the project was announced as a Sorkin-only-directing project, Cohen apparently called him up and essentially told the writer/director the role was still his. “When Sacha heard this was happening again, he got in touch with me to make clear that the part was still his, he hasn’t given it up, and that I wouldn’t be looking at any other actors .”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” is on Netflix now. “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” is available on Amazon Prime Video.