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Reassurance

I bet he could totally pass as a giant clock.

The last few days have been a bevy of rumors, and then some not rumors being poured all over us. Breathe with me will you? Breathe in, breathe out, Philip Seymour Hoffman– his name will now become our mantra, our ojai breath if you will? Okay, so most people probably know Philip Seymour Hoffman… WAIT! If you don’t know why I am talking about Philip Seymour Hoffman at all, here’s the deal, he is the first person that Lionsgate has indicated that they have offered a role to. Good? Okay, back to where I was! Hoffman is most likely best known by most for his Oscar-winning performance in the 2005 drama Capote, where he played the title role of Truman Capote, the innovative, eccentric author who penned the acclaimed creative non-fiction novel In Cold Blood, and is most famous for writing the short novel Breakfast At Tiffany’s, which was adapted into the film of the same name, that starred Audrey Hepburn. Hoffman won probably 8 + awards for the role alone including the Oscar, as well as a BAFTA, and a Critics Choice Award. It was a pretty awesome performance if I do say so myself, and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who has seen the film who won’t agree.

Hoffman’s had a long career though, and it’s been made up of just the stuff I was rambling on about in my last article. Meaning, he’s exactly the kind of actor I’ve been personally hoping Catching Fire will be populated with: Critically acclaimed actors, who are mostly known for supporting roles who also split their time with film, TV, and theatre. Yep, and Hoffman just ended a Broadway run as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, opposite the new Spider-Man himself, Andrew Garfield, and both of them were nominated for Tony Awards for their performances– not too shabby, eh? I’ve been a fan of this guys for a long long time, he’s kind of scene stealer actually. The first time I ever saw him was in the 1992 film Scent of a Woman, where he played this total asshole rich kid. Yeah, I know, doesn’t sound so great, but I assure you, he was a scene stealer, and when I think of that film while, yes– I think of Al Pacino’s work in it (won an Oscar), I also think of Hoffman just…making me hate him, but completely remember him. That’s a character actor right there! He may play ass-hats from time to time, but you still appreciate the performances, and praise him for them, repeatedly.

Now, we shouldn’t get ahead of our selves here, even though Hoffman is the first name to be released in any official capacity having to do with this film, he’s only been offered the role, he hasn’t actually been cast. I know we all want to start making graphics featuring him in garish suits, and equally garish looking wigs on his head, but I’d just like to warn you all not to do that just yet. The man simply has to say yes, and after that– well, I wholly expect to see an obscene amount of fan-art featuring him.

If the release of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s name is any indication, as Frank Sinatra sang so long ago, the best it yet to come…

These were my exact thoughts when I found out that PSH had been offered the role! It has definitely calmed my fears about other casting since he’s SUCH a great pick for Plutarch. I hope he accepts the part!

Hoffman is a superb professional who has played such an incredible range of parts that you can easily say that not only has he never been type-cast, but he HAS no type. I think his portrayal of Capote probably comes closest to the way he might play Plutarch, minus some of the most flamboyant mannerisms — but with an actor this creative, who knows.

The first time I heard his name linked with THG I knew this had to happen. Each day I’m checking to see if he accepts the offer because I would probably squeel in excitement. I love the man as an actor! I’ve loved what I’ve seen him in and yet, for some reason, when I think of him, I can’t help but chuckle at the fact that he’s the reason why I know what the word “sharting” means (I led a sheltered life)… I hate that movie except for him (Not Ben’s best and I can’t stand Jennifer Aniston).