Mark Ruffalo as Columbo support !

[Breogan]

I can see it, great choice!

After Branagh's Hercule Poirot hits, and Craig's Benoit Blanc sucess, I'm sure hollywood will be looking for the next quirky detective revival.

Ruffalo should start going around smoking a stinky cigar, wearing a rumpled trenchcoat, driving a beatup Peugeot, and scrutinizing everyone sideways, just to let everyone know he is out there.

 

[Dark Raven]

I'd be up for Ruffalo as Columbo, and he wants to do it himself. He's talked about it before in interviews.

And I think it needs to be adapted for the big screen, because people I'm talking to these days are not even knowing who the character is. I don't want him to fade into obscurity. Everyone should know about Columbo, and Ruffalo would be a good one to portray him.

Not wanting to get embroiled in the whole race thing so neatly side-stepping it with the question of whether this would be set in the 70's or be contemporary? As I mentioned above, I feel that part of the originals charm is the whole retro feel of it and that's what I'd like to see them go for.

I don't think it's limited to the 70s. There were a number of Columbo movies made in the 1990s which were just as good. It can still even be set today. As long as he is in a rumpled trenchcoat and giving off the appearance that he can't solve anything, which is where all his adversaries underestimate him. It would need a big star for the villain too. And it should be a pure detective mystery, not some action adventure, which is what Hollywood could be tempted to adapt it into.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

Not wanting to get embroiled in the whole race thing so neatly side-stepping it with the question of whether this would be set in the 70's or be contemporary? As I mentioned above, I feel that part of the originals charm is the whole retro feel of it and that's what I'd like to see them go for.

GOOD question Brian. I would very much lean towards the 70s myself if I had control. I think it would show more detective work using his keen eye and analytical skills. Instead of relying on all the technology we have today.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

I think the so so interest in Murder on the Orient doesn't help Columbo's cause. I know very different settings but the focus on a 'detective' style movie doesnt seem to be on high demand. Its a shame. I think if this has the right director & script this could be 1 of those Hollywood surprises.

 

[Dark Raven]

Murder on the Orient Express is a whodunit though, which is completely not what Columbo is. His is more of a "Howcatch'em" where you know the murderer from the start and is a battle of wits as we see Columbo outsmart the villain.

To say detective movies wouldn't go down well would be like dismissing all female superhero movies just because of how certain ones were made.

 

[Mysteryman]

Murder on the Orient Express is a whodunit though, which is completely not what Columbo is. His is more of a "Howcatch'em" where you know the murderer from the start and is a battle of wits as we see Columbo outsmart the villain.

To say detective movies wouldn't go down well would be like dismissing all female superhero movies just because of how certain ones were made.

"Howcatch'em", I like that.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

Murder on the Orient Express is a whodunit though, which is completely not what Columbo is. His is more of a "Howcatch'em" where you know the murderer from the start and is a battle of wits as we see Columbo outsmart the villain.

To say detective movies wouldn't go down well would be like dismissing all female superhero movies just because of how certain ones were made.

Somewhat true. They are both still old school style detective movies. We havent had a good one in quite awhile.

 

[Dark Raven]

It's not really that old school though. Law and Order Criminal Intent, when Vincent D'Onofrio starred in it, was essentially like that. We usually knew the murderer at the start of the episode, but the rest of the show then followed him around picking up clues and evidence to build his case. The climax of the episode was always Detective Goren outwitting the villain and getting them to incriminate themselves.

Columbo was always underestimated by his adversaries. He looked completely incompetent and absent-minded. But this was part of his strategy which lulled them into a false sense of security. And he did things in such an innocuous way that you couldn't be sure if he was actually making accusations or not, because he could always back away from them and say he was just asking another question because of his curious mind.

A whole generation of people don't know Columbo. Some friends now have never heard of him, because people have grown up not knowing who he is. It's time he were put back in the public eye by appearing in a big screen version. But he shouldn't be updated or made more of a physical threat or anything. He should still be just as charming yet seemingly incompetent and harmless as before.

And the pleasure comes from seeing the villain hang themselves with their own noose as it tightens more and more around their neck the further Columbo investigates.

 

[LaughterLives]

He looks the part for sure but I hate Ruffalo as an actor.

I'd pick John Turturro, Michael Imperioli, Tony Danza, Giovsnni Ribisi, Paul Giamatti or John Leguizamo

 

[Darepool]

I hope the take inspiration from the episode Any Old Port in a Storm.
An amazing episode with great dynamics between Falk and Donald Pleasence as Carsini.

Also a fun fact, Sean Penn's father Leo directed that episode.

 

[Dark Raven]

I hope the take inspiration from the episode Any Old Port in a Storm.
An amazing episode with great dynamics between Falk and Donald Pleasence as Carsini.

Also a fun fact, Sean Penn's father Leo directed that episode.

Well I don't mind them taking inspiration for the dynamics, and even for the plotting, but I wouldn't want it a complete remake of that episode.

But I suppose a remake is better than completely missing the mark and not getting it right at all or missing the essence of what makes a good Columbo episode.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

Columbo was always underestimated by his adversaries. He looked completely incompetent and absent-minded. But this was part of his strategy which lulled them into a false sense of security. And he did things in such an innocuous way that you couldn't be sure if he was actually making accusations or not, because he could always back away from them and say he was just asking another question because of his curious mind.

A whole generation of people don't know Columbo. Some friends now have never heard of him, because people have grown up not knowing who he is. It's time he were put back in the public eye by appearing in a big screen version. But he shouldn't be updated or made more of a physical threat or anything. He should still be just as charming yet seemingly incompetent and harmless as before.

Thats why I think, for the most, that Columbo is original. Like the series you mentioned...they copied some elements but NOT the fact his genius plan of purposely trying to portray himself as intellectually inferior so the suspect doesnt take him seriously. And yes, nowadays, most dont even know who the character is, which could hurt chances of him making the screen.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

He looks the part for sure but I hate Ruffalo as an actor.

I'd pick John Turturro, Michael Imperioli, Tony Danza, Giovsnni Ribisi, Paul Giamatti or John Leguizamo

You are entitled to disagree about his acting skills. But there are a few movies I could point out to you that would change your mind. Check out Zodiac 2007, Spotlight 2015, and Begin Again 2013 to name a few

 

[Dark Raven]

The only time that Columbo wasn't as seemingly inept or bumbling but more assertive and even threatening to others was in the pilot. He upset a woman who was connected to the suspect and harassed her in a more aggressive way. But that was before they pinned down the more iconic traits of the rest of the series. Pilots are usually different anyway. I don't think he had his crumpled rain coat or his dog or his old banger of a car yet either.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

The only time that Columbo wasn't as seemingly inept or bumbling but more assertive and even threatening to others was in the pilot. He upset a woman who was connected to the suspect and harassed her in a more aggressive way. But that was before they pinned down the more iconic traits of the rest of the series. Pilots are usually different anyway. I don't think he had his crumpled rain coat or his dog or his old banger of a car yet either.

I believe you are correct. 2 pilots were aired actually. In '68 and '71. As a fan I can say I managed to see all of the episodes. Some are a little foggy in my memory. The later ones airing from '89 and on, arent as good , but definitely worth watching if you are an avid fan. There were some good surprises mixed in those later bunches.

 

[Darepool]

The only time that Columbo wasn't as seemingly inept or bumbling but more assertive and even threatening to others was in the pilot. He upset a woman who was connected to the suspect and harassed her in a more aggressive way. But that was before they pinned down the more iconic traits of the rest of the series. Pilots are usually different anyway. I don't think he had his crumpled rain coat or his dog or his old banger of a car yet either.

I also remember Columbo losing it a bit in the episode A Stitch in Crime with Leonard Nimoy as the Surgeon....I think it was when they were talking in the waiting room and Columbo's anger was really on display. It's been a while since I've seen it, but this thread has me itching to crack open my DVD's.

 

[Dark Raven]

He may well have been more aggressive at other times. Usually at the end of an episode he didn't hold back or continue to play the fool but let the criminal know he was onto them and that he was razor sharp. The villains always acknowledged they under estimated him though.

 

[LaughterLives]

You are entitled to disagree about his acting skills. But there are a few movies I could point out to you that would change your mind. Check out Zodiac 2007, Spotlight 2015, and Begin Again 2013 to name a few

Nope.
Begin Again is the only one I haven't seen but to me the guy is just one of most overrated actors on the planet. He can't sell me on a performance, He always looks like he's acting. His performances never seem natural to me. He phones it in all the time.

Mark Ruffalo is one of those actors that puts me off seeing a movie. I never wanna watch a movie just cuz he's in it yet alone being a film's main star. He's been in some good films but he's always a weak point for me.
The only movie I ever kinda enjoyed him in was the Brothers Bloom.

 

[Dark Raven]

There's a Columbo statue in Budapest in Hungary apparently:

 

[Peyton Westlake]

There's a Columbo statue in Budapest in Hungary apparently:

Thats cool, I wonder why?

 

[Peyton Westlake]

Nope.
Begin Again is the only one I haven't seen but to me the guy is just one of most overrated actors on the planet. He can't sell me on a performance, He always looks like he's acting. His performances never seem natural to me. He phones it in all the time.

Mark Ruffalo is one of those actors that puts me off seeing a movie. I never wanna watch a movie just cuz he's in it yet alone being a film's main star. He's been in some good films but he's always a weak point for me.
The only movie I ever kinda enjoyed him in was the Brothers Bloom.

Well, again I guess we agree to disagree. If thats how you feel about him why did you even bother to post?

 

[LaughterLives]

To share my opinion, obviously.
I like Columbo too. Just not Ruffalo.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

To share my opinion, obviously.
I like Columbo too. Just not Ruffalo.

Understandable....well let me ask you....your genuine choice for a big screen Columbo would be?

 

[LaughterLives]

hahaha! you quoted my picks in a previous post.
Didn't you read them?

 

[Peyton Westlake]

hahaha! you quoted my picks in a previous post.
Didn't you read them?

You are correct. Forgive me, my mind is not what is use to be. However it does give me the chance to revisit your choices and rip them up. So lets begin....

1)Tony Danza? Really? If this were late 70s or early 80s I could see this choice. But now? Come on. I dont think he ever was a good actor & certainly not for a dramatic choice.
2)John Leguizamo? Not feeling that choice at all. More of a comedic support actor.
3)John Turturro is an interesting choice. I always felt he is a vastly underrated actor. He has my blessing.
4) Paul Giamatti is another who has skill and could surprise.
5) Michael Imperioli. No. Just a personal opinion.
6) Giovanni ribisi I like but not as Columbo. He doesnt seem to fit the mold.