If the older guy had played Anthony...

[PatrickCoyle]

You've probably all heard the story that Anthony was originally older than Richard in DMS, but the actor playing Anthony dropped out shortly before filming and the character became younger because Toby stepped in.

How do you think it would've been different if Anthony had been older? I can see how it would have been more poignant in a way, but I think making him the younger brother turned out to be a masterstroke. Because like all younger brothers, he looked to Richard for protection and guidance - but because of the handicap, Richard was embarrassed by him and snubbed him. I think that's really heartbreaking and is more powerful than it would have been if Anthony was "the older brother but simple".

[Gareth]

It's impossible to say, but I can't imagine a performance stronger than Toby Kebbell's

As soon as I heard he was originally going to be his older brother 'Of Mice and Men' sprung to mind,

[RydCook]

Nothing wrong with Of Mice And Men!

Hmm... i think it would have been just as good with an older brother instead, providing that the other actor's performance was as strong as Kebbel's. Being a younger brother, i feel the looking after your younger brother is true, but i also think it can go the other way. I often like to think my brother looks to me for guidance, or advice etc as do i to him.

So i personally think it could have been just as good. Good topic by the way.

[anonlytwin]

yeah, agreed, good topic... i also think it could have worked either way. if the brother had been older this may well have had the potential to make anthony appear even more of a fragile, sorry and needy character... making the multiplicity of richards tie to him (hatred, guilt, embaressment, love) even more prominent

[RichK]

Ryd you have a brother? God help us...

[RydCook]

richk said:

Ryd you have a brother? God help us...

Yeah.. here he is:

[Dave]

Looks like that young lady has had an 'accident'....

... not that I was looking.

[PatrickCoyle]

Why didn't anyone respond to that?

Dave, you perv.

[dunbar91]

can't imagine it working to be honest, the role of richard needs to one of authority and age is a great way to enforce this.