Hefner by Ratner

They are finally starting production on a film about the life and times of Hugh Hefner. Unfortunately the screenplay was approved by Hefner himself, so I imagine it will be pure hagiography. In which case, the guy they got to direct is the ideal man for the job - Brett Ratner. He's the modern embodiment of the Playboy philosophy - a supposedly straight-edge party animal who mostly directs undistinguished franchise entries (The Rush Hour series, Red Dragon, X3) when not closing down clubs and living with Robert Evans. There was a big piece in 'Vanity Fair' a few issues ago about Ratner. Everyone in the article swearing that someday he would make an important, award-worthy film - if that's true, then here's his big opportunity. I would have preferred the Oliver Stone or Brian DePalma version of Playboy: The Motion Picture, but alas...

So who should Ratner cast? Hefner is kind of like a James Bond figure for introverted American males of all ages. He's living the dream. Who best to embody this dream? The rumours involve DiCaprio but that's too easy, and not quite right. My shortlist would be Jake Gyllenhaal, Ashton Kutcher, and Topher Grace. Maybe Aaron Eckhart?

I want Robert Downey Jr. to play Bob Guccione, Scarlett Johansson as Dorothy Stratten (if Ratner goes there) and Mickey Rourke as LeRoy Neiman.