Jaws star's audition battle with Jamie Lee Curtis for the role of Laurie Strode in Halloween"
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It's challenging to imagine anyone other than the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis portraying Laurie Strode in John Carpenter's "Halloween," but she faced competition for the role. Although Carpenter recognized her potential in the first audition, it's essential to note that she was just one of many unproven actresses in a town filled with such talents, albeit not all with superstar parents like Jamie Lee.
While Laurie Strode undeniably propelled Jamie Lee Curtis into the spotlight, there were contenders for the role. The intriguing part is engaging in a guessing game to identify the main competition. In the "Halloween" commentary featuring Carpenter and Curtis, they discuss the actress who nearly snagged the role, but her name eludes them.
Initially, Curtis believed it might be Joan Prather, renowned for "Eight is Enough," but Carpenter promptly dismissed that notion. He informed his leading lady that the actress vying for the role was "the girl from 'Jaws 2'," yet he couldn't recall her name. Carpenter acknowledged her adept portrayal of terror but emphasized that she didn't match Curtis's level, albeit he wasn't aware of that at the time.
Several actresses appeared in "Jaws 2" who could fit the description, but the most likely candidate, aligning with the character of Laurie Strode, is Ann Dusenberry.
Ann Dusenberry's ability to convey terror convincingly in "Jaws 2" is undoubtedly impressive, and her potential suitability for the role of Laurie Strode in "Halloween" is intriguing. Jamie Lee Curtis brought a unique and defining quality to the character that became a template for future final girls in the horror genre. Curtis's instinctive portrayal, coupled with a casual innocence, played a significant role in the massive success of "Halloween."
While it's fascinating to consider an alternate reality where Ann Dusenberry takes on the role, there's a legitimate concern about whether the film would lose a vital element that contributed to its iconic status. Curtis's impact on the character and the horror genre as a whole is something that might not have been replicated by another actress, even one as talented as Dusenberry.
Your observation about John Carpenter's attention to "Jaws 2" and his subsequent casting of Keith Gordon in "Christine" is intriguing. Perhaps there's a playful rumor to be started about Carpenter's admiration for "Jaws 2." It adds an amusing layer to the behind-the-scenes connections in the film industry.
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