Back in September of last year we got our first look at Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley in character as the late Jeff Buckley in the forthcoming biopic film Greetings from Time Buckley (which is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival next month). Earlier this month, we saw video of Badgley performing the song Lilac Wine as a way to show fans that he is capable of sounding like Buckley when he sings. Today we get to check out a slew of new promo photos from Greetings from Tim Buckley which further show Penn in character as Jeff. Check out the photos below and see what you think of Penn‘s portrayal of Jeff in his film.
There is really only one big question to be answered by the upcoming “Greetings From Tim Buckley”: Can “Gossip Girl” star Penn Badgley adequately step into the shoes of the late Jeff Buckley? With the film headed to the fall festival circuit, we’ll soon find out (though some early live footage does give an indication of the actor’s pipes), but until then we’ll only have some images to work with. Fortunately, a whole new batch has arrived. The official Facebook page, website and Twitter for the film has been launched to help get the word out in the run up to its appearance in Toronto. Written by Dan Algrant, Emma Sheanshang and David Brendel—with Algrant directing—Imogen Poots co-stars in the film that follows the story of the days leading up to Jeff Buckley’s breakthrough 1991 performance at his father’s tribute concert in St. Ann’s Church. Along the way, he falls into a romance with a young woman working at the concert, and works through the feelings he has towards his father who abandoned him. And in an additional bit of news, Variety revealed earlier this month that English singer/songwriter Kate Nash also appears in the film. “Greetings From Tim Buckley” will have its World Premiere at TIFF where it will also be seeking distribution.
Honestly, I’ve yet to see or hear anything that has convinced me that Penn Badgley can bring the life of Jeff Buckley to life on film. In all of these photos, he looks nothing like Jeff … he looks like Penn Badgley from Gossip Girl. Now, it’s possible that his acting performance might blow me away but I’m reserving judgment until I can see the film for myself. What do y’all think of these photos? Are you impressed by what you see?
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tottally agree with u trent!!
Do not want. Leave Jeff to rest in peace.
Penn Badgley appears to be a decent person, but with all due respect, and as no criticism of him, I think he took on more than he can adequately handle in accepting a role as Jeff Buckley. Jeff had a unique character, not easily emulated. Moreover, his singing and guitaring technique were also singular and extremely complex, as a number of accomplished performers have already noted. While as a Jeff Buckley fan I feel ambivalent about making a film about him, what I see so far does not encourage me.