Comments on: Could Sean Penn Star As Protest Folk Singer Phil Ochs?

By: Earl

Earl — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:09:38 +0000

When? I can't wait!!! How is it that all these so called activists have Bob Dylan posters on their walls, but have never heard of Phil Ochs. After listening to Phil (whose music is not only more politically motivating, but also more poetic than Bob's) It shadows most of the other music that came out of his era. There's the cops of the world for the politically savvy and Pleasures of the Harbour for the sappy romantic types.

By: foster

foster — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:43:14 +0000

I counted myself among the crowds that attended the rallies and concerts that Phil Ochs played and--to this day--I hear his songs and feel his presence in massive public protests (which go unreported in the commercial media.)
Phil Ochs, though best known for his straightahead "journalistic" songs, wrote stirring anthems and sweet, poignant ballads.

He had an uncanny eye for detail even in his most powerful work: "The pilot's playing poker in the cockpit of the plane." He interjected surrealism and existentialism and displayed intelligence and a strong sense of historical context. Where can we find these qualities now?

I would still love to see Sean Penn perform this role. Phil was 36 at his untimely death. To see the smartest, most passionate actor of our time play this compelling role would be thrilling.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:32:00 +0000

Well, just because it might fall under the category of a vanity project for Penn doesn’t mean he can’t make a compelling film about Ochs. My guess is that Penn would like nothing more than to give the music of Phil Ochs a much brighter spotlight than it had in his lifetime. Penn’s association alone would assure that would happen, crowds or no crowds. I just hope he doesn’t really think he can personally play the boyish 20-something Ochs. Ugh, shades of Kevin Spacey as Bobby Darin (and Darin looked a hell of a lot older than Ochs ever did.)

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:25:00 +0000

I mean I love Ochs, he’s got some great stuff, and has some interesting anecdotes, but do you think Penn could really pull off a story — let alone, a compelling story — about a relatively obscure musician (in the grand scheme of things) that pack the crowds in?