Drew Barrymore Starring As Sylvie Potemkin
June 15, 2008Even since we announced casting had begun for the film version of our unfinished novel, The Syndicate of Eternal Friendship, our office has been deluged with Hollywood agents. They’re camping in the front office while messenger boys rush in with fresh portfolios and sample reels. We think Kurt Cobain has Walrus Pemmican sewed up - although we’re not sure about the blond hair. Other than that, he’ll make a believable Walrus.
But Sylvie Potemkin, there’s another story. The novel clearly indicates she is barely eighteen, hardly touches make-up, has long straight chestnut hair, and is a big girl, zoftig. Not obese, you understand, not at all - just a big girl. Mama Cass Eliott auditioned of course, but she was just too big, and she looks too experienced. Chelsea Clinton showed up in her eighteen year old guise, and she was great, but just wasn’t right for the part. Next Drew Barrymore sent in her resume and a clip of herself driving a VW bug while rolling a joint. She’s a good actress and we think she’ll end up with the part, although she’ll have to do something about all that makeup. Feel free to submit suggestions, we’re still looking.
Wait, here’s a messenger just arrived with a new photo of Drew taken for our casting session. Much better, Drew. You’ve got the part!
Sylvie Potemkin is the story’s second lead character. She grew up in a faux French Provincial home with gardens in Hillsborough, a wealthy San Francisco suburb. Her neighbors included Bing Crosby and the chairman of the California Republican Party, Caspar Weinberger. Sylvie attended Crystal Springs School For Girls, where she met Patty Hearst, who is a few years younger.Sylvie’s father is a successful wholesale liquor distributor. Her grandfather started the family business as a bootlegger and rumrunner. Papa Potemkin is still alive, lives with and advises the family on business matters. The Potemkins still maintain mob connections, although Sylvie is not sure how deep they go. Truth is, Sylvie wants nothing further to do with that life. She loves her family but wants to be an artist one day, when she gets around to it. For now, she lives in a dark old flat on Page Street with the rest of The Syndicate of Eternal Friendship, at the start of her life and eager for everything it could possibly hold. One more thing: Sylvie does not yet understand the depth of her character, but her courage and resourcefulness in danger will be the Syndicate’s greatest asset.
Frew Barrymore as Silvia, absolutely! She even has her physicality. I don’t think one can get closer than this.