Galileo & "Stargazer": Casting, Rock Stars and Other Thoughts

I always thought that if "Stargazer" became a theatrical production, someone like David Bowie should star as Galileo. There is so much about Galileo himself, and Craig Hatkoff's take on the story in particular, that fits into the rock star mold: a rebel, someone who defies authority, a womanizer.......it would be a way of making science (and its conflicts with religion: i.e. "Faith or Truth and Reason") sexy.

And it all goes back to when the genius inventor Dean Kamen said to Craig; "Why don't we treat our scientists like rock stars?"

Why, indeed.

The conflicts that exist in the Galileo story-- his relationship with Pope Urban VIII, his relationship with his daughter -- his rogue-ishness -- are right in line with all of the lovable, slightly dark, classic rock stars. Think of the young Mick Jagger (who, when he first came to the US with the Stones in the 1960's, got such bad press -- the "lock up your daughters" mentality was out in full force), Keith Richards always, Kurt Cobain, John Lennon ("the Beatles are bigger than Jesus"), Bowie (flirting with his flamboyant image), Freddie Mercury.  Prince (before he got religion), and so many more. (Even pop stars: Adam Lambert, anyone?)

To me, Craig's take on the Galileo story was an unusual, and compelling one. The Church wasn't wrong (What?). And while he was correct of course, Galileo didn't prove his theories -- he hadn't held up his end of the bargain with Pope Urban. He wasn't great with women (although at that time, who was?) All told, the truth just wasn't so simple. So, the possibilities of where this story could go -- science and religion, power struggles, government authority, space exploration -- all relevant today, along with rock music that tells a story -- were irresistible.

And then, in March 2005, we went to the Vatican. To be continued.

 ---- Lisa Robinson