Casting for the big screen

[Sean]

I like to go through this exercise when I read a new work: If you were the casting director for the movie being made of this book, what are your picks for the top 5 main cast? Spoiler-free, please. If you feel like using more / different characters, that's cool too.

My list:
* The Golem: LeeLee Sobieski
* The Jinni: Diego Luna
* The Rabbi: Dustin Hoffman
* Arbeely: John Turturro
* Yusuf Schallman: Michael C. Hall

I find this kind of thing handy when running RPGs. When you need to give an NPC some voice and mannerisms in a hurry, just "cast" them as a celebrity or movie character you already know and do an impression of that person.

[Leslie]

As soon as I saw "Casting" my first thought was Oded Fehr for the Jinni. Beyond that, I am mostly indifferent, though I look forward to seeing the suggestions!
[Leelee Sobieski is not a name I would think of normally, but I like the idea.]

[Sean]

Ooh, I never considered Buscemi for that part. Nice call!

Though, I can't remember if I've ever seen him act with any kind of accent or nationality other than "nondescript American white guy".

[Leslie]

That is an impressive and altogether apt list.