Jason Webster's "Or the Bull Kills You"

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Jason Webster was born in California and was brought up in England and Germany. After spells in Italy and Egypt, he moved to Spain in 1993, where he was inspired to write a number of highly acclaimed nonfiction titles. He lives near Valencia with his wife, the flamenco dancer, Salud, and their son.

Here he shares some ideas for casting the major roles in an adaptation of his new novel, Or the Bull Kills You:

For the main character, Spanish Chief Inspector Max Cámara, this is an easy question to answer: from the very beginning, as I started writing, he appeared as an incarnation of Javier Bardem. Bardem has the same strength about him, a certain menacing presence, the look of a man who can take care of himself, yet he can also be fragile, sensitive and thoughtful - and is something of an outsider. And of course he’s Spanish.

For other characters I have to think a little. Cámara’s Anarchist grandfather, Hilario, who grows a few pots of marihuana for his grandson’s consumption, is someone close to my heart, and I think it would be difficult to see him being played by any particular actor. Perhaps an elderly James Coburn - there’s something playful, physical, worldly and other-worldly about him. Although Hilario is shorter in my mind’s eye.

And then there’s Alicia, a journalist - gutsy, sensual, earthy and a staunch defender of bullfighting. Kate Winslet, perhaps? Although she is rather ‘English’, and I wonder how comfortable she’d be with such politically incorrect views. A 40-something Ava Gardner might be a better choice...

Learn more about the book and author at Jason Webster's website and blog.

--Marshal Zeringue