Even as the first reliable internet reports emerge that Charlize Theron is the hot favourite to play the role of Anna Nicole Smith, there is yet another a poignant note to the whole saga. Despite the acquired attributes of power, money and influence in a short, controversial and often bizarre life, Anna Nicole still hasn't won the right to be buried.
More than a week after her death, I reckon the best perspective on the legal wrangling was presented by RensselaRepublican.com, which cut straight to the chase. It reported: ``A judge tried to broker an agreement among the three people fighting over Anna Nicole Smith's remains on how and when to embalm the former Playboy Playmate's body. Even if they settle that, as expected, lengthy legal fights loomed over where she will be buried and who will get custody of her infant daughter.''
Circuit Judge Larry Seidlin brought a note of refreshing humanity to the acrimonious legal circus. ``I want every loose end tied up," he said. ``I want peace and tranquility, not only for the dead, but also for the living who want to visit her grave," he said. But that peace seemed so elusive. The proceedings even had to shift out of Seidlin's chambers and into a courtroom to accommodate the horde of media and attorneys.
On Thursday, Seidlin ordered that additional DNA be taken from Smith's body, saying he wanted to make sure her body wouldn't have to be exhumed. ``When we bury her, I want it to be forever,'' Seidlin said.
It was a gentle reminder that there is a tug-of-war over where Anna Nicole is to be buried. Her longtime companion, Howard K. Stern, claims he is executor of her will and wants her buried next to her son in the Bahamas. But her estranged mother, Vergie Arthur, wants her buried in Smith's home state of Texas. And photographer Larry Birkhead hopes DNA taken from Anna Nicole's body will help prove he fathered the former centerfold's five-month-old daughter, Dannielynn, who could inherit millions.
According to CNN a decision about releasing the body for burial isn't likely until next week. Meanwhile, a court-appointed administrator, Shane Kelley, was to interview the parties and recommend to the judge who should receive Anna Nicole's remains. Seidlin also appointed a guardian, Miami attorney Richard Milstein, to protect Dannielynn's interests.
And YahooNews reported that the body of the former Playmate was embalmed on Saturday at the Broward County Medical Examiner's office, Florida.
The most credible report about Theron (pictured, right) bringing the life of Anna Nicole Smith to the screen came from TimesOnline, where James Bone wrote: ``Actress Charlize Theron has emerged as the most likely to portray the late Anna Nicole Smith when Hollywood decides to make a movie about her chaotic life.''
His story continued: ``You couldn't make up a life story like Anna's and studios are already falling over themselves to tell it,'' a source in Hollywood told the Daily Star of London. ``Several actresses fancy playing Anna in what'll be a huge hit, but Charlize is favorite to get the role.''
The South African actress won an Oscar in 2004 for her portrayal of a serial killer in `Monster'. And, as everyone expected, the race to make a film of Anna Nicole's life began concurrently as Judge Seidlin gave the go-ahead for Smith’s famous body to be embalmed for a possible open-casket funeral. There was one last weird touch, as the unseemly legal battle continued. Anna Nicole's lawyer revealed that she had already ordered her funeral dress.
I just wonder if that will set off another legal challenge, over what label and what style she will be buried in.
More than a week after her death, I reckon the best perspective on the legal wrangling was presented by RensselaRepublican.com, which cut straight to the chase. It reported: ``A judge tried to broker an agreement among the three people fighting over Anna Nicole Smith's remains on how and when to embalm the former Playboy Playmate's body. Even if they settle that, as expected, lengthy legal fights loomed over where she will be buried and who will get custody of her infant daughter.''Circuit Judge Larry Seidlin brought a note of refreshing humanity to the acrimonious legal circus. ``I want every loose end tied up," he said. ``I want peace and tranquility, not only for the dead, but also for the living who want to visit her grave," he said. But that peace seemed so elusive. The proceedings even had to shift out of Seidlin's chambers and into a courtroom to accommodate the horde of media and attorneys.
On Thursday, Seidlin ordered that additional DNA be taken from Smith's body, saying he wanted to make sure her body wouldn't have to be exhumed. ``When we bury her, I want it to be forever,'' Seidlin said.
It was a gentle reminder that there is a tug-of-war over where Anna Nicole is to be buried. Her longtime companion, Howard K. Stern, claims he is executor of her will and wants her buried next to her son in the Bahamas. But her estranged mother, Vergie Arthur, wants her buried in Smith's home state of Texas. And photographer Larry Birkhead hopes DNA taken from Anna Nicole's body will help prove he fathered the former centerfold's five-month-old daughter, Dannielynn, who could inherit millions.
According to CNN a decision about releasing the body for burial isn't likely until next week. Meanwhile, a court-appointed administrator, Shane Kelley, was to interview the parties and recommend to the judge who should receive Anna Nicole's remains. Seidlin also appointed a guardian, Miami attorney Richard Milstein, to protect Dannielynn's interests.
And YahooNews reported that the body of the former Playmate was embalmed on Saturday at the Broward County Medical Examiner's office, Florida.
The most credible report about Theron (pictured, right) bringing the life of Anna Nicole Smith to the screen came from TimesOnline, where James Bone wrote: ``Actress Charlize Theron has emerged as the most likely to portray the late Anna Nicole Smith when Hollywood decides to make a movie about her chaotic life.''His story continued: ``You couldn't make up a life story like Anna's and studios are already falling over themselves to tell it,'' a source in Hollywood told the Daily Star of London. ``Several actresses fancy playing Anna in what'll be a huge hit, but Charlize is favorite to get the role.''
The South African actress won an Oscar in 2004 for her portrayal of a serial killer in `Monster'. And, as everyone expected, the race to make a film of Anna Nicole's life began concurrently as Judge Seidlin gave the go-ahead for Smith’s famous body to be embalmed for a possible open-casket funeral. There was one last weird touch, as the unseemly legal battle continued. Anna Nicole's lawyer revealed that she had already ordered her funeral dress.
I just wonder if that will set off another legal challenge, over what label and what style she will be buried in.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Isn't it ironic that Anna Nicole Smith, whose life was marked by legal battles, should still be the subject of a prolonged court tussle, even in death? Leave a comment here.
9 comments:
It is ironic in a way, but also slightly expected considering how she led her life.
I personally feel sorry for her and wonder if she and her family would have led happier and longer lives if they hadn't been in the public eye.
I also feel sorry for her daughter, who will now have to grow up without her mother, and in a few years also have to come to terms with all the fighting and controversy that surrounded both her mother and brother before and after death - As well as the current dispute over the identity of her father.
I am actually kind of against the idea of Anna Nicole Smith's life being made into a film - They wouldn't have done it when she was alive yet now she's gone Hollywood think it's okay to put all the extroadinary and sordid details on the big screen for all to see.
Sure it would make a lot of money, but shouldn't some lines be drawn out of taste and respect for her family?
They aren't even waiting for the dust to settle for a couple of years either which to me is just another sign that the world is full of people willing to make money from other's misery and life problems - Just because they can, and screw anyone it may effect such as Nicole's daughter or parents.
Hi Steph,
You're absolutely right. All we wish for is that her daughter finds the strength to deal with all the hoopla surrounding her late mother's life - and death.
Like you, I don't think it's the best ideato make a film out of her life - but you and I can certainly see the process of logic behind the decision.
Thanks for dropping by
Cheers
David
No smart, incisive comment to add to your article. Just a feeling of melancholy (not a word I'm in the habit of using).
I keep getting this recurring picture of vultures gathering around a carcass, their bald heads and scrawny necks covered in blood and detritus, as they keep picking away. Until there is nothing left.
Bad note to end the day!
You're right, El Tel,
No culture in these vultures.
David
Once again Florida looks like a back woods good ole boy state. This judge makes Ito look like a genius! What a horrible sham and circus this has turned into``` and Seindlin is contributing to it because he wants to be as STAR!!
This judge in Florida makes me want to spit up! He is actually worse than Stern if that is possible. He should be removed from the bench immediately.
Hi,
I hear you loud and clear. But I don't think any single person can turn the beautiful state of Florida into an ``ole-boy state''.
That said, I hope the issue is resolved soon.
Thanks for dropping by.
David
Judge Seidlin seems to like the way his bald head shines on TV so much that he's dragging his feet. He's allowing this circus to go on and on.
For God's sake, judge, cut the posing and give this woman the restful dignity of burial!
Flip a coin or some damned thing, but GET IT DONE!
I certainly agree with your comment about the need for a burial.
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