Mumford & Sons have a short break in their touring schedule, so they’re holding auditions for the role of “Marcus” in their new video for “Here,” a track that featured Chris Stapleton on this year’s Prizefighter. A plucky, boot-scuffling, upbeat ditty with lyrics about finding oneself, “Here” is the sort of song made for Mumford (and technically made by Mumford since he cowrote it with his bandmates, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, with co-producer Aaron Dessner). So Mumford ought to be a shoo-in, right?
Well, it turns out Mumford has some stiff competition, and, worst of all, he’s first up. His judges, like it or not, are the “Sons” of Mumford & Sons, Dwane and Lovett, but it’s clear from their note-taking that Mumford’s raisin-like looks of concern and Olivier-like strutting and fretting about the stage will have to go a long way. “Sure, the kid’s got spirit,” think the judges, “but let’s see who’s waiting in the wings.” Oh, no, Marcus, it’s legit actors Oscar Isaac, Shailene Woodley, and Paul Dano!
Isaac performs his audition with his signature detached cool. He looks unbothered and manages to pull off an otherwise repulsive chrome-studded vest. Then comes Woodley, who pours everything into an empty wine glass, and, in one scene, holding a knife, ponders the lyrics with yearning and regret — emotions it takes years for actors to perfect. Too bad Marcus has spent decades only singing those emotions.
Finally, there’s Dano. The man’s got so much mojo, he doesn’t even walk in on camera. He’s just there in white, fuzzy chaps that make him look like a surly satyr. He even kicks over the stool he was sitting on with reserved contempt when the lyrics talk about being brought to one’s knees. Dano’s just pure folksy swagger.
The chorus comes in: “Here’s my pride, and here’s my shame, here’s the trophy that bears my name.” But prithee tell, dear Sons, whose name is on the “Here” Best Actor trophy? Well, the answer is obvious. It’s Shailene Woodley, since she has a knife. Are you gonna argue with that?
