TIME.com: People in the News (May 20, 2003)


	May 20, 2003

NELSON/UNIVERSAL

WHAT IF GOD WERE ONE OF THEM?
In Bruce Almighty MORGAN FREEMAN plays God. As in the Almighty, the guy with the angels and the thunderbolts. (Which raises the question: If he doesn't win an Oscar, are we all going to Hell?) But he's not the first actor to take on the role of a lifetime — a really long, immortal lifetime...

George Burns
Oh, God!
Theology: Benevolent. Has the infinite patience to co-star with John Denver
Divine Dialogue: "Trust me. Like it says on the money."

Ralph Richardson
Time Bandits
Theology: Tough but fair. Employs dwarfs to do his bidding
Divine Dialogue: "I am the Supreme Being — I'm not entirely dim."

Val Kilmer
The Prince of Egypt
Theology: Strictly Old Testament: burning bush, Red Sea, the works
Divine Dialogue: "Take this staff, and do my wonders."

Alanis Morrisette
Dogma
Theology: Strong, silent type. Kicks Ben Affleck's butt
Divine Dialogue: None — she doesn't speak. Or sing, for that matter

— Lev Grossman


Looking for Mr. Right What a Surge Really Means Can a couple more divisions in Iraq make a difference? Or is Bush's idea too little, too late?		Maliki's Last Stand? The prime minister makes a new call to curb violence, but Iraqis' patience with him and his government is wearing thin Where Does Negroponte Leave Intelligence?

FROM THE MAY 26, 2003 ISSUE OF TIME MAGAZINE; POSTED May 20, 2003