christoph404

Thats made me think that there are possibly two types of actor, one who is capable of playing a multitude of characters expressing a huge range of "type", eg Gary Oldman, Olivier, Dustin Hoffman, and then there are actors and huge stars who simply appear as themselves or at least are more or less the same character in every fim they appear in, Michael Caine, Clint Eastwood, Spencer Tracey, Cary Grant, Steve McQueen and so on, I would think that there are possibly more actors and "Stars" who have fallen in to the latter mode, I think audiences like the familiarity of seeing there favourite screen star repeat their personna from movie to movie, well thats my theory anyway

batman

I agree. It is also very subjective about who one considers to be an 'actor' or a 'star'. I personally would say that, IMHO, although he always appeared to be himself, Spencer Tracy gave more convincing performances that Oldman or Hoffman are unlikely ever to achieve. Also, Cary Grant was a better screen actor than Olivier.

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

foha80

I think it was Katherine Hepburn who described Cary Grant as a 'personality functioning' people liked him as soon as he walked on screen and it followed that they liked the character he was playing.

Terry

Moor Larkin

In 1950 Flora Robson wrote: "There have been many arguments for and against repertory, but for my part, I must add my weight to the pro-repertory side of the argument. I think it supplies the best training in Britain to actors and actresses. I mean ACTORS, not just people displaying their own particular personality. Alas! Too many young people nowadays will not do the work necessary for such intensive study and training.."

Steve Crook

Good for Dame Flora
I often think that the best, the most versatile actors are the ones that have done their apprenticeship in repertory (stock companies in the US). Putting on a different play each week, performing one whilst rehearsing the next one, often in different venues with different facilities, gives a great training

I remember seeing Simon Callow and Patricia Hodge in Noel and Gertie on stage some years ago. We knew they were both good actors but we were surprised they were both such good singers. But repertory training prepares you for just about anything

Steve

batman

That still applies in 2007.

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

dogstar

I've frequently sat through bad films because one or more actors that I like is in it. This has usually been questionable British comedies where I wait for the ( often fleeting ) appearances by the likes of Michael Ripper or yawn-inducing American made-for-TV movies that have guest appearances by the likes of John Ireland. Quite why I should do this I have never really been able to explain, least of all to my partner who does not share this enthusiasm. Maybe I have syndrome nobody has yet put a name to...?

On the subject of Michael Caine I doubt anyone would claim that he is a great all-round screen actor of the Pacino/Hoffman/ De Niro ilk - he is too much like himself too often and has sleepwalked through too many films for that . BUT when he is good he is very good and Alfie, Get Carter, Educating Rita and Mona Lisa all bear witness to this in my opinion and mean we can forgive any number of Bullseyes and Jaws the Revenges ( oh and the Island which no-one seems to have mentioned yet - see it and weep :-) )

batman

I know this is going to make many people think that I am even more of a pillock than they probably think I am already .... but I never have got this Robert De Nero worship ... IMHO he is another actor who is always the same ... in drama he is usually mean n nasty but sometimes has a broody outlook ... in comedy in usually mean n nasty but sometimes has a 'softer' side ... I have seen never seen him do anything else ... and he seems to be physically incapable of producing a smile that doesn't make him look like The Joker. I am not saying he doesn't do some good work, but in no way is he a 'great all round actor'. I know I am probably in a minority of one, but I just don't get it!

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

Steve Crook

No, surely not. They couldn't think you're any more of a pillock

Steve

Joenoir

I know this is going to make many people think that I am even more of a pillock than they probably think I am already .... Minority of two!

Start every day with a smile and get it over with.

batman

So you think I'm a pillock do you? Outside .... now!

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

batman

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

Rob Compton

I'm with you, Bats! That makes three - soon, we'll be taking over the world!

rgds
Rob

Aaryk Noctivagus

I like Robert De Niro... but I'm with you guys insofar as I cannot understand why he is rated as highly as he is.

Moor Larkin

How about this question in slight reverse? What about the person you couldn't stand..... but then someone told you that this person had done well in a particular film, and then you determined to watch the film and actually liked it and appreciated their work.....

Or should I push off and start my own Thread?.....

I'm just thinking of Mel Gibson who I detested in Lethal Weapon and other Americanese movies he's done.... but then I watched that Face one he did and, as soppy and maudlin as it may have been, I just thought he did quite well ............

I must admit I can't stand de Niro sometimes but I think he's very brave to try so many different genres. I loved him in that 'comic' one when he was a bounty hunter but his American Fokker films go right over my head...... probably because I duck........