Just thinking, after last night's Oscars, about the price of Hollywood success. Actors today know going in what it will be like for the successful- gossip, rumors, paparazzi following you, having to meet the unbelievably stressful and stringent Hollywood standards, the incredible difficulty of having a private life, etc. Obviously, despite all this, people still want to be famous and they still answer the call of Hollywood. My question to you today is, why?
Robert Elswit won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for There Will Be Blood.
ReplyDeleteSo Ted thinks Reese isn't really sick, huh? What is really going on then?
ReplyDeleteI always wondered IF they really make $20 million per movie (which I doubt) why don't thye just do a couple of movies then live off the money the rest of their lives? Even after fees and taxes, if they take home half, they have enough to live on comfortably for a long long time.
ReplyDeleteBtw I have tons of respect for theater actors, esp the Musical-types who can act, sing and dance, who do a performance night after night in front of live audiences, who take more professional risks (like working for months on a production that ends up closing after one week) and who don't get nearly the fame or fortune film actors get. That's a real love of what they do and the performing arts.
ReplyDeleteScott Rudin:
ReplyDeleteThis is an unbelievable honor and a complete surprise. So many people have a part of this, chief among them Cormac McCarthy, who wrote a wonderful book that it was an honor to make into a movie. The three men sitting down front, Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee JOnes, Javier Bardem, without them there would be no movie.
...
This is also for my partner John Barlow. Without you, honey, this would be hardware. Thank you so much. Thank you.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Why do they do it?
ReplyDeleteFortune and glory. To be the name on the crowds lips as you walk by, to be recognized and sought after for just a scribble on a retouched photograph, to be loved and adored by millions, to be the one everyone else wishes to be, to have your words, even the most thoughtless tossed away comment, revered as gospel, to be treated like royalty, to be told again and again "You're wonderful, you're worth it, you ARE special.", to be told that, depsite what it feels like inside, you are anything but ordinary.
What is the difference between those who seek out fame and those who would absolutely hate it? Sometimes I think that people who crave being famous are not able to validate themselves. They need other people to do it for them.
ReplyDeleteFame, money and power.
ReplyDeleteAnd the fact that people who crave any of these usually don't understand the meaning of "eough". Sadly, that's how the modern society is shaped.
Page Six report of The Night Before party
ReplyDeleteJimmy Kimmel is Fucking Ben Affleck, and every celebrity on the face of the Earth is in the video!
ReplyDeleteI may be naive, but I like to think that some have to answer to a creative force that drives them, be it actors, musicians, writers, etc. They tolerate the negatives because the rewards of being able to express themselves creatively, and when the audience "gets it", what they are trying to express, would be so rewarding, and yes, to have their work understood and appreciated by many. People who ordinarily shun the spotlight except when they are working, such as Daniel Day-Lewis. But I like those rose-colored glasses.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'm sure there are those who are in it for the shallow rewards.
Both dlisted and Perez are reporting that Brad Renfro was left off the In Memoriam segment of the Oscars. Did anybody watch?
ReplyDeleteKeanu Reeves, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Alan Arkin and Monica Bellucci for The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
ReplyDeleteAlan Arkin and Monica Bellucci have been picked up to join Robin Wright Penn, Julianne Moore and Winona Ryder in The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, a dramedy to be directed by the wife of Daniel Day-Lewis, Rebecca Miller.
Adapted from Miller's forthcoming novel, Pippa Lee centers on a dutiful 50-year-old wife whose husband falls for a younger woman, freeing her to explore her buried sensuality and leading to a very quiet nervous breakdown.
Arkin is the husband who leaves Wright Penn for Ryder. Bellucci will play his first wife.
Reeves will play Wright Penn's younger lover, while Gyllenhaal plays Wright Penn's diet pill-addicted mother in flashback sequences. Moore is a lesbian novelist.
http://www.canmag.com/nw/10351-reeves-arkin-gyllenhaal-bellucci-pippa-lee
One can be a successful actor without the HW machine. There are hundreds of thousands of people working every day all across this nation, the world, answering their artistic muse, and are quite satisfied.
ReplyDeleteOf course, there aren't blogs and fanclubs and magazine covers and PR campaigns devoted to those hard working Theatre types.
As one of those myself, I'm very proud and satisfied without all the sikn-deep glitz and glamour, 'cause when I go home at night, looking in the mirror the reflection is a person of my making, not a business.
Maggie as Wright Penns mother? Is there that much of an age difference between them? Geez, once you get to your 30's in HW, you are an old lady.
ReplyDelete^^The way I understood it was that Maggie would play Robin's mother in flashbacks, in her younger years.
ReplyDeleteAs for theater vs. film, I don't think it's true that everyone in HW is only concerned with glitz and glamour, and image, many work behind the scenes, many shun the spotlight, and many wish they could buy are hounded to distraction. Everything has a business aspect, including theater. Some actors may prefer film media over theater, or prefer both. Many don't have the luxury of choosing where they would like to be, and will work where they find it. It's not fair to vilify an entire group because of the actions of a few.
Wicked, I watched the Oscars last night, and I didn't think Brad Renfro was mentioned, either, in the Memorial segment.
I agree with NETB about creative people.
ReplyDeleteTruly creative people can not turn it off and then turn back on. Creativity does not stop at a certain age either. Truly creative people are compelled to create, in whatever form they are driven to. Sometimes it takes over. Sometimes the story, the message is so strong, that not doing anything you will be suffocated from it. Sometimes you compromise yourself/your beliefs because the need outweighs the sacrifice.
This were the dichotomy happens. When you are creating art, the best art it comes from truth. Coming into Hollywood's systems allows you create your art but not always from the truest place. But we can not single out Hollywood either. The same can be said of the recording industry, and even the art world. These industries give the visions and messages of these artists the broad base to share it, but not always allowing them to be truest representations to the public.
Here's the question I have. An artist that who reaches few, or an artist who reaches many? And if you are a fan of them, do you want to share them to a few or do you want many to see their genius.
I saw the memorial, and no I didn't see Brad either.
ReplyDeleteScan from IHJ, Jake looks tired
ReplyDeleteFYI, John Barlow, Scott Rudin's partner who he thanked in his Oscar pitch, is a leading Broadway publicist who operates his own firm, Barlow-Hartman. I've dealt with him a lot over the years and he is one of the NICEST and most professional people I've dealt with.
ReplyDeleteScott Rudin, on the other hand, does have a reputation of being awful to his assistants but when I was working on a project last year, quite a number of producers kept telling me I should contact Scott. I didn't because his reputation scared me.
I agree with netb too, and don't think that actors go into their field in order to be famous, but because they are driven to act. The fame is maybe an acknowledgement that they have succeeded in reaching or moving people through their acting, but I would imagine it is a dangerous thing to buy too much into that because the flipside seems pretty dark.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Broadway. A NY Times article on why some productions didn't happen. Includes mention of Farragut North not happening with either Jake or Mike Nichols.
ReplyDeleteDo you all think that people go into acting thinking that the fame won't be as hard to deal with as it is?
ReplyDeleteI think people go into acting for a variety of reasons. I have no doubt that some crave the fame and fortune that can come to you when you are successful. Others truly have a calling and can not see themselves doing anything but acting. There are many more actors who are not well-known and manage to fly under the radar than those few who are constantly in the public eye. I guess each person has to decide which they want more: fame and fortune or the chance to express themselves creatively with or without the fame and fortune.
ReplyDeleteAnd me who naively believed actors when they said they got into acting to get laid! :O :D
ReplyDeleteSpecial, I will post a more serious answer when I get home!
I am in the same position as frenchy :)
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised about Brad Renfro. He was in the BAFTA In Memoriam but is less well known here.
I liked it that all this year's Oscar acting winners are notably quirky and uncompromising in their art (Marion Cotillard is still new of course but she promises much in the quirky department).
DD-L was always going to be driven to something creative and high achieving - his mum's side (the Balcons) were a theatrical dynasty and his dad was a famous poet, after all.
I love this photo. James McAvoy, Reese Witherspoon and Christina Ricci. I like how they all got in order by height like it was gym class. Who wants to start the Reese Witherspoon baby bump rumors and who the baby daddy could be.
ReplyDeleteScroll down to the Reese pic. Now we know where the trolls are getting the idea that Reese isn't sick but pregnant!
Spooky2th has a big treat for Austin fans on her journal.
ReplyDeleteTake a look.
I liked it that all this year's Oscar acting winners are notably quirky and uncompromising in their art (Marion Cotillard is still new of course but she promises much in the quirky department).
ReplyDeleteMe too, sistah! I haven't seen La Vie en Rose yet, but am very much looking forward to it. It was a very enjoyable Oscars this year. :)
I just googled RW pregnant and found a JustJared pic from 2006 in which she looks the same :D I guess we will find out in the fullness (sorry) of time.
ReplyDeleteI think people go into acting for a variety of reasons. Those who want to be on the A-list I think crave the attention and/or want the money and power.
ReplyDeleteNetb, you have to see it, it's absolutely brilliant.
ReplyDeleteRight, I'm saving Austin for when I get home.
Spooky is getting the gold stars today! Woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteWouldja look at that hair!
ReplyDeleteI just googled RW pregnant and found a JustJared pic from 2006 in which she looks the same :D I guess we will find out in the fullness (sorry) of time.
ReplyDeleteRemember the pics of Reese and Deacon on the beach from a few months ago where Reese's stomach looked bloated? There were pregnancy rumors then too. Plus, if Reese is pregnant, isn't Jake a heel for not staying home with his pregnant, sick girlfriend rather than going to The Night Before event?
Those who want to be on the A-list I think crave the attention and/or want the money and power.
ReplyDeleteDestiny, do you think Jake wants to be on the A-list?
Well she didn't look too preggers on Leno on the 19th,
ReplyDeletehttp://justjared.buzznet.com/gallery/photos.php?yr=2008&mon=02&evt=reese-leno&pic=reese-witherspoon-leno-01.jpg
so unless she's carrying
the fastest growing baby on record maybe we should put this down to premenstrual bloating.
Sometimes I wonder if Jake wanted the A-list or others wanted it for him, and then in some ways the A-list found him.
ReplyDeleteThere are days I think that others wanted it more than he did put up the convincing argument.
But then looking at the body of his work, I think it was his acting talent that put him into the A-list. I am reminded of Roger Ebert who was giving Jake Oscar buzz with Moonlight Mile even back then early in his career.
but Jake is not A-list. A-list actors according to casting directors Janet Hirshenson and Jane Jenkins are Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Russell Crowe, Bruce Willis and a very few others. In their book "A Star Is Found: Our Adventures Casting Some of Hollywood's Biggest Movies" they mention Jake, they put him in the category "Star" (not even a Superstar and yet far from A-list). This book was edited after BBM and I think nothing changed, as a matter of fact with all the nominations and awards, 2006 was the best year for Jake. Nowadays he's getting supporting roles. Philip Seymour Hoffman, for example is mentioned as a "Working actor". Great for supporting roles but never a star by himself. It has nothing to do with talent. Most actors are Working actors. Nothing wrong with that, but it's just a mistake to assume Jake is A-list.
ReplyDeleteI would say Jake is not on the A-list, and I'm divided as to whether he wants to be on it. I don't know if the bearding is to get on the A-list, or because he didn't feel like he was getting the work he wanted even on the indie film level. In either case, I suspect Jake is and feels powerless, which could be a motivation. Based on that one interview he gave in London, I also do think he craves attention. Looking back on what I just wrote, I would lean towards his trying to get on the A-list.
ReplyDeleteSupporting roles? What are you talking about?
ReplyDeleteP.S: Will Smith is A-list.
I vacillate between yes and no about him wanting this. Does he really want this amount of attention and focus on him? Would he rather just have a very private life with Austin and make movies and follow the natural progression of his career based on his talent.
ReplyDeleteAs he heads toward 30, there will be some changes to his career and the roles he chooses. He has transitioned from boy to the man/boy and now it is on to man. It will be interesting to see what direction he takes in terms of roles and projects.
Will Smith is the only A-list star left in Hollywood
ReplyDeleteWhat interview are you talking about in London, Destiny? I don't get that he is an attention seeker. If he was he would be at premieres and at parties and always out at the clubs or The Ivy, etc. Sure he is out and about and doesn't shy from attention but I don't see that as a problem.
ReplyDeleteI think others make a bigger deal about being an A-lister than Jake does. I am sure he wants to do well in his films and have them be seen and make money. It is unfortunate that Zodiac, which I thought was a brilliant movie, didn't do better at the BO. I do think that had more to do with when it was released and the films length. Jake was unfairly blamed by some for the poor BO.
Wicked, that article makes a lot of sense. A big name does not guarantee BO anymore. Will Smith is the only one bringing in big numbers all on his own anymore.
ReplyDeleteSpecial, you make some very valid points. I guess we will have to see what Jake does next and what happens with Brothers.
hw, about what is a supporting role:
ReplyDeletea supporting actor performs roles in a movie other than that of protagonist. A secondary lead is a supporting role, and bit parts are considered a supporting role. And yeah, Will Smith is A-list as of today.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-list
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bankable_star
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supporting_actor
Nowadays he's getting supporting roles.
ReplyDeleteIn which movies?
I don't believe I read anywhere blaming Jake for the poor BO. The movie's length, it's procedural instead of thriller plotting, the lack of a satisfying denounment, yes, but not Jake in particular.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, all the articles I've read concerning "Zodiac", Jake has been praised and even sometimes singled out for her performance.
So, I can't quite make what your point is, caring and sharing. Care to enlighten us?
"He sort of built a persona that isn't reliant on any one genre or audience."
ReplyDeleteFrom the article talking about Will Smith. I really think this is why he can open any movie, regardless of subject.
Will Smith boosting Scientology
ReplyDeleteWill Smith has joined the ranks of Hollywood power players actively recruiting for the Church of Scientology.
Big stars traditionally distribute "wrap presents" to crew members after completing a film. His recent gift after wrapping next summer's comedy "Hancock" was a card good for a personality test at your local Scientology center.
Fun!
Never mind that such tests are given free by the church anyway. The quiz is designed to convert people to the religion by identifying personality flaws that - surprise! - Scientology can fix right up for you.
For a fee, of course.
Smith, who is best buddies with Scientology booster Tom Cruise, has never confirmed that he joined the church. But he told "Access Hollywood" last month: "I was introduced to it by Tom, and I'm a student of world religion. I was raised in a Baptist household. I went to a Catholic school, but the ideas of the Bible are 98% the same ideas of Scientology, 98% the same ideas of Hinduism and Buddhism."
Presumably the other 2% is the part about the evil space emperor who put the hydrogen bombs in the volcano.
Smith's rep was traveling with the actor on Tuesday and unavailable for comment.
http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/01/09/2008-01-09_will_smith_boosting_scientology.html
Maximillian there were blogs and some articles that did question Jake's bankability from Zodiac. There were also some unfairly harsh reviews of his performance. I don't have a specific review or article but I remember being aware of it at the time. And, yes, there were a lot of reviews that did praise or single Jake out. My point was related to the discussion of Jake being an A-lister.
ReplyDeleteI remember a Jake quote during the PR blitz for TDAT when a reporter asked why he moved from small budget indie films where he had made a name for himself with the likes of DD, MM, and TGG to the big budget HW hyped movie. Jake's reply was he was tired of making movies that nobody saw.
ReplyDeleteI think that one quote says more about Jake's career motivations than anything else.
^^ he obviously changed his mind when he decided to make Rendition then.
ReplyDeleteHe also did BBM after TDAT. Maggie has also said many times that she would like more people to see her films. Jake also said that he would like to go between bigger films and smaller films. I see nothing wrong with that. Many actors do that. Now the thing is to get actors known for serious work in big budget comic book movies. Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Ed Norton, Joe Gorden Levvitt, RDJ are those doing big comic book movies. Doesn't mean they aren't serious, respected actors who also do small budget, more creative films.
ReplyDeleteI think Jake was looking for something interesting, Rendition is not the average blockbuster film. Jake got a small part or the majority of his part was edited out from the final version (nothing to do with Jake's acting skills, most decisions of this kind are made in the editing room by the director when he sees what's important and what's not for their film). Tsotsi had won the Oscar in 2006, so I think Jake got interested in the political and artistic side of Gavin's films. Too bad this film got no major awards, nor even nominations and the movie tanked really badly. Well, I think -and after the awards seasons and everything- Jake is gonna be able to get free from the bearding deal with Reese (it didn't work anyway).
ReplyDeleteHugh Jackman was an unknown to most when cast as Wolverine. Since, he has done a stream of big budget films. Some good, some lousy. ("Van Helsing" anyone?)
ReplyDeleteChristian Bale wasn't a name that could open a movie, even "Batman". He still can't. Folks didn't flock to see him, just the franchise.
During RDJ drug hazed years, those spent in and out of rehab and court, he wasn't getting the big budget offers, too iffy to work with and insurance balked. Smaller films, like "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" were his only route. Now that he is clean, or relatively so, he has found work more readily.
The only exception to your Comic Book theory is Tobey Macguire. He had several good, solid films under his belit before slipping on the Spiderman tights.
And going the comic hero route is not always a golden guarantee. Just ask Ben Afflect and Eric Bana.
And, I agree, that "Rendition" interested Jake perhaps on a political/social level. But, to this film buff, it still screams Oscar bait.
Smith, who is best buddies with Scientology booster Tom Cruise
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see them together I just want to scream, "Run away, Will! Run away!"
Celluloid Monger, I love RDJ and am so glad he is working. I think what helped him was when he first got out of prison he was on Ally McBeal, playing her love interest. It showed people that he could still work. The film roles came slowly trickling in after that.
I also think that Jake is looking at projects were working the directors and co stars are as important as the project. He has in his short career worked with Oscar winning and Oscar nominated co-stars and directors. He has worked with some of the best actors and directors of this generation. I think his choices are also opportunities to continue his education in acting and film making.
ReplyDeleteAcademy makes excuses for why Brad Renfro was left out of the In Memoriam tribute
ReplyDeleteCelluloid monger, my point was that those actors are critically acclaimed and very well respected even if they don't bring in huge box office. Many are going between big budget comic book movies and indie/arthouse films. They may not always work but a lot of them seem to be doing it. Doesn't stop them from having a very good acting career.
ReplyDeleteSpecial, I totally agree with you.
E! Online story on the Brad Renfro In Memoriam snub
ReplyDeleteThat wasn't their only snub of the evening. They left both Whoopi Goldberg and Steve Martin off their salute to past Oscar hosts.
^^ I should clarify that before those actors did the comic book thing I knew them for their amazing and critically acclaimed work in indie/arthouse films or Broadway in the case of Hugh Jackman. He was brilliant in The Boy From Oz.
ReplyDeleteAs for Rendition I don't get that Jake signed on for an Oscar bait film. He signed on long before Meryl Streep, Alan Arkin et al.
Wow what is up with Ted. He has totally backed off of Jake/Toothy since Heath's death. Except for last night reese ill remarks. The only thing we have gotten on Toothy is that he is not Dick Cheney. Is he giving Jake a grace period because he knows Jake really is upset about Heath or what? Ted was going after Jake and Toothy big time now NADA. Whats up?
ReplyDeleteSure happened quickly and has been def. noticeable.
Dear Ted:
ReplyDeleteNorm of the Las Vegas Journal clearly knows George Clooney better than you do. He reported breathlessly on Clooney's "romantic" Valentine's Day dinner with Sarah Larson and her boss in Vegas, and he described the actor's singing and dancing with Larson around a very public fountain later. You should resign in shame for suggesting this relationship is less than it appears to be. I'm embarrassed for you. You obviously wouldn't know true love if it jumped up and down on a couch for you.
PoliticoGalNot
Los Angeles
Dear Looney for Clooney:
Not even Margo's allowed on my couch without wiping her paws off first. And since you live somewhere that clearly isn't reality, you've got a lot to learn about how celebs act when they know reporters aren't writing articles about them.
Ted's The Awful Express--E! Online Insiders Hear It First
via e-mail.
(…) obviously, despite all this, people still want to be famous and they still answer the call of Hollywood. My question to you today is, why?
ReplyDeleteEarlier today I promised a serious answer to Special, here it is!
More reasons to add to our list of why some go the Hollywood way:
1) I think for the younger generations theater has pretty much ceased to be the necessary rite of passage and artistic refuge it was in the past. It's not a medium they're familiar with, it no longer produces the artists they're looking up to and they don't master or haven't learned the techniques properly. Even an actor like Jake who got rave reviews for his performance in This is Our Youth had to be convinced by Dustin Hoffman to do some stage work. Apparently, Jake was not sure the stage was an essential part of his education as an actor.
2) As for TV, seems to me that it's still considered a second-class medium that is avoided when you want to be recognized as serious about acting (I certainly disagree with that appreciation).
3) I think some people, for different and varied reasons, have a really hard time dealing with reality because of emotional problems, low self-esteem or superiority complex, childhood trauma, some particular mental dispositions (narcissism among others, which some psychologists claim is rampant among celebrities and those who are craving or public recognition).
4) There are also those who go into the family business. Either they're really answering a calling or else they're choosing the path of least resistance. The result can be a real treat (like Jake, hey, hey!) or empty blandness of the generic kind (Kate Hudson, among others).
Again these are just additions not what I consider the sole and true reasons actors choose HW.
I find Jake's case quite intriguing. I sometimes feel he hasn't quite made up his mind as to what kind of career and/or life he wants. But I've taken enough space already! :)
Sounds like fountains are the in place to beard.
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying the music today Wicked, I always liked this song and I haven't heard it in years.
"Ted was going after Jake and Toothy big time now NADA. Whats up?
ReplyDeleteSure happened quickly and has been def. noticeable."
I don't think that it's Heath. Perhaps Ted doesn't want to make the same mistake twice.
I think -with the Oscars and awards in general- there is interesting gossip around other actors as well. For example, Clooney is bearding, isn't he? Has he have an alias/nickname as well?
ReplyDeleteAnd Jake was mentioned, not Toothy but Jake was. I think Ted will be coming back with Toothy in a few days or a couple of weeks. May be he can tell us when the Reese deal ends?
I think Ted was laying off jake/toothy allowing him a period of mourning. Last weeks mention was pretty lame. Not sure why Ted even bothered to post that letter. He has said though that he does not make up the letters, that they are real. On the other hand, if Toothy has been keeping a low profile, there just may be no real gossip to share right now.
ReplyDeleteChecked IMDB this evening to see if any news about The Informers. It was showing an Oct release in Germany. Seems a bit odd to start there, but that site is not always reliable.
Jake is not the only person with gossip. Ted doesn't have to mention him every day/week. If there is nothing new going on then I think Jake should be left alone.
ReplyDeleteWow what is up with Ted. He has totally backed off of Jake/Toothy since Heath's death.
ReplyDelete29 January 2008
Dear Ted:
I just added egomaniacal Eddie Murphy to the list of people whose movies and shows I will not watch. He joins Rosie O'Donnell, Russell Crowe, Oprah and Tom Cruise. But here's why I am writing—Eddie Murphy is Toothy Tile, right? God knows he's Toothy.
Jeane
Walnut Creek, California
Dear Blacklisting Betty:
Eddie, Rosie, Russell and Tom aren’t too surprising celebs to leave a bad taste in people’s mouths. But what in heaven’s name do you have against Mama O? I’d think at least the cast of The Hills would wind up on a blacklist before Oprah. In any case, Eddie deserves a smart punch in his smilies, but he ain’t no Toothy.
Dear Ted:
I want to let you know I am currently on my deathbed and will be long gone before Toothy Tile is ever revealed. Can you just tell me? I will not reveal it to anyone!
Amy
Richmond, Virginia
Dearly Beloved:
My lips will be sealed at your wake. I'll bring a casserole, though!
12 February 2008
Dear Ted:
Is the woman Toothy Tile's currently using as a beard also using him as a beard? In Old Hollywood, there were "lavender" marriages and relationships between two gay people of the opposite gender to throw off the public's suspicions. Do these still exist?
Nan
Des Moines, Iowa
Dear Crack Addict:
Get high much?
19 February 2008
Dear Ted:
I know who Toothy Tile is! Dick Cheney! We haven’t seen him for, what, six months? He really is in the closet.
Larry
Minneapolis
Dear Deranged:
You must drink as much as Dubya. Toothy Tile, for the record, is more than doable.