A while ago I saw Jennifer Connelly on (I think) Leno, and while they were talking the subject came up of one of her first films,
Creepers (aka Phenomena). She blushed and protested as they showed a brief clip, and then shrugged off her 'cheap-euro-horror-flick-period.' No mention of how this film is unique and well written, and artfully directed by Italian master, Dario Argento. Her performance wasn't bad, and despite the Iron Maiden soundtrack, there is little to be embarrassed about. In many ways, this was a big break for her, but now it is treated as the laughable "paying of one's dues," akin to the early commercials of say K. Dunst (who promoted a pissing plastic baby).
Another case is Harrison Ford, who while appreciative of his chance to play Han Solo, has mentioned time and time again that he dislikes Blade Runner, both in its original format, and in the case of the director's cut. While this might be in part due to animosity between Ridley Scott and Ford, it is still dismaying that "Indiana Jones" can be so flippant about a classic film.
Are these simply cases of actors equating commercial failure with critical failure? Are these actors shirking their responsibilities? Or if that question is pointless/uninteresting...list other actors who have on occasion gone against the critical grain to denounce/diminish some of their best/luckiest work?
― Ryan McKay (Ryan McKay), Friday, 2 May 2003 22:38 (twenty-two years ago)
Neither Connelly or Ford strike me as much of an actor, so I'd assume commercial elements would matter more to them.
― Anthony Miccio (Anthony Miccio), Friday, 2 May 2003 22:56 (twenty-two years ago)
She did that on Conan too. I almost got on a plane and flew to New York just to kick her ass. I wonder if she knows how many movie geeks now want to kick her ass.
It seemed ludicrous especially considering, as you said Ryan, that Argento is one of the the most respected and influencial directors around. I wonder if Friedkin thinks any less of her. He's an Argento nut on an almost pathological level.
When actors do this it shows them up as snobby and insecure, and reflects more negatively on them than on the film they diss, no matter how bad it may be.
Remember Halle Berry's snide comments about X-men before it was even shot? She signed up for the sequel so what does tha tsay baout her.
― PVC (peeveecee), Saturday, 3 May 2003 00:23 (twenty-two years ago)
Well an actor's interest in a movie is often different than a director's interest in it. Especially if that actor is careerist, which means they need roles that Highlight Their Acting Ability in ways that might appear on critics' or the Academy's radar. Actually I make it sound cynical. It's not. Just different artistic aspirations.
I mean when Dominique Sanda is looking back over her career, do you think she thinks of Une femme douce as her "greatest performance"? Nah. Is it the best film she's been in? Absolutely.
― amateurist (amateurist), Saturday, 3 May 2003 06:21 (twenty-two years ago)
also many actors and actresses are idiots even when not being interviewed by leno
― mark s (mark s), Saturday, 3 May 2003 22:56 (twenty-two years ago)