So what does it take to become an actor these days?
I think about this a lot, especially given my doubts over my own career choices. I worry about whether I can continue along my current path and be successful. Make money. Be happy.
So this brings me on to careers an success, and making money, and what it all means and whether it actually matters. I see people across the pond (although there is a certain aspect of that culture over here as well- Big Brother for example) become famous overnight. They are photographed everywhere. They are wearing designer outfits. They are invited to events and given free gifts. Why? Some of them are famous for publishing sex tapes online. Others are siblings of people famous for lacking in talent and struggling with drug dependencies. How on Earth has society come to regard these people as celebrities? How can anyone think they are worthy of such attention and fortune? How can these people, with no training or talent, become popular actors? Have we forgotten the likes of Oscar Wilde, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn? Where has the class gone?
There seems to be a big divide between the sexes here too, which is perhaps worthy of a separate post. It seems that in Hollywood, one doesn't need talent. One just needs to be female, thin, pretty and shameless. It also helps if you feel entitled, crave attention in the worst way, and are not particularly bright. It saddens me that these talentless show-offs are the ones making money, yet the people with brains and consideration are often ignored. Before you shout me down as jealous, I will happily admit to it. Yes I'm jealous. I'm jealous that so far I have been in education for 9 years, followed by 8 years at uni, to get on my career path. And I will never earn as much as they do (assuming, of course, that I continue along that path, which is unlikely, and also topic for another post).
An Ode to Edward Norton
So onto something a little more positive. A celebration of a merger of the two worlds- cerebral and Hollywood. A man, who is sometimes referred to as a Hollywood god, but he would never admit it. He commands nearly $10 million a film, or more now. A man, surely, at the centre of all this glitz and glamour over the last decade. Yet, he's a man many people haven't heard of. They've seen him of course. Everyone knows his work. But his name is unfamiliar. His face and name is unfamiliar outside of his films. That's because he possesses a rare quality in Hollywood. Class. He doesn't broadcast his success to the world in the form of fast cars, LV bags (shudder) and arriving at flashy parties. He doesn't court the paparazzi, desperate to get himself seen in magazines. We have no idea who he is dating, or has dated, because he keeps schtum. He keeps more than schtum, he keeps himself out of the spotlight, any spotlight, at all times. Please, the rest of Hollywood, take note. This is how it's done. Edward Norton. Who is he? Check out this clip and you will reminded of some of the incredible roles he has done. He has gone from redneck to office bum, magician to drug-dealer, neo-nazi to insane to a man nearly eaten by Hannibal Lecter. His trademark is disturbed characters, often either with split personalities or who undergo significant redemption or turmoil.
Seen him in Fight Club? Didn't think he stood out that much? Perhaps he paled when paired with Brad Pitt (and don't mean this in terms of looks, Brad is actually a great actor in my opinion and dominates the screen purely with his presence)? Well, that was the idea. His character in Fight Club is essentially the everyman. A loser. A nobody that everyone relates to because his failings are ours. He lost weight for that role, so he would look scrawny and pale. Brad, in comparison, is the manifestation of what he (and we) wants to be- bold, bright, muscular and attractive. I might do another post about Fight Club because I adore that film and it intrigues me even after repeated viewings (I am still noticing new quirks after the fifth time, which puts this on a parallel with Donnie Darko in my book). The soundtrack is quite interesting too, if you're into that kind of thing. If only for this FANTASTIC song (coupled with a Fight Club video, as an extra bonus). The song that plays right at the end of the film as the buildings collapse:
Why it's cult and not mainstream, and how it slipped passed the original audience and reviewers is beyond me. This is possibly my favourite scene, so so funny:
Anyway, back to Ed. It doesn't end with his acting, he also writes screenplays, directs and produces. He's a Yale history graduate.
Sooo, if you want to see this actor shine you need to see his other films (there aren't actually that many, sadly :( hurry up and make more please). Let me talk you through the goodies.
1. The film that made his career: Primal Fear
A great film this, if a little dated to look at (sorry Richard Gere I'm talking to you). If you haven't seen it, just watch it without reading anything about it. Avoid the spoilers. This film is worth it to see his incredible talent, and his trademark portrayal of a divided character. I wanted to find a video to show his acting, but I can't find any that don't have spoilers. Bear in mind he plays a 19 year old in this film, when he was in fact 27. Baby face!
2. Two films that work well in parallel: American History X and 25th Hour
Both are tough to watch, but very rewarding. The former showcases Norton's acting to perfection, and shows that he can change his body as well as his his character to suit the roles. The innocent babyface from Primal Fear is gone. 25th hour seems to constantly reference AHX, the films mirror each other wonderfully with their themes of redemption. This scene from 25th hour directly refers to the racism of AMX and the discussion about the slave trade. It's also one of the most powerful scenes of the film (there are two others, towards the end, which I won't post because they are spoilers, but they left me speechless and in tears). Take a look:
3. Something a bit different: The Illusionist, Red Dragon
Two films I would definitely recommend you see. Now. Not least because Ed looks rather fine as the man who put Hannibal Lecter in prison. Spoilers beware! Don't watch unless you've already seen the film.
Bring on Motherless Brooklyn!
(None of these videos are mine, I am just embedding them from youtube).
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