Post by ukelelehip on Jan 21, 2008 20:56:23 GMT -5
I hope this is the correct forum to post this in but this was on my google alerts today:
Any thespians with real substance?
Michael Gove - Times Online
Are we witnessing the end of the Great Theatrical Knight? Surely there will be actors in the future who will still get their K, but I have a very different fear. The type of actor who seems most naturally to deserve a handle before their name, the type of actor who has both a huge personality as well as huge talent, seems to be dying out. We are fortunate still to have Robert Hardy and Timothy West, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Gambon, but among the younger generation the vogue seems to be entirely for matinee idolish, almost epicene figures.
Whether it’s Tom Hollander, Jude Law, John Simm or Sam West, the finest of those in the front rank of acting below the age of 45 seem to lack a certain heft and ballast. The only (almost) young actor I can think of who makes the cut is Simon Russell Beale (now 47). None of his contemporaries, let alone anyone younger, seems to have that indefinable quality which allows him to play careworn kings, grave statesman, men of power or moment, with the naturalness one associates with another generation. I may be missing a great talent out there, and if so, I’d like to know, but it seems that the future of acting now rests with those whose voice and presence suits the intimacy of the camera rather than the open arena of the stage and, in the process, something is being lost.
Interesting discussion point, no? I personally think Tom is the closest we have today to an acting knight (in the making) of old. He does work in all arenas and he's very much a character actor but an extremely well regarded character actor and very well respected in his circles. He's enough of a 'personality' to be a fixture on the London social scene (remember, he made #2 on Tatler's Most Invited list two years ago). Surely he's on the right track?? I think part of the problem is that one can't really be an out and out luvvie anymore as it's considered vulgar.
Any thespians with real substance?
Michael Gove - Times Online
Are we witnessing the end of the Great Theatrical Knight? Surely there will be actors in the future who will still get their K, but I have a very different fear. The type of actor who seems most naturally to deserve a handle before their name, the type of actor who has both a huge personality as well as huge talent, seems to be dying out. We are fortunate still to have Robert Hardy and Timothy West, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Gambon, but among the younger generation the vogue seems to be entirely for matinee idolish, almost epicene figures.
Whether it’s Tom Hollander, Jude Law, John Simm or Sam West, the finest of those in the front rank of acting below the age of 45 seem to lack a certain heft and ballast. The only (almost) young actor I can think of who makes the cut is Simon Russell Beale (now 47). None of his contemporaries, let alone anyone younger, seems to have that indefinable quality which allows him to play careworn kings, grave statesman, men of power or moment, with the naturalness one associates with another generation. I may be missing a great talent out there, and if so, I’d like to know, but it seems that the future of acting now rests with those whose voice and presence suits the intimacy of the camera rather than the open arena of the stage and, in the process, something is being lost.
Interesting discussion point, no? I personally think Tom is the closest we have today to an acting knight (in the making) of old. He does work in all arenas and he's very much a character actor but an extremely well regarded character actor and very well respected in his circles. He's enough of a 'personality' to be a fixture on the London social scene (remember, he made #2 on Tatler's Most Invited list two years ago). Surely he's on the right track?? I think part of the problem is that one can't really be an out and out luvvie anymore as it's considered vulgar.