One Trick Pony Actors

[lester1/2jr]

Joe Pesci

[zombie no.one]

Pesci got mentioned...

I wonder how much the corperate industry aspect of hollywood pressures actors into becoming a reliable, predictable brand... rather than simply an 'actor' in the traditional sense.

also there's the if-it-aint-broke-don't-fix-it factor...

there are comparatively few well known actors who display real versatility in their career

[Alex]

I can't remember the name of the show, but I remember once seeing a program where the presenter talked about the difference between a movie star and an actor. He said someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger or John Wayne were great stars, with a charisma that would bring people to see a movie, but he couldn't act to save themselves. I can't remember who he cited as great actors, but I am sure you get the idea.

[Trevor]

I thought this thread was about the Paul Simon film 

[Morpheus, the unwoke.]

It took this long for someone to mention Keanu Reeves?

When hollywood decided to remake TDTESS, in order to portray an Alien incapable of experiencing human emotions they would pick an actor incapable of expressing human emotions.

[Morpheus, the unwoke.]

Clint Eastwood.

His sole talentis to recite lines without parting his teeth.

[Cult_Moody_Movies]

Leonardo DiCaprio.

With the exception of What's Eating Gilbert Grape, it always feels like he is a kid play acting with a crappy accent.

[HappyGilmore]

I love Adam Sandler, but he kinda plays the same man-boy/oaf/angry kinda charming guy in every movie.

But he's had a sustainable career, so I guess more than just me like him.

[Rev. Powell]

I love Adam Sandler, but he kinda plays the same man-boy/oaf/angry kinda charming guy in every movie.

But he's had a sustainable career, so I guess more than just me like him.

I mean, that's true of his comedies, but he's pretty versatile in his dramatic roles and he honestly should have won an Oscar for UNCUT GEMS. This, from a bona fide Sandler hater.

[ER]

De Niro, Pacino, Nicholson, Chaplin, John Holmes.

[HappyGilmore]

I love Adam Sandler, but he kinda plays the same man-boy/oaf/angry kinda charming guy in every movie.

But he's had a sustainable career, so I guess more than just me like him.

I mean, that's true of his comedies, but he's pretty versatile in his dramatic roles and he honestly should have won an Oscar for UNCUT GEMS. This, from a bona fide Sandler hater.

His dramatic stuff is pretty good.

I love his stuff, comedy and all, but can see how people would dislike it, etc.

[ralfy]

I think the phenomenon of consistency in roles and/or mannerisms applies to most actors. There's even a reference to that in light of acting techniques, as mentioned by Bale:

https://actingmagazine.com/2020/01/dont-be-a-one-trick-pony-christian-bale/

In which case, one should probably consider actors who aren't one-trick ponies. Would the ability to impersonate count? Consider short skits from Spacey:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLrtfEWJz3s

How about mannerisms plus accents, like Hoffman doing Capote in the 1:17 mark:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvDvESEXcgE

Finally, what if the consistent performance remains very good throughout, like Mifune's?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x3E5ZExV5w

[Trevor]

Although I like him, it seems like Liam Neeson seems to play the same character over and over again 🤔🐢