To recap, in my recent article on Robert Pattinson and the “enduring appeal of pale, white dudes,” a gaggle of fans of the movie “Twilight” took umbrage to some things I said about their beloved idol.
Most of the reactions was pretty inane, along the lines of:
“Hey you ugly, loser, geek, doodyheaded, nincompoop - you WISH you were as HOT as our boy Pattinson, you’re just a jealous smelly mongrel…DIE DIE DIEl!!!”
These remarks I merely brushed off as so much hot, fetid air expelled from a bunch of sub-mental moronic twits. There was one comment, however, that sparked my interest: an avid fan asked what MY idea of a great actor was. I thought it was a fair question, and deserved a well thought out response. Moreover, I felt it was a good opportunity to add weight to my opinions on Pattinson’s meager abilities as a thespian and perhaps give a little history lesson to the uneducated reader who might not be familiar with the TRUE giants of the industry.
So, as a follow up to my first post on the Greats, from 10-6, here are my Top Five Greatest Actors of All Time:
5) Jack Lemmon AND Warren Oates (a TIE)
Both of these actors absolutely needed to be included on this list and as there are only ten slots, I had to call a tie for fifth place.
Let’s begin with Jack Lemmon.
To some, Lemmon’s unparalleled brilliance as a comedic actor may forever bind him in their minds exclusively to the genre. It would be easy enough to understand this point of view, as his absolute virtuosity in such hilarious masterworks as “The Odd Couple,” “Some Like It Hot,” and “The Out-Of-Towners” will stand forever in time as some of the funniest movies ever printed on celluloid. However, Jack Lemmon’s talent was far too great to be restricted to any one category - he could do it all. Expertly starring in dramas like “Save The Tiger,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” and “The China Syndrome” proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. Ultimately though, Jack Lemmon’s many varied characters (whether they were tragic failures as in “Glengarry Glen Ross” or romantic heroes like his turn in “The Wackiest Ship In the Navy”) will be remembered as the paragon depiction of the modern American everyman. With innate warmth and technical perfection, he made us root for him throughout his entire illustrious career, and in doing so; we were really just rooting for ourselves. His contribution to cinema was truly colossal.
His greatest films are: “Mr. Roberts,” “The Odd Couple,” “Save The Tiger,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Glen Garry Glen Ross,” “The Days Of Wine and Roses,” “The Apartment,” “The Fortune Cookie,” “The Out-Of-Towners,” “The Prisoner of Second Avenue,” and “The China Syndrome”
And now on to Warren Oates.
Putting it simply, Warren Oates was the greatest American character actor that ever lived.
His ability to tear at your heart with his nuanced portraits of the disaffected and rejected contingent of society is unsurpassed. He started off his career in Westerns, adeptly playing a host of ne’er do wells one shadier than the next, but it wasn’t until his role as Lyle Gorch in the classic “The Wild Bunch” directed by Sam Peckinpah that he gained his first real notice. He would go on to star in several other films helmed by Peckinpah, most notably “Bring Me the Head Of Alfredo Garcia,” which very well might be the ultimate encapsulation of the anti-hero aesthetic of the 1970s. As far as I’m concerned though, his greatest performance was in the existential masterpiece “Two-Lane Blacktop,” in which he plays a shattered loser, with a pathological inability to tell the truth - especially to himself. Richard Linklater (director of such films as “Dazed and Confused” and “Slacker”) once described Oates as a “God who once walked the earth”, I thoroughly concur.
His greatest films are: “Two-Lane Blacktop,” “The Wild Bunch,” “Bring Me the Head Of Alfredo Garcia,” “The Shooting,” “In the Heat Of the Night,” and “Stripes.”
I mean, just take a look at this:
4) Marlon Brando
It is impossible to have a list of the greatest actors of all-time without including Brando. Still, it’s hard to come up with any new insight on the man as his body of work has been analyzed and re-analyzed, ad nauseum, by both fans and critics alike from the beginning of his career to its end. Still, I suppose there might be something to glean from that after all and it’s this… despite the fact that he’s been the most studied actor in the history of film, there is something basic, something intrinsic about him that still continues to elude us all to this day. For many, Brando would be the obvious choice for greatest actor of all time, but I stand by my decision to have him in the number four slot. I will say this however, his almost unsettling ease and facility for the craft perhaps makes him the most natural actor that ever lived. The way he moved his body, delivered his lines, used his tremendous sex appeal (which was an extremely compelling combination of masculine and femine) it was all so unhindered and fluid. Of course, before Brando no one had actually acted this way before. He pretty much created a new blueprint of dramatic expression, which was copied wholesale by many others - including James Dean. He really had it all, astonishing looks, incomparable skill and a raw animalistic power that literally sent shockwaves through the world. His performances in “On the Waterfront,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and “The Wild One” captured the imagination of an entire generation, as well as being a major inspiration for practically every other actor to come along after him. Of course for me and many millions of others, his crowning achievement will always be his tour-de-force performance as Don Corleone in “The Godfather.” Brando was a true enigma. After all, it’s well documented that he hated the profession and preferred instead to promote human rights causes. Still, as with all enigmas his mysterious, elusive quality is part of the reason audiences have been drawn to him for decades.
His best films are “On the Waterfront,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “The Wild One,” “Guys and Dolls,” “The Last Tango in Paris,” “Apocalypse Now,” and of course…”The Godfather.”
3) Humphrey Bogart
If Brando was the most natural actor that ever lived, then Bogey was the COOLEST. Deep down inside, every man secretly wishes they could be like him. He’s a veritable icon, one of the TRUE legends. His nonchalant gift for attracting the dames, his quick wit, steady nerves, and general all around…well… COOL-ness was and always will be unequalled in cinema. He’s inspired books and movies dedicated to his cool (my favorite being Woody Allen’s side-splitting “Play It Again Sam”). Hell, he is cool personified. This unique gift was a perfect fit for the characters of Sam Spade and Phillip Marlowe in the respective films “The Maltese Falcon” and “the Big Sleep” which literally cemented Film Noir as one of the most enduring genres in cinematic history. Bogart OWNED his performances like no other, his turn as Rick Blaine in “Casablanca” is so real and deftly executed, he made audiences believe those incredible words coming out of his mouth were HIS. If it wasn’t for Bogey, Casablanca would not be what it is - the greatest film of all time. Now, if that was all there was to the man, it would be more than enough, but there’s much more. He could also play pitiful characters like Captain Queeg in “The Caine Mutiny” as well as cold hearted killers as he did in the superb “Dead End.” Underpinning all of these roles though, was that unquestionable, remarkable, overpowering, mesmerizing, mind-blowing, colossal COOL! There will never be another that comes close to Bogey. His contribution not only to the movies but to the world is inestimable.
His greatest films were: “The Big Sleep,” “The Maltese Falcon,” “Across the Pacific,” “The Caine Mutiny,” “The Petrified Forest,” “Dead End,” “The African Queen,” “In a Lonely Place,” “Dark Passage,” and of course…”CASABLANCA.”
2) Jack Nicholson
Ahhh.. Jack. Well, here it gets personal. Jack Nicholson is my hero. Growing up an outsider, I connected with his disaffected anti-hero characters in a profound way. I can still remember clear as a bell the day I first saw the film “Five Easy Pieces.” I was in my late teens, and miserable. At the time I thought no one felt as I did about life, the universe and all the ‘what not’ that falls in-between the cracks. “Five Easy Pieces” for me was a revelation. The main character of Bobby Dupea instantly resounded deep within my soul - the overbearing ambivalence, cynicism, and hopelessness was exactly the same jagged prism through which I viewed the world that surrounded me. With one movie, my whole life changed. In point of fact, all of Jack’s roles during his 1970s hey-day dealt with a similar theme; the inevitability that the average thinking human being, will eventually get their unique ’spark’ extinguished, and the NECESSITY that as thinking human beings we must all fight against that inevitability - to the death. After watching “Five Easy” I decided to cast off my own awkward persona (one that had most definitely not been working for me I might add) and try on Jack’s. Those were some of the happiest days of my life! By playing a role in my own movie, I was able to disconnect from all the bullshit I’d endured in my childhood. In a way, it freed me, and ultimately changed me for the better - I owe that all to Jack Nicholson. Now, getting back to the man’s actual body of work, for my money, the run of “Easy Rider,” “Five Easy Pieces,” “Carnal Knowledge,” “The King Of Marvin Gardens,” “The Last Detail,” “Chinatown,” “The Passenger,” “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” “The Missouri Breaks,” “Goin’ South,” “The Shining,” and “The Postman Always Rings Twice” is the single greatest run of any actor - bar none. Of course, a lot of his later work was quite masterful as well i.e. “The Witches Of Eastwick,” “Terms Of Endearment,” and “About Schmidt,” but I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the work he did in the 1970s. It’s truly an astounding achievement. Anything he did during those days was absolute magic, he was the golden boy of the decade and deservedly so.
His best films are part of that great 70s run : “Easy Rider,” “Five Easy Pieces,” “Carnal Knowledge,” “The King Of Marvin Gardens,” “The Last Detail,” “Chinatown,” “The Passenger,” “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” “The Missouri Breaks,” “Goin’ South,” and “The Shining.”
PS: Remember that famous diner scene?
1) James Stewart
>
Pound for pound, in my humble estimation, the greatest actor of all time was none other than James Stewart. If you don’t agree, let me state my case. The man did it ALL: Westerns (”The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence”); mysteries ( “Rear Window” and “Vertigo”); comedies (”You Can’t Take It With You” and “Harvey”); drama (”Anatomy of a Murder”); film noir (”Call Northside 777″); tragedy (The Glenn Miller Story); romance (”The Shop Around the Corner” and “The Philadelphia Story”)… and he did it all perfectly. He was both leading man and character actor; he could play either a total bad ass or a lovable everyman. He simply was the most versatile actor that ever lived, thus making him the greatest. Moreover, he’s got some of the most iconic performances of all time in his resume. Films that permanently reside in the collective psyche of the entire western world. Films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.” These roles have surpassed mere performance; they’ve become symbols of America and our ideals as a nation - ideals we’ve tragically strayed far away from in recent years. Still we have the evidence; that America once stood for something great, something worth fighting for. James Stewart remains an undying symbol of that lost America…and he is the greatest actor that ever lived.
His best films are: “Rear Window,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Anatomy of a Murder,” “Rope,” “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington,” “Harvey,” and “Vertigo.”
So there you have it, the top ten greatest actors of all time!
Now some of you may argue that Robert Pattinson is still young, and that it’s unfair to compare his work with these legends. I however disagree. I was asked my opinion as to what I considered to be great acting and these actors are it. Moreover, hearing so many of you go on about Pattinson’s “brilliance,” literally began to turn my stomach. It wasn’t so much that I hate Pattinson, I just hate what we’ve become as a society when it comes to our art and culture. We are worshipping at the altar of mediocrity!
For those that say Pattinson “could yet still develop,” I say “no.” You see, even at the start of their careers all of the actors I’ve mentioned in my articles shared that undeniable something which I refer to as “the goods.” Pattinson just doesn’t have it. He’s merely a colorless hack with a slight physical appeal. I don’t say this to be cruel, it’s just the truth. I guess in writing these articles I’m attempting to shine a spotlight on what we value nowadays as a society. Has respect for actual talent gone completely out the window? Will we keep culturally devolving until someday, someone taking a dump on national TV for an hour will pass as an evening’s worth of entertainment ? I surely hope not… I surely hope not.
BONUS ACTORS WHO SHOULD RECEIVE HONORABLE MENTION:
TOM HANKS, Gene Hackman, Cary Grant, Sidney Poitier, Clark Gable, Groucho Marx, Fred MacMurray, Joseph Cotton, Van Heflin, Lee Marvin, Christopher Walken, Al Pacino, Michael Murphy, Sterling Hayden, Ned Beatty, Robert Redford, James Dean, William Bendix, Alan Ladd, Robert Deniro, James Gandolfini, Fred Astaire,Robert Duvall, Harry Dean Stanton, Dennis Hopper, and many, many more….
Bonus Read: Robert Pattinson vs. The Top 10 Greatest Actors of All Time (Part 1)
More on these topics:
1940s cinema, 1950s cinema, 1960s cinema, 1970s cinema, Al Pacino, Alan Ladd, brilliant, Cary Grant, Christopher Walken, Clark Gable, Dennis Hopper, five easy pieces genius jack film, Fred Astaire, Fred MacMurray, Gene Hackman, glen garry glen ross, Groucho Marx, Harry Dean Stanton, humphrey bogart was the cooolest actor, i love jack nicholson, jack nicholson was an actor for intellectuals, jacklemmon is a brilliant actor, James Dean, James Gandolfini, james stewart tops the lis of greatest actors of all time, Joseph Cotton, Lee Marvin, marlon brando was elusive and the most natural actor, Michael Murphy, Ned Beatty, obsessive twilight fans blindly defending their idols, Robert Deniro, Robert Duvall, robert pattinson and the mediocrity that's taken a stranglehold, robert pattinson is a lousy actor, robert pattinson vs the greatest actors of all time, Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Sterling Hayden, the top 5 greatest actors of all time, TOM HANKS, twilight and robert pattinson, twolane black top brilliant, Van Heflin, warren oates was the greatest american character actor, William Bendix
Schmeckle "Schmeky" Cullen says:
Of course everyone is going to have their own top 10. For me that would be (my top 5)
Sidney Poitier
Robin Williams
Tommy Lee Jones
Clint Eastwood
Jack Nicholson
Branwyn Lancourt says:
Sidney just missed my top 10, and CLint Eastwood would be in my top 20...
brelan says:
Good picks, esp. Warren Oates and Dana Andrews.
check out Pattinson in 'the Haunted Airman'...I think he shows 'the goods' there. I am not in the typical rpattz demographic, but what really caught my attention was his music. I think he's truly emotive and pretty original for a 20 year old. Made me think that there is an artistic soul there. I don't think he's the typical vacuous hottie AT ALL. I hope he survives the maelstrom and does more with his music.
half_my_self says:
Before you criticize his thespian abilities, he deserves the opportunity to show the world what a great actor he is...i agree w/ brelan...you should watch Haunted Airman...and i'd suggest you watch his next non-Twilight movies...and then you can form a proper and fair opinion.
CallMeStacy says:
Bla bla bla..... And who gives a damn about your opinions. Who are you anyway? Movie critic? Never heard of you, mr. B-whatever. And why do you write about a "mediocre" actor? Life is too short, better write about something that's meaningful for you.
Btw, re: my comment on your 1st story about RP; is that all you have to say?
Dude, judging by your photo you already look beyond depressed!
(I was kind of hoping you will answer my question: what's up with YOUR hair?! since you attacked Rob's)
And guess what? Jack Nicholson is Rob's hero too.
+ Plaid shirt - you may love Rob more than you think.
Branwyn Lancourt says:
I'm hoping you answer mine... again, please do not tell me you are over the age of 15. If you are, babe... you seriously need to grow up. I'm writing about Pattinson and other celebrities, because I was hired to write a column on fame... Specifically HYPE, the absurdity of fame, how we as a culture react to it, covet it, et. al...
So again... how old are you? and as you say 'life's too short', yes it's very true.. but I'm being paid to write this column, no one's paying you to read it, or to act like you're 12 years old.
Cam says says:
It's so good to be able to read an article that speaks intellectually about actors. Rob Pattinson has a lot of charm but I do hope he is preparing himself for getting crucified by the top respected critics, as he did with Little Ashes, when he tries to diversify. He is smart though and hopefully realistic about his limitations. After working with such an amazingly talented actress, Kristen Stewart, I am sure he realizes he hit the lottery with the Twi saga. He does appear to be musically gifted though so hopefully he will utilize those options. So glad you described your top 5 of all times. I totally agree with your # 2 and #1 picks by the way. I don't believe Rob Pattinson thinks he can ever be compared to the ones you mentioned. I believe he will ride his luck out but hopefully know when to change lanes. I have a feeling you hit the nail on the head unfortunately, but hopefully he will know when to bow out gracefully. I honestly believe his co-star, Kristen Stewart, has Oscar potential.
CallMeStacy says:
Well, you first said something stupid about his hair. It's not like we like Rob because of his hair. Plus he cut his hair last year, just because everybody was going crazy over his hair. And I've found it funny coming from you.
When you answer my question I will answer yours. I asked first.
P.S. I think we only should worship God, not Jack lemon nor Nicholson .
And don't call me babe, call me Stacy.
Branwyn Lancourt says:
Your question was 'what's up with my hair'?..Uhhmm I dunno? It grows, it's soft and silky, I can twirl it in my fingers, it covers my head and keeps me warm...uhhmm... I dunno, what else do you wanna know about it? Now answer my question, because if you are seriously over the age of 15, then there IS no God and I'm just gonna worship Nicholson. As for calling you 'babe', when you stop acting like one, I'll stop calling you one.
Branwyn Lancourt says:
Thanks for reading Cam..
Drew says:
Great insight as always.
Starfire says:
Well I don't know about whomever it is you are referring to as being 12 or 15 but I am definitely far beyond that age.
Rob doesn't deserve the type of criticism you are giving him. Take all the actors you listed which are great, I admit, but perhaps you should have had a study of each of them at age 23, Rob's age. He's barely begun for Pete's sake.
Rob has charisma and sex appeal as well as a great deal of promise as an actor. He played Edward Cullen perfectly IMO and brought to life Edward from the book in my mind.
As to how he looks, that's just plain ridiculous to slag him for that. After all beauty is in the eye of the beholder. His looks are his own but the important thing is, if you really got to know him, you'd find that he is quite shy, unassuming, very grounded, intelligent as well as having a great sense of humor. Moreover he's a really nice guy as well, everyone who meets him, works with him etc. knows this.
Branwyn Lancourt says:
Was referring to 'callmestacy'..
I hear the 'he's only starting out' argument a lot. That's fine. I was asked what I thought were 'great' actors, and I gave my list. To give a bit more back information...
Jack Lemmon won an oscar for his first major role
Dustin Hoffman was nominated for an oscar for his first major role, and then again 2 years later
Nicholson was nominated for an oscar for his first major role
Brando was nominated for an oscar for his first major role...
They all weren't much older than Pattinson.
It's one thing if you think the guy's got 'sex appeal and charisma'.. but it just backs up my INITIAL argument...and I will quote...
"As far as his acting skills are concerned, from what I’ve seen he’s kinda like the bassist in Spinal Tap - luke warm water. Neither here nor there, just egg shell white, wall paper mundane-ity. Still, this kid is the hottest tween sensation since Kirk Cameron and that’s fine by me. Hell I’m no party pooper, let the little chicklets enjoy their new found messiah to their hearts content. However, it does give me pause. If our heroes are a direct reflection on ourselves as a society, then what does it mean when they’re all surface and no substance? Robert Smith set a legion of disaffected young ladies hearts a twitter with his rats nest hair and smeared lipstick, but underneath the cultivated façade was a genuine artist. Robert Pattinson is just another pretty face, which I fear is all anyone wants to aspire to be anymore."
MAHIDA46 says:
I AGREE WITH YOU BRANWYN INFACT I WOULD LIKE TO BRING UP SOMETHING I READ ON ANOTHER SITE THE OTHER DAY
WOULD THESE GIRLS BE FAWNING OVER ROB PATTZ IF HE HADNT LANDED THE ROLE OF EDWARD IN TWILIGHT?? I DONT THINK SO WHICH PROVES MY POINT THAT RPATTZ IS ONLY WIDELY LIKED FOR HIS PORTRAYAL OF EDWARD IN TWILIGHT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW WELL HE DOES IN MOVIES OUTSIDE OF TWILIGHT (EXCLUDING REMEMBER ME WHICH IS RELEASING DURING THE RPATTZ AND TWILIGHT HYPE- I MEAN MOVIES ATER BREAKING DAWN)- EVEN I DIDNT SEE ANY SUBSTANCE TO ROBS ACTING IN TWILIGHT ITS A SIMPLE ROLE - I ALSO BELIEVE ROB IS JUST A PRETTY FACE
Starfire says:
You're wrong with the four actors you named as being near or around Rob's age when they won oscars.
None of them were. Let me see here:
Jack Lemmon's first Oscar win for Best Actor in a Leading Role was in 1954 for "Paper Tiger." He was 48 years old.
Dustin Hoffman's first Oscar win for Best Actor in a Leading Role was in 1979 for "Kramer vs. Kramer." He was 43 years old.
Jack Nicholson's first Oscar win for Best Actor in a Leading Role was in 1975 for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." He was 38 years old.
The only one who was closest to Robert's age was Marlon Brando. He got his first Oscar win for B.A. in 1954 with "On the Waterfront." He was 30 years old. And I have to say at that time for many, Brando's appeal was based mostly on his looks and charisma. His acting got better though as he got older.
I feel this will be the same for Robert. He's not going away sir, anytime soon, mark my words. My own opinion and I am sorry you think differently, but hey that's America, is that Rob has a lot of untapped potential. I just wonder though did you read Twilight? Or at least see his performance in the movie? Just curious.
Branwyn Lancourt says:
Are you really that obtuse, or are you just being difficult?
I said Hoffman was NOMINATED for an oscar for his first role - he was 30.
Nicholson was NOMINATED for his first major role - he was 32
Brando was NOMINATED for his first major role - he was 28
and Lemmon did indeed WIN his first oscar not at 48, but at 30 for Mr. Roberts as best supporting actor.
besides which... jesus, Pattinson will NEVER be a great actor, sorry.
Starfire says:
I didn't feel I was being obtuse. I didn't insult you one bit why do you feel you need to do that to me? My oversight about the three who were nominated as you said was a mistake. I apologize.
As for your last comment. That's your opinion, but the majority of his fans, and he has fans of all ages and backgrounds including celebs, IMO would probably disagree.
Starfire says:
P.S. You never answered my questions.
Oliver Miller says:
Van Heflin! Why, I think you've got a great future in this business, young man. You're gonna go straight to the top!
Branwyn Lancourt says:
Yes indeed I have seen Twilight.. have you seen 'On the Waterfront' or 'Streetcar Named Desire'? To say that he wasn't a great actor is absurd.
Oliver... what the fuck are you talking about?
Oliver Miller says:
I dunno. You listed Van Heflin as one of the best actors, so I was trying to do a 1940s newsie voice: Van Heflin! Why, he's the biggest thing since sliced tomatoes! He's gonna be big, huge, VAN HEFLIN-style big!
...I dunno. It was pointless.
hrehijkiz says:
you ugly ass f cker...
ure just jealous of mr,pattinson .maybe for you hes not a great actor but sure hes making millions , and what are u making??..dont hate just beacuse hes beutifull in every way ,for me hes a great actor and a musician as well..you ugly and an ass hole and hes beutifull ,a great person respects and the most important he know how to respect other people ,one thing u will never know how to do ....
i feel sorry for you if i had your face i would be writting crazy shit about megan fox or angelina jolie ...
and its true whan u said there is no god because if there was a god u would never been born......
Branwyn Lancourt says:
and if I had your brain, I'd be a total fucking retard.
Starfire says:
Yes Mr. Lancourt, I have seen both movies you mention. And they were both great movies. BTW I didn't say he wasn't a great actor early on. I just said I felt a lot of his appeal in the beginning was based more on charisma and looks.
As for you others that keep insulting Mr. Lancourt, what is your problem? I admit my opinion differs from his regarding RPattz, but that's okay. He has a right to his opinion and to express it. You just make yourselves look bad when you continue to insult him on the level of a 7th grader by calling him names and swearing at him.
It's too bad people on a website cannot have a decent discussion about a person without others acting like children and lashing out.
Thanks Mr. Lancourt for answering my points and yours are well taken, even if we don't agree, that's okay. Have a great weekend!
Branwyn Lancourt says:
Thanks Starfire! I respect your opinion as well!
Vix says:
Nicholson is probably one of the coolest dudes EVER. I don't know what's wrong with you people, Branwyn is the most frequent main character in my daydreams(as of late)!
Branwyn Lancourt says:
hahaha!!
renate says:
Mr. Pattinson will prove you wrong. He is young and already people all over the world are talking about him. He seems to be an easy target but I think he will not to bothered from any critic or he would not have choosen this profession. Mr. Pattinson doesn't appear to worry too much. As long as almost every Magazine reports about his movies his talent as a musician ,songwriter and actor he'll be just fine. His answers in interviews are honest and fresh and its good to know that there are young actors out there who can actually think for themself. I know Mr. Pattinson will enterain us for a long time when you are still trying to get a few hits on your Page. CHEERS
... says:
nice use of the f word... just kidding! I hate that word but It was kinda funny...ish:) but I will admit that I am around 16 and I love the twilight saga and am obsessed with it and all that and I think everyone should give it a chance, and after they have they can say whatever they want... it's dumb to get mad over someone's opinion but I think you...mr.Lancourt souldn't be SO hard on rob or rob lovers (I'm not a rob lover but I think he's a cool guy) It's not really his fault some...most twi-fans are insane or his fault that there are so many of them. Oh and there IS a god:)
mamataurus says:
All Pattinson related drama aside, why don't you call this as it is: top 10 English speaking actors. Heck, you can even go for top 10 American actors. If I remember correctly, only one of your top 10 guys is not an American. Not even one honorable mention for someone outside the English speaking world? I expected more from somebody fighting mediocrity.
Branwyn Lancourt says:
Yeah.. I probably should have specified American...
nicoleco says:
i just have to say that, i like robert pattinson and i think that he will go pretty far....he might be a little awkward and sorta weird in twilight but he has the right skills that will take him pretty far in the movie industry. i could see him doing weird crazy shit like johnny depp. something along the lines of fear and loathing in las Vegas cause he sorta looks like a junkie but thats besides the point. yes hes a good actor and could be great if given the chance to and at least hes not zac efron, the whole pretty boy thing was getting a little tired anyway.
Sickofthecrap says:
Wow. I can't believe fans bother searching for things that obviously differ from their opinions and leave such rubbish behind.
Well, in spite of having come to this page as a result of curiosity about your opinions on the greatest of all time, reading the parts about Robert Pattinson triggered my bull**** and crazy twilight hating response.
As a 16 year old girl, I have been told time and time again about how great Twilight is (the whole phenomenon) and I think it's a load of rubbish. I could go on about how rubbish and trashy it is, but I'll limit it to a couple of lines; sex-obsessed teenagers who want someone to become obsessed with them for no reason and accept them wholeheartedly no matter how unworthy they are, and obviously want someone better looking. Yes, I have seen the movie. I would say complete utter waste of time, but alas, parodies on youtube prevent me.
The actors may be talented, but they certainly didn't show it. Maybe this is nothing to do with them - maybe it is merely the director who is so tragically terrible. What I do hate about them is the fact they keep endorsing it, but that can hardly be picked upon, can it, considering who much they are paid to do so.
Anyway. My main gripe is with fans who talk... um, trash. Twilight was not a good movie. The whole concept is bad. The script is bad. The acting is bad. The lighting is bad. Everything is... not a masterpiece. So stop saying it is, and shooting everyone else's opinions down. Feel free to disagree, but don't start going off and being completely immature. I realise I am being hypocritical - but I am sick of finding people talking about Twilight no matter what the actually subject is, and bullying and insulting people who have their own opinions.
I am well aware most mindless fans won't care at all and won't bother changing their ways, but I just had to say it.
Anyway... (more than a few lines...)
All the films Robert Pattinson has had so far haven't been anything special at all, IMO. However, perhaps this is because he hasn't had a proper chance - I find this unlikely though, and I've noticed other actors and actresses who have had absolutely terrible roles/scripts, and have still managed to make me cry for/love them. Obviously there is always room to grow - it's a shame that there has been so much teenage rubbish about him, as this makes me think he will likely become type-cast or have various other nasty fates awaiting. I have not heard his music, but that is beside the point. It is his acting we are talking about.
I believe most (if not all) the hype surrounding him is from Twilight, and if people are saying he's a great actor because of that, they are being absurd. The script would have almost certainly slaughtered any hint of a good performance along with the cutting and bad camera angles - that opinion is one I cannot respect at all.
Compared to the top 10 actors Mr. Lancourt lists here, Robert Pattinson is like Twilight to Let The Right One In - badly written, overhyped, possibly better looking covers?, difference audience.
Teenagers, taking on 'adults'' points of views in an immature way such as 'flaming', is like your baby cousin, or brother/sister telling you how stupid you are because you don't like Pokemon, or The Wiggles. A justified difference of opinion. So please stop.
About the list; like all of the actors, think they're all considerably more talented and have been given better roles than Pattinson, but I could also have used a "American", or "English-speaking". It's quite a stylized type of acting they employ - I feel that even cinema in Australia (you may well say, what cinema?) is very different. I have to say I like Humphrey Bogart the most of your list - he is indeed, very cool. I'm also not sure I'd touch anything involving Tom Hanks with a stick... but each to his own. I'm just glad ZAC EFRON wasn't mentioned. (*Prepares for the constant unending flood of hate mail.*)
And sorry for the rant.
Branwyn Lancourt says:
you're 16???
Sickofthecrap says:
Haha. Yes. Thus I can *hopefully* get away with typos and bad grammar.
And going off about silly topics.
Anyway, thank you for writing a sensible and relatively objective piece about these actors.
Branwyn Lancourt says:
thanks for reading kiddo!
Robert Pattinson says:
Hey, Branwyn "Loser"court, I'm this generation's Luke Perry!