I Got an Opinion for Ya
August 26, 2008
After many interviews, I’ve noticed an interesting cultural divide. In general (this is the signal that you are about to be fed a whopping generalization - be forewarned), American actors are very hesitant to give opinions. Whereas British actors offer opinions without even needing a question.
Why is this?
Both camps are very cautious – and fairly so – about giving any details about their personal lives. If you’ve read any of my previous blog entries, you already know my thoughts on that subject. But when it comes to opinions about how your film will be received, the struggle to get it made, the message, maybe even some kind of analysis of its content…there is a big divide.
As a writer and admitted cultural studies junkie, I find this fascinating. And I’d be very curious to know what others think.
British actors get very excited when given the opportunity to give their opinion on politics, class, the pain in the ass elements that made it tough to get their picture financed, the way the director pushed them around to get what s/he wanted. They seem to revel in the chance to have a real conversation.
American actors are very cautious. And are particularly careful about what they say about anyone involved in the film. It’s like a secret code. Say nothing bad. If you say anything bad, your career will be over and everyone will blacklist you. So be very, very careful where you step little one.
It’s weird. And makes for some tough (and boring) interviews. But I’m guessing that there must be an unspoken code. Or that managers and agents coach their clients never to say bad things. Until you’re such a big star that everyone is afraid of you and you can say whatever you please.
Such a shame. The best interviews happen when you talk to an actor who is impassioned about her work and its place in the world. It sucks that people have to tiptoe around what they say for fear of being lambasted or blacklisted. But then, that problem isn’t just limited to interviews.
The only thing I can think of is drama school. Most British actors have come through three years of training where the only focus was education. So, many spent a lot of time talking with their contemporaries about what worked about the last performance, class etc and what didn’t. This is then compounded by the theater background, and lengthy rehersals that a lot of UK actors have.
Oh, and dare I say it but perhaps there is a higher majority of actors in the UK that like to think they are doing it for the art over the money????
Who have been the really good UK people you interviewed????
Oh boy… Tilda Swinton, Colin Firth, Joseph Fiennes, Emma Thompson, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Keira Knightley, Rosamunde Pike, Matthew McFadyen… to name a few.
And if I were to pick favourites? Tilda S. and Emma T. were absolutely amazing. Sharp and witty and kind — all the things an interviewer loves. Joseph Fiennes was articulate and passionate.
Maybe the Americans genuinely believe everyone on a film set is working really, really hard, struggling to get their job done under impossible schedules and would rather not badmouth someone else’s effort even if their work turns out crap?
Criticism should be delivered face to face. Not face to journalist to editor to newspaper color supplement to mother of agent to agent to face.
P.S. I’m not American. I find them impossible to work with. Can’t stand ‘em.