Lucas, Zac, and Fighting the Typecast
In other news...I got Milk on DVD today!!! Finally!!! XD
I'm quite thrilled about this. I only got to see it once in theatres if I remember correctly. Of course, I'm most looking forward to watching Lucas Grabeel (who I still say, despite his small role did a fabulous job in the movie--especially during ensemble scenes, that boy and his fantastic facial expressions just stand out so much. He's a truly phenomanal actor/singer/dancer/performer who I really look forward to seeing more from) in the movie again. But of course, the entire movie on its own is still an amazing piece of film. Sean Penn rightly deserved the Academy Award for his performance. I'm most excited in seeng all the extras and deleted scenes on the DVD (and really, that's the only reason people buy DVDs anymore anyway right? That, and to support a movie they really loved...). But I'm waiting until after my roommate comes back from her interview later today. Because she hasn't seen it at all yet.
And yes, everyone who I watch and/or discuss this movie with, I'm secretly (or rather, quite obviously) promoting Lucas Grabeel's great acting, and when the other people agree (which so far, all have) I like to point out and remind them "he was the gay kid/Sharpay's brother/Ryan in High School Musical you know..." To prove that just because you were in a movie aimed for kids does not mean your acting is at a childish level. (I actually had a friend of mine after the movie come up to me and say "you know, I have to admit that guy [who'd I'd pointed out to him in the beginning of the film] was pretty impressive. Especially near the end there."
I'd now like to take this oppertunity to point out that (at least from my memory of seeing it, which may be biased, but my friend agreed when I added this so I think I'm right), Lucas Grabeel was the only one who seriously appeared to be crying in the candlelight vigil scene. Not to insult the others around him, but only to compliment his ability which could easily be dismissed because of what brought him to attention (I believe it was either the NYTimes or Newsday that said his performance was the highlight of HSM3...).
XD I didn't mean for this to be so Lucas-centric...but I guess I'm just happy for him being able to break into big budget, serious and prolific films like this. And looking forward to more from his career now that his name is attached to an Academy Award nominated (and winning!) movie. Which again, even without already being a fan of Lucas, that movie was phenomanal and in my opinion, definitely worthy of all the attention it got and more. (although after seeing Slumdog Millionaire, that film did have all that was required and the typical powerful and uplifting feel of the traditional Oscar winning movie...)
In other Former Wildcat news...I'm terribly, terribly dissapointed about Zac Efron dropping out of Footloose. I completely understand his desire to stop being typecast as the musical teen heart-throb (because I totally get that anyone who hasn't actually seen him or seriously watched his performances in his past films could easily dismiss him as just a cute kid and not the really talented actor that he is), but I was really looking foward to his spin on Ren! Couldn't he have sworn off musicals AFTER the remake of Footloose? Especially with KENNY ORTEGA directing! Who else can play Ren? And after how well his portrayal of Link Larkin in Hairspray went over, I would think he'd want to do one more good role in the musical genre before moving on...especially since musicals don't seem to be going out of style too soon...
And yet, while I'm angry at Zac for dropping out, I'm still getting super excited and thrilled whenever I see a commericial for 17 Again. Which I am definitely going to see at least once. Because it looks hilarious. And I guess, once a Wildcat [fan], always a Wildcat [fan]. XD
And I'm sorry Zac, like Daniel Radcliff and probably now Robert Pattinson, (as well as John Travolta way before them), despite your talent, it's sadly going to be a while before you become instantly recognized for anything aside from what brought you to mega-stardom so quickly. Not as any insult against your own obvious ability and range, it is just what your name is attached to right now.
All three of them I think are quite talented, and have more ability than they are typically given credit for (I'm not a fan of Twilight, but was made to see the movie and do believe from that and Harry Potter 4 that Robert has plenty of talent). Sadly, each being the main face of their current cult/mega-fandoms, for those who haven't seen the movies (or watched them, but with a critical eye or perconceived opinion), will most likely be quick to dismiss their talent because of either what they are known for, or the idea that they are just cute faces and can't actually act. They have the challenge to prove their versatility.
The main important thing is to not desert or insult the fans that brought you to the center of attention (which so far, I think all three of these boys have managed not to do yet). You have to keep your old fanbase, while expanding it by slowly edging into different roles/mediums. Zac taking something like 17 Again is a good move, as it is a comedy so his old (or young XD) fans will still see and appriciate it, while bringing in new people who perhaps don't enjoy singing and dancing so much. It will be a step towards more "mainstream/serious" genres (like drama or action) once it becomes obvious to producers and directors that his talent is marketable outside of the tween and musical world.
So, in short, pick projects that challenge you, enjoy what you're doing and don't worry about your perception yet since you're still fairly young. No partying, no drinking & driving, no drugs (though for some reason I have a feeling Robert could probably get away with it...maybe Daniel too...perhaps b/c they're British? Or their fandoms are more "adult"?--the latter reason also why they'll have an easier time getting a more "mainstream" than Zac I believe), and no openly bashing what brought you to fame. That's a quick way to get hatemail and I'd think it's much better to have paparazzi and screaming fangirls instead of paparazzi and hatemail. Plus, who would want to hire someone who bashes their own projects?
Anyway, that's my opinion. I guess being fans of actors before they were mega-huge makes you think/hope/worry of these things...XD
Yipes! This was much longer than I thought it was going to be... probably a combo of being a fan, writer, and having only 45 mins of sleep.
Anyway, anyone else have any thoughts on the subject?
I'm quite thrilled about this. I only got to see it once in theatres if I remember correctly. Of course, I'm most looking forward to watching Lucas Grabeel (who I still say, despite his small role did a fabulous job in the movie--especially during ensemble scenes, that boy and his fantastic facial expressions just stand out so much. He's a truly phenomanal actor/singer/dancer/performer who I really look forward to seeing more from) in the movie again. But of course, the entire movie on its own is still an amazing piece of film. Sean Penn rightly deserved the Academy Award for his performance. I'm most excited in seeng all the extras and deleted scenes on the DVD (and really, that's the only reason people buy DVDs anymore anyway right? That, and to support a movie they really loved...). But I'm waiting until after my roommate comes back from her interview later today. Because she hasn't seen it at all yet.
And yes, everyone who I watch and/or discuss this movie with, I'm secretly (or rather, quite obviously) promoting Lucas Grabeel's great acting, and when the other people agree (which so far, all have) I like to point out and remind them "he was the gay kid/Sharpay's brother/Ryan in High School Musical you know..." To prove that just because you were in a movie aimed for kids does not mean your acting is at a childish level. (I actually had a friend of mine after the movie come up to me and say "you know, I have to admit that guy [who'd I'd pointed out to him in the beginning of the film] was pretty impressive. Especially near the end there."
I'd now like to take this oppertunity to point out that (at least from my memory of seeing it, which may be biased, but my friend agreed when I added this so I think I'm right), Lucas Grabeel was the only one who seriously appeared to be crying in the candlelight vigil scene. Not to insult the others around him, but only to compliment his ability which could easily be dismissed because of what brought him to attention (I believe it was either the NYTimes or Newsday that said his performance was the highlight of HSM3...).
XD I didn't mean for this to be so Lucas-centric...but I guess I'm just happy for him being able to break into big budget, serious and prolific films like this. And looking forward to more from his career now that his name is attached to an Academy Award nominated (and winning!) movie. Which again, even without already being a fan of Lucas, that movie was phenomanal and in my opinion, definitely worthy of all the attention it got and more. (although after seeing Slumdog Millionaire, that film did have all that was required and the typical powerful and uplifting feel of the traditional Oscar winning movie...)
In other Former Wildcat news...I'm terribly, terribly dissapointed about Zac Efron dropping out of Footloose. I completely understand his desire to stop being typecast as the musical teen heart-throb (because I totally get that anyone who hasn't actually seen him or seriously watched his performances in his past films could easily dismiss him as just a cute kid and not the really talented actor that he is), but I was really looking foward to his spin on Ren! Couldn't he have sworn off musicals AFTER the remake of Footloose? Especially with KENNY ORTEGA directing! Who else can play Ren? And after how well his portrayal of Link Larkin in Hairspray went over, I would think he'd want to do one more good role in the musical genre before moving on...especially since musicals don't seem to be going out of style too soon...
And yet, while I'm angry at Zac for dropping out, I'm still getting super excited and thrilled whenever I see a commericial for 17 Again. Which I am definitely going to see at least once. Because it looks hilarious. And I guess, once a Wildcat [fan], always a Wildcat [fan]. XD
And I'm sorry Zac, like Daniel Radcliff and probably now Robert Pattinson, (as well as John Travolta way before them), despite your talent, it's sadly going to be a while before you become instantly recognized for anything aside from what brought you to mega-stardom so quickly. Not as any insult against your own obvious ability and range, it is just what your name is attached to right now.
All three of them I think are quite talented, and have more ability than they are typically given credit for (I'm not a fan of Twilight, but was made to see the movie and do believe from that and Harry Potter 4 that Robert has plenty of talent). Sadly, each being the main face of their current cult/mega-fandoms, for those who haven't seen the movies (or watched them, but with a critical eye or perconceived opinion), will most likely be quick to dismiss their talent because of either what they are known for, or the idea that they are just cute faces and can't actually act. They have the challenge to prove their versatility.
The main important thing is to not desert or insult the fans that brought you to the center of attention (which so far, I think all three of these boys have managed not to do yet). You have to keep your old fanbase, while expanding it by slowly edging into different roles/mediums. Zac taking something like 17 Again is a good move, as it is a comedy so his old (or young XD) fans will still see and appriciate it, while bringing in new people who perhaps don't enjoy singing and dancing so much. It will be a step towards more "mainstream/serious" genres (like drama or action) once it becomes obvious to producers and directors that his talent is marketable outside of the tween and musical world.
So, in short, pick projects that challenge you, enjoy what you're doing and don't worry about your perception yet since you're still fairly young. No partying, no drinking & driving, no drugs (though for some reason I have a feeling Robert could probably get away with it...maybe Daniel too...perhaps b/c they're British? Or their fandoms are more "adult"?--the latter reason also why they'll have an easier time getting a more "mainstream" than Zac I believe), and no openly bashing what brought you to fame. That's a quick way to get hatemail and I'd think it's much better to have paparazzi and screaming fangirls instead of paparazzi and hatemail. Plus, who would want to hire someone who bashes their own projects?
Anyway, that's my opinion. I guess being fans of actors before they were mega-huge makes you think/hope/worry of these things...XD
Yipes! This was much longer than I thought it was going to be... probably a combo of being a fan, writer, and having only 45 mins of sleep.
Anyway, anyone else have any thoughts on the subject?