K. A. Pital wrote:Yeah, I mean replacing Montalban with Cumbrbatch, that just felt so wrong and completely unnecessary as there are many talented actors who are not white.
I think what Bale is doing is simply not necessary and signifies the turning of humans into nothing but playthings for big money. Not that it was not the same before, but I still feel this is reaching a new level with the obsessive role-fitting unhealthy routines some actors take on,
Reminds me of the story they tell about Laurence Oliver and Dustin Hoffman. Hoffman was going all method, getting ready for a scene, and Oliver is like, "Just act, dude". Except with a more posh British accent and probably a cup of tea, but you know what I mean-- that illustrates the two approachs acting can take. You can either try to really immerse yourself into the role, *become* the character (see Bale), or simply... 'act' (that is, pretend) temporarily. Both are arguably valid approaches; both have their drawbacks. I do agree that inflicting extreme circumstances upon yourself is a bit silly, but IIRC it's usually completely voluntary. Like Viggo Mortensen spent a few months learning how to ride horses for Lord of the Rings, spent that time wearing his costume and messing around with his sword, etc... he didn't *have* to do that, but he wanted to in order to give his character greater authenticity (in his eyes). I don't think anybody asked Bale to drop 70 pounds-- if anything they probably just said 'try to look kinda skinny, suck in the gut or something'.
For some films, like 300, well. A certain 'look' is more or less expected. 300 was slightly insane because you've got, well, what, 50-some buff male actors working out together in a gym at the same time (see the behind-the-scenes video). You can also look at Hugh Jackman's Wolverine from the first X-Men movie, and compare it to 'The Wolverine'-- far more ripped in the latter.
It's a strange world. Let's keep it that way.