Seven Roles Older British Actors Can Sell Out With

[J.M. Vargas]

DEAD-ON SLIDESHOW OVER AT NY MAGAZINE, in honor of this week's #1 movie 'The Rite.' It's amazing how easy it is even for us, hardcore cinephiles, to buy the Brits as our Gods, mentors and all-around foreign accent delivering thesps even when they don't fit the nationality and/or practicality of the movies/shows.

[Polynikes]

From the British perspective, I can only agree, and I can think of some other examples in addition to those in the Powerpoint (which was nicely observed - it made me smile). It is sad to see some of our finest actors denying their talent with some of the roles they take, but unfortunately the lure of the money seems too great. How unfortunate it is that Alec Guinness is best remembered for playing Obi-Wan Kenobe. However, it was his choice!

[J.M. Vargas]

^^^ They removed a line from the 'Pagan Gods' introduction (probably caught flack from readers) that made me laugh: "...everyone knows all gods, no matter where they are from, speak with a British accent. (Except Jesus. He's American.)"

[the5thghostbuster]

What I came away from this article with: the words "sell out", together, need to go away. Forever.

The whole point of someone being a "sell out" is when one compromises their values and gives into something they have stood against in the past. Did Anthony Hopkins ever say "I only do films for the art of it?" Hell no, the man is one of the more honest when it comes to his willingness to take a job for cash. And when did Ian McKellen ever say he would only do artistic fare? Was it around the time he did THE SHADOW?

At some point, earning a living and selling out became interchangable, and thus the phrase "sell out" has long since lost its value, at least as far as the arts are concerned.

[Attrage]

What I came away from this article with: the words "sell out", together, need to go away. Forever.

The whole point of someone being a "sell out" is when one compromises their values and gives into something they have stood against in the past. Did Anthony Hopkins ever say "I only do films for the art of it?" Hell no, the man is one of the more honest when it comes to his willingness to take a job for cash. And when did Ian McKellen ever say he would only do artistic fare? Was it around the time he did THE SHADOW?

At some point, earning a living and selling out became interchangable, and thus the phrase "sell out" has long since lost its value, at least as far as the arts are concerned.

You're onto a whole 'nother topic there but well said. I totally agree.