Oscar-winner Edmond O'Brien was one of the most-respected character actors in American cinema, from his heyday of the mid-1940s through the late 1960s.
An interesting quote is attributed to him which seems to have two versions although it may be two quotes expressed differently at different times.
IMDb - Versatility is a dangerous thing. It's very satisfying to portray many types of roles, but often your own identity gets lost. Seldom does a producer say, "This is an Eddie O'Brien part." On the other hand, while the rewards may be great in fame and financially for stars, the work becomes monotonous. No actor who plays himself is a happy person.
Wikipedia - "The funny thing about Hollywood is that they are interested in having you do one thing and do it well and do it ever after," said O'Brien. "That's the sad thing about being a leading man – while the rewards may be great in fame and finances, it becomes monotonous for an actor. I think that's why some of the people who are continually playing themselves are not happy.
O'Brien appears to be saying that the world of a cinema star can be an unhappy one because playing yourself over and over again is monotonous. Yet it is also possible that stars playing themselves get to know themselves and their personal limitations too well. Maybe that is a source of unhappiness too.
In a similar vein this may be why politicians put on an act. A political public persona may be odious but if it isn't thought to be real no damage is done to the self-esteem behind the act.
Or they are mostly thick-skinned swine through and through.
3 comments:
I have heard that some treatments for stammering and shyness involve the person pretending to be someone else. Instead of risking one's own ego, put on an accent, say what you want to say from a different role; and you can express yourself more easily.
There are some politicians who do seem to cultivate a role and are constantly pretending to be someone else. Boris, obviously. Probably Corbyn. Blair, for sure. In the case of Theresa May, it's difficult to say. She certainly isn't pretending to be as dull and stupid and misguided as she appears - what would be the point?
“ Private Eye used to portray “ The Reverend” Tony Blair as a modernising vicar.
With real Church of England clergy , I found that the more informal a persona a clergyman projected, the more Politically Correct and authoritarian he really was. It certainly never failed with bishops. The use of a diminutive form of Christian name was a give-away.
“,Bishop Tom” or “Bishop Bill” and these days “Bishop Libby” or “Bishop Roz” - although I have steered clear of them!
I suppose that MPs develop a professional persona too - especially now that they have “ case loads” and are sort of supernumerary social workers for much of the time.
Sam - yes I think Corbyn is certainly playing a role, but I suspect he thinks the role is what he really is. As for Theresa May it is indeed difficult to say. She comes across as a limited person gamely trying to do a job others have made impossible.
Edward - crikey, I could cope with Tom or Bill, but imagine “Bishop Libby” or “Bishop Roz” talking down to you.
Yes MPs probably do develop a professional persona, possibly more than one. One for the House one for journalists and another for constituents. No wonder they go mad.
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