[skr]

At Caine's age, he's unlikely to find stellar parts, so he does his job, probably with the best that is offered to him. I remember Charlton Heston saying he would act even if he wasn't paid to do so. Perhaps those who live to act will do so without pay and without a good script.

I don't like all of Caine's movies and he's apparently been in some that must've been C or D flicks, but I don't remember ever seeing him give a bad performance.

[Jack Deth]

Very good post, skr:

At Caine's age, he's unlikely to find stellar parts, so he does his job, probably with the best that is offered to him. I remember Charlton Heston saying he would act even if he wasn't paid to do so.

Charlton Heston did just that. Offering to put up his salary for his lead role in 'Major Dundee' when the Hollywood suits were ready to pull the plug on Sam Peckenpah's film when it went over schedule and over-budget.

The Hollywood suits immediately took Heston's money!

Sir Michael(Congrats on your Knighthood, Sir!) is following the path blazed by Sean Connery years ago. Of taking a smaller supporting role and beefing up the work ('The Untouchables', 'Hunt For Red October', 'Rising Sun', 'The Rock' etc)of a weak leading actor.

Sir Michael has been in some turkeys, as all actors have. Though like you, I cannot remember him turning in a bad performance.

I also agree with his opinion that older films are much better. Especially the films of the 1970s.

Jack.