Posted on 03/07/2006 6:28:34 AM PST by ex-Texan
Movie legend Sir Anthony Hopkins has criticised film bosses for making "condescending" films
"Audiences aren't so mindless as movie-makers think", he told the Radio Times magazine.
The Hollywood star's latest film, The World's Fastest Indian, is a true story about a New Zealander motorcyclist who broke the land speed record.
Sir Anthony said of the movie: "No sex or violence, and that's refreshing.
"I'm also tired of the camera moving all over the place, with car chases so cut and edited you don't know what's happening.
"It's condescending. Audiences aren't so mindless as movie-makers think."
He added: "If you look at The Shining or Fargo, they photograph it and let actors tell a story. That's the old-fashioned way. I hope it comes back."
The Silence of the Lambs star added that he would not put up with "tyrannical" directors any longer, adding: "I don't take this acting business seriously ... I enjoy acting more now than ever because I treat it as an enjoyable hobby.
"I can't get caught up in the self-importance. People bow to your every wish and you forget where you come from and what you're doing," he told the magazine.
"I recently worked with two actors who wouldn't come out of their trailers for some reason.
"Can you figure that out? It's insanity. Or they complain because their trailers aren't big enough.
"Bulls***. It's a job, like any other, so don't make a big deal. Be polite, treat the crew with respect and don't think you're different.
"I've worked with directors who are tyrannical and sadistic - but no longer. I'd rather do something else."
Sir Anthony, who became a US citizen in 2000, said he would never make a stage comeback.
He said: "I won't return to theatre work. It's monotonous, too much like being in prison, standing on stage in tights.
"I admire actors who can do it, and I'm sure they have a great life, but I can't stay in any one place for too long, or settle into that grey, sombre atmosphere of the Waterloo Road on a wet Wednesday afternoon.
"There's something so depressing looming across the muddy Thames from that concrete breeze block, with the smell of stale coffee, and thinking, 'Oh, God I have to do another matinee', and the luvvies and the darlings.
"They're all right, but I have better interests than sitting in Le Caprice talking about the problems of being an actor."
This reinforces my good opinion of him.
The World's Fastest Indian was an enjoyable movie.
Oh my .. a Hollywood Actor that gets it
They are few and rare these days
He said: "I won't return to theatre work. It's monotonous, too much like being in prison, standing on stage in tights.
"I admire actors who can do it, and I'm sure they have a great life, but I can't stay in any one place for too long, or settle into that grey, sombre atmosphere of the Waterloo Road on a wet Wednesday afternoon.
"There's something so depressing looming across the muddy Thames from that concrete breeze block, with the smell of stale coffee, and thinking, 'Oh, God I have to do another matinee', and the luvvies and the darlings.
"They're all right, but I have better interests than sitting in Le Caprice talking about the problems of being an actor."
Wow! Have always admired his work but this..... good for Sir Anthony. What is it with Wales that they produce such fine actors?
P.S. Someone here on FR said THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN is Hopkins' best work, ever.
Sir Anthony: a breath of fresh air. :)
He seems to have joined the growing number of older actors who decry the current culture that creates "stars" rather than "actors." IIRC, Christopher Lee said that he seriously considered quitting because the current crop of big names were so poor at acting.
NO KIDDING!!!
And really really enjoyed him in THE EDGE. The billionaire who keeps his head about him in the most dire of circumstances.
Anthony Hopkins - tops my list of favorite actors!
If only I had money to make movies. I'd make things that entertain. Messages would be buried deep or non existant. I'd make a movie about a Desert Storm hero. I'd make a movie about an Iraqi escaping Iraq and converting to a real religion. I'd make a movie portraying the war with islam as it is, not how others wish it to be. I'd make sci-fi's about human spirit reaching and stretching, not about today's politics in a future setting. /< dreaming>
Wow. How refreshing. I've always liked his work but, as with any actor, I've avoided knowing his personal thoughts. I'm relieved to find that I'd probably be able to stand him as a person too.
Priceless...
And 'Sir'(in his own mind) George Clooney was giving Hollywood a big slap on the back for being so 'with it'.
What is the rating? I avoid r-rated movies nowadays.
You're OK with the moving camera technique?
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