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Thursday, August 24, 2017
THE BRITISH ACTOR INVASION
THE BRITISH INVASION
. . .was a cultural phenomenon of the mid-1960s, when rock and pop music acts from the United Kingdom, as well as other aspects of British culture, became popular in the United States, and significant to rising counterculture on both sides of the Atlantic. Pop and rock groups such as the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five, the Kinks , the Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, and the Animals were at the forefront of the invasion.
THE BRITISH INVASION. . .again!
Have you noticed? The British have invaded the film industry and the television industry! When did it begin this time?
Hugh Laurie of "House" was one of the pioneers of the British invasion. Many actors crossed the Atlantic in search of fame and fortune after this medical show became a hit.
SOME DIRECTORS AND ACTORS ARE CONCERNED
The movement of the British invasion was ignored for a long time, but their massive takeover landing major roles in the movie and TV industry is getting Hollywood's attention. Many directors are asking the question - why aren't more American actors given these roles?
WERE YOU SURPRISED?
. . .when Hugh Laurie spoke with his own language instead of the American one? I was shocked when I was watching "the Talking Dead" with Chris Hardwick and Morgan (Lennie James) began speaking with a British accent! Who knew? He did not seem British at all as he wandered the forest with his steadfast belief as Morgan that "all life is precious." Lennie nailed it!
And, what about the role of Rick Grimes played by British Andrew Lincoln? In "The Walking Dead" he acted out that role with a southern American accent and attitude! Amazing acting, giving the character his own special twist, he entertained us for over 7 years leading the survivors of the zombie apocalypse. This series is still going strong.
Daniel-Day-Lewis played the role of Abraham Lincoln. He has starred in several major American films.
WHAT IS GIVING THE BRITS THE EDGE?
Actor Samuel Jackson is speaking up about how American black actors should be getting more of these roles.
Director Spike Lee is calling for an urgent rethink in the industry and is asking why our country is failing to produce male stars with enough ability to tackle more of these major roles? He says of the international actors, "their training is very proper whereas some of these other brothers and sisters, you know, they come in here, and they don't got that training."
There was a "golden age" of time when actors such as Robert Dinero, Gene Hackman, Al Pacino and Robert Duvall attended drama school and learned serious theory and acting methods.
However, in our times often American actors get their experience from television or from auditioning for commercials. There are, of course, exceptions to the rules such as Leonardo DiCaprio whose talent and hard work keep landing him amazing roles in films.
American actors who reach their late 20's or early 30's might find themselves under qualified compared to their international competitors who spent their early 20's learning theater and how to speak properly.
For example, Tom Hiddleston (the photo above) is a 2005 graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was not discovered until he was out of his 20's. We did not notice Benedict Cumberbatch (stars in "Sherlock Holmes" streaming on Netflix) in America until he was out of his 20's as well. (photo below)
Joanna Read (of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) has been quoted, "There is a lot of stage work in British drama training, but I think its more to do with how we ask them to think about characters, how we ask them to be imaginative, and to change themselves. We will ask an actor to play against type at times, to play a role that they wouldn't necessarily be cast in the profession, in order to work out and transform how they move towards that character. It's almost like putting on a second skin." - *(see ref) Cumberbatch, Ejiofor and Oyelowo are among the actors who attended this school.
This Brit deserved an Emmy for his portrayal of a disfigured, gruff-talking former soldier! Jack Huston starred as Richard Harrow on "Boardwalk Empire." Al Capone was also played by an Englishman, Actor Stephen Graham.
Did you know Alfred Molina was born and raised in London. He is part Italian and part Spanish. He is the master of many accents.
Cary Grant spent his formative years in Bristol, England. After moving to the states as a teen, he adopted a transatlantic accent that left many wondering where he was from.
Sean Connery (August 25, 1930) was one of the first Brits to capture America's admiration. He played 007 in the first five Bond films.
Dr. No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964) and Thunderball (1965) then... went on to star in (1971) Diamonds Are Forever, (1983) Never Say Never Again
He was in "Marnie" (1964) by Alfred Hitchcock
One of my favorite movies was "The Untouchables" (1997) with Keven Costner.
Sean Connery was voted "Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine in 1989 and in 1999 at age 69 he was voted "Sexiest Man of the Century. His film list is long and I am never disappointed by his performances.
American actors are finding ways to get the recognition they deserve by creating unique roles for themselves. Jake Gyllenhaal in "Night Crawler" (2014) video clip above - really pushed the limits with this character called Louis Bloom and made it all his own. The director, Dan Gilroy let him run with it! This movie made a big impression on me as I saw Gyllenhaal transformed into a con artist in L.A. loosing weight and completely changing himself into another person! Cast members included Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, Riz Ahmed and more. "Night Crawler" has received much praise from the ciritics. Jake has been offered some impressive movie roles since "Night Crawler." http://www.imbd.com
Another actor that earned recognition by creating his own character is Billy Bob Thornton. He came to international attention after writing, directing, and starring in the independent drama film, "Sling Blade" 1996 (film clip above) for which he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. He appeared in several major film roles following Sling Blade including Oliver Stone's "U-turn" (1997) "Primary Colors" (1998) and "Armegeddon" (1998) along with "A Simple Plan" (1998) which earned him his third Academy Award nomination.
Is this British invasion raising our standards of character acting and our television standards of acting?
What do you think?
I have enjoyed the addition of refreshing British actors who have joined the film industry and television industry. They have worked hard at entertaining us and have done outstanding with the opportunities here in the US.
I also know that American actors, when given a chance, can transform themselves and do well at character acting. The actors are just as talented and can come up with their own characters and stories to "wow" us when given the opportunity or making the opportunity!
Whether we think it a good thing or a bad thing. . .
The Brits are coming! The British invasion becomes bigger each year. Homeland Security showed a 500 percent increase in the number of visa petitions approved for actors and directors from the UK who want to work in the US entertainment industry.
I did not have time to cover the women actors. They are not loosing as many roles to Brits as the men. The women are holding their own better than the men. Another blog?
There are directors and actors who are angered by this movement and forming groups to try to solve the problem for American acting students. You can research to find them easily online.
Thank you for visiting!
Nelda
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. . .when Hugh Laurie spoke with his own language instead of the American one? I was shocked when I was watching "the Talking Dead" with Chris Hardwick and Morgan (Lennie James) began speaking with a British accent! Who knew? He did not seem British at all as he wandered the forest with his steadfast belief as Morgan that "all life is precious." Lennie nailed it!
This Brit deserved an Emmy for his portrayal of a disfigured, gruff-talking former soldier! Jack Huston starred as Richard Harrow on "Boardwalk Empire." Al Capone was also played by an Englishman, Actor Stephen Graham.
