Gary Oldman stars in The Backwoods

Nadine C.Jan 14th, 2006 - 13:10:37

It has been awhile since I've seen Gary Oldman starring in any well acclaimed (popular) American films. He seems to have moved more towards the independent genre?
My main question is, 'is this Gary's personal preference and career decision
or is it Hollywood or others that have forced him to take (and/or need to take) non leading roles in American films or Star in films that are less popular (less advertised & viewed) in America?'.

I saw him as Commissioner Gordon in 'Batman Begins', he did Star in 'Sin' with Ving Rhames in 2003 which I don't even remember being advertised... and he did star in 'Tiptoes', but in Tiptoes (even though he was the lead role), he was in 'full costume.'
If you didn't know who Gary Oldman was, you wouldn't know that was him.

The same goes for 'Hannibal' in 2001 as well (which I may add his Mason Verger character all but made that movie; brilliant character, acting and scripting).
This movie proves my point though, I bought the 'Hannibal' DVD with all the extra's(added footage, interviews, movie stills, behind the scenes, etc.) and Gary Oldman was non existent in that and had no mention.
As I remember, he isn't even in the opening credits when the film beings as you see the other main actors listed. He is a main character, yet the only way you'd know he was in it is if you watched the ending credits as they role by.
That has always puzzled me. If I'm wrong, someone please correct me.

My personal opinion is that he is a well enough established, accomplished, attractive and talented actor and should be STARRING in popular American films without being masked somehow by costume (predominantly unrecognizable) and rather than costarring as he has done in the recent past, or in the less seen independent, foreign films.
If this is all by his design and choice, great!, I'm very happy that he's doing what he loves. I wish that for him.
But I do long for the days when I remember him starring in films such as 'The Scarlet Letter' 'Immortal Beloved', 'The Professional' and 'Bram Stoker's Dracula'. Top billing, handsome and brilliant.

I guess I'm saying that I truly believe he deserves to be and should be much more publicly recognized and noticed as you see so many other male actors are such as Anthony Hopkins, etc. He is equal to and BETTER than the popular male actors we have today - while less recognized. I'm baffled by it unless it's Gary's choice and preference.

I make it a point to try to see all his films - even if I don't particularly care for its theme or genre and even a film that I know he was an Executive Producer of but didn't appear in, because he is my favorite actor for many reasons that I won't exhaustively list here which includes his political stance which I have a deep respect for.

He's extremely interesting both on and off screen.

I will be seeing this film if not simply to watch Gary Oldman's performance and all the better if it's a great film!
As of yet, I haven't seen it advertised in the USA and will see it when and wherever it plays.

Thanks,
Nadine
So Cal.
Nadiine9@aol.com

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Keith hewitt UKSep 30th, 2007 - 18:58:28

Gary is a oe of the world best orininally from my home town off east london. to the person (american) who left the last note. THERE IS MORE TO ACTING THAN YOUR SHITE HOLLYWOOD! hope one day Europe dont have to spoon feed you anymore.

Gary pics his caractors on and i quote him 'quality not quantity'


Get a passport!

k

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KOct 25th, 2007 - 01:40:37

From what I've read/ seen in interviews, Oldman has decided to pursue quality, low-budget films. He's also keen to direct more than act, but recognizes that in order to finance opportunities to direct, he needs to act. There have been a few reports out there that he's 'lost the fire for acting,' per se, but not necessarily for making films.

As for the role of Mason Verger, I've heard reports that he requested not to be credited. Perhaps this was an attempt to pursue the role for the role's sake?

My only regret with his decision to make less-popularized films is the inaccessibility of said films. 'The Backwoods,' for instance, has been out for a while, and I can't find it anywhere!

-K

PS: Just for the record, not all Americans think Hollywood is the end all and be all of film and acting. And not every Englishman has the sole rights to 'culture.'

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keith hewittFeb 7th, 2008 - 19:58:39

Good comment above but you do realise what a bunch of dumb twats the rest of the world think you are, i have spent time in the states and your good people but god you find it hard to look outside hey.

May 'someone save us all' long live Mr Old Man!

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