So, I kind of like the idea of writing just an post about movies once a week where I get to rant about a certain aspect of films, something that is a conversation piece so that I can kind of get other people's opinions and try to start a dialogue with my readers (if there are any.) So, this week I thought I would talk about repeat casting.
For those of you who live under a rock, it has been a common thread in the film industry that certain directors like to work with certain actors whenever they can. The prime example is Tim Burton with Johnny Depp, but that is definitely not the only example. Now, to me this isn't a conversation about if repeat casting is right or wrong, this is about how it can work and how it can go horribly wrong.
The key problem with repeat casting is that it often comes from directors with a certain style that are looking for actors to give repeat performances. The obvious example of this is Burton/Depp. Even more than that, pretty much anyone that is recast in a Burton film is there to play the exact same role they played the first go around. Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp are the best examples, but there are a few others. The problem here is actually the director, not the actors. I mean, Depp has had some great performances outside of Burton films (like Blow and Public Enemies), so we know it isn't his fault. It is the fault of Burton who just won't stray from his fantastical, ridiculous style that worked for his first few films (Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Ed Wood) but just isn't original anymore. I really wish Depp would choose to not pair with Burton so that he can actually showcase his acting talent. But as long as he is making the big bucks in these movies, he will never stop. Such a waste.
I think that the key to successful repeat casting from having a versatile director pairing with versatile actors. There are many directors who recast the same few actors in all (or most) of their films and make it work splendidly. I find it absolutely ridiculous when people mock Christopher Nolan for recasting actors like Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Tom Hardy, etc. when he actually uses them in very different roles in completely different films. Yes, Nolan has a style that he carries across most of his films, but I don't think that "gritty" is a set in stone style. He really covers the spectrum of the gritty genre. When he goes from using Christian Bale as Batman (Batman Begins) to using Christian Bale as Alfred Borden (The Prestige) he uses him because he is a versatile actor that can take on a completely different role, not because he wants him to copy his performance from the previous film. That is absolutely key, and you see it from tons of great directors of the time. Just search around a little and you'll see it: Scorsese/DiCaprio, Scott/Crowe, Scorsese/De Niro, Scott/Washington, McQueen/Fassbender...the list goes on. There are so many successful stories and you see a clear pattern here: great directors can use the same actors over and over again with stunning results.
I really should have come up with more examples of repeat casting not working instead of just shitting on Burton/Depp/Bonham Carter, but I don't care. If you can think of more examples that don't work, go ahead and tell me, or examples that do work (like Wes Anderson/ANYONE.)
I really want to start a discussion, because I love to have a dialogue with people about movies so pretty please comment or share with friends! And if you made it to the end: THANKS FOR READING AND SUPPORTING MY OBSESSION!
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