Poll: Which Classic Actor is Today's Defining Face?
San Francisco journalist Mick Lasalle today comments that, in his opinion, George Clooney is the American actor of our generation, the one who most closely embodies our country's vision of itself.
It’s a role, he muses, that Kevin Costner held at one point, as did Robert Redford, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, and maybe Paul Newman in their own eras. Lasalle says that when he looks at Clooney, he sees America circa 2007—"Down to earth, ironic, dissatisfied, knowing, slightly apprehensive, wary, capable and a little bit angry."
He also notes that this is an idea he's still working on. So we'll ask you: what classic actor most embodies our country as we now know it? (We can only list so many choices, so by all means vote "Other" and tell us in a comment if you'd prefer to nominate someone else!)
Steve Buscemi is the defining actor of our times.
Steve Buscemi is the defining actor of our times.
Oh for goodness sake!
Al Pacino!
Matt Damon
Steve Carell
Brad Pitt is a terrible actor. Ergo, he is the defining actor of our times.
Christian Bale.
Christian Bale.
Joaquin Phoenix or Christian Bale.
I know it might sound like a far fetched suggestion and he's not a classical actor but he is original. the actor i'm talking about is Ryan Reynolds.
Christian Bale. He's still relatively young. Reminds me of a young De Niro.
Edward Norton has played a lot of different roles and has managed to capture all of them. While he may not be as popular as Johnny Depp or Will Smith I would easily put him in the same catagory as them acting wise
sylvester stallone!
Has done it all!
Jon Lovitz
Adam Sandler? you kiddin me?
How come Christian bale and edward norton is not in the list. they are for real!! they are the new breed of great actors like deNiro and al pacino. Both Norton and Bale had already played demanding roles in their young careers
Bruce Willis. He has the makings of an all time classic.
Well to all the Bale-fans:
He's not American, he's British.
Clooney is the right choice here. He is a good actor, but above all, he's a movie star, a charismatic leading man. He's the modern mixture of Bogart and Gable.
What about Clint Eastwood?
As for the list, Depp doesn't count, he's French now. Sandler isn't an actor, he's a ham. Denzel's the best choice on the list by a mile.
Brad Pitt is perhaps the "best actor" in my opinion in this list. However, here are a number of actors not listed who are all better than anyone listed on the list you provide, and they are relatively "contemporary". Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino (already named), Jack Nicholson, Robert Deniro, Kenneth Branaugh, It seems as if the list provided is more a list of popular names, not high quality actors. Although the list contains mostly people who actually are able to act some with one exception, Adam Sandler. Mr. Sandler is not an "actor" by primary entertainment start, and his movie roles are less acting than pure farce. I would at least remove him from the list.
Brad Pitt is perhaps the "best actor" in my opinion in this list. However, here are a number of actors not listed who are all better than anyone listed on the list you provide, and they are relatively "contemporary". Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino (already named), Jack Nicholson, Robert Deniro, Kenneth Branaugh, It seems as if the list provided is more a list of popular names, not high quality actors. Although the list contains mostly people who actually are able to act some with one exception, Adam Sandler. Mr. Sandler is not an "actor" by primary entertainment start, and his movie roles are less acting than pure farce. I would at least remove him from the list.
Brad Pitt is perhaps the "best actor" in my opinion in this list. However, here are a number of actors not listed who are all better than anyone listed on the list you provide, and they are relatively "contemporary". Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino (already named), Jack Nicholson, Robert Deniro, Kenneth Branaugh, It seems as if the list provided is more a list of popular names, not high quality actors. Although the list contains mostly people who actually are able to act some with one exception, Adam Sandler. Mr. Sandler is not an "actor" by primary entertainment start, and his movie roles are less acting than pure farce. I would at least remove him from the list.
Brad Pitt is perhaps the "best actor" in my opinion in this list. However, here are a number of actors not listed who are all better than anyone listed on the list you provide, and they are relatively "contemporary". Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino (already named), Jack Nicholson, Robert Deniro, Kenneth Branaugh, It seems as if the list provided is more a list of popular names, not high quality actors. Although the list contains mostly people who actually are able to act some with one exception, Adam Sandler. Mr. Sandler is not an "actor" by primary entertainment start, and his movie roles are less acting than pure farce. I would at least remove him from the list.
Clooney as the embodiment of America's image of itself? Ugh. The playboy might be who MEN enjoy seeing, but I find Depp's devotion to family a much better image.
And, Depp is a much better actor.
Clooney is not even a very good actor; how anyone, unless heavily influenced by political considerations, can rank him in the top ten is beyond understanding or reason.
Wow, this poll seems to have hit a vein of opinion! It was hard making a list of nominees (we can only put up a maximum of 10 choices). I avoided actors like Nicholson, Eastwood, Pacino, Hoffman, DeNiro, Stallone because they would better be classified as defining an earlier America. (Remember, the poll isn't who's the best actor, but who best defines our times.) And yes, I did add Sandler as something of a joke, but you could well argue him as deserving the position. (It was either him or Freddie Prinze Jr.) Loved reading all your opinions!
I voted for Johnny, but I have to mention Steve Carell. I think we have alot of humor in todays society, but he also is one of the cool/sexy geeks that are starting to dominate cultural trends.
Christian Bale
Please no question, Robert Redford or Jack Nicklson!
Christian Bale. He's versatile, convincing and incredibly wacthable.
I guess it makes a big difference what time period is being referred to by "today." Johnny Depp is one of the best actors out there today...possibly in the top 10 of all time but at the same time, until Pirates of the Caribbean, he flew under the radar. So that may disqualify him from that "defining" quality. If that's what we're basing it on, I guess Brad Pitt would be a better choice since he's the typical American hunk with enough acting talent to be well-rounded. George Clooney? I like him but I think he's a bit old school and just because that charm worked for Bogart, etc, doesn't mean it's what our country/society is like today so I wouldn't say he defines "today" for Hollywood. Tom Hanks probably deserves the title since he's got the most impressive body of work (by awards standards, anyway) but to me, he's a bit old...as in not "today's" Hollywood. Same with Denzel. I can't make a great argument for Leonardo DiCaprio...just that I don't really care for him. Will Smith is today's "action" star (the new Bruce, Sylvester, Steven, Arnold, etc) that continuously saves the world but in my opinion, he's too type-cast...maybe if he branches out a bit, in time he could be considered one of the best. Tommy Lee Jones...I love him but not the current face of Hollywood. And Adam Sandler...ew.
So in conclusion...Johnny Depp is my vote but I wouldn't be in disagreement (or too upset) if Brad Pitt came out on top.
Much as I love Christian Bale (and worry about his health - all that gaining and losing weight!), as a Brit he's not in the running here. Ditto Kenneth Branagh
matt damon is the best
Harrison Ford
There's a lot of great actors up there, but I'd have to go with Edward Norton. He's portrayed characters that absolutely shocked me. American History X...look what he did to his body for that role, he's not a guy with a ton of muscles, but he worked his ass off to get into shape for that one. Primal Fear...he had me feeling sorry for him the entire movie. Down in the Valley was one of my favourites of last year, Norton was brilliant in it. The Painted Veil is not my usual cup of tea, but Norton kept me captivated. Then there's Fight Club, both Norton and Pitt were awesome in that. I think Edward Norton should be considered.
Reread the article. The question is to name the actor who "...most closely embodies our country's vision of itself."
NOT the best actor.
NOT the actor who's been in your favorite films.
NOT the actor you admire the most.
To me, George Clooney and Tom Hanks most closely fit Lasalle's description. If there were a separate category for comedies, Steve Carell would be my choice.
Dear God people. Learn to friggin read. No where does the list say these are the best American actors. And for the person who suggested Kenneth Branaugh I say put the pipe down. The man is BRITISH!! The list is looking for the person who best represents America as we see it. I personally would nominate Matt Damon. He is smart, charming, devoted to his family, never forgets his roots, always stands up for his friends when unfairly attacked, and if asked a question he does not like has been known to say "Im taking my ball and I am going home." Now what is more American than that?
Christian Bale, Even his crappiest movies are considered golden.
Edward Norton hands down. He is amazing.
George Clooney is way overrated, what did he do prior to the past few years that was "important". Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are the 2 that have been around for 2 decades and keep on churning out respectable work. All I have to say is George Clooney was in From Dusk Until Dawn. Enough said...
Sean Penn or Dustin Hoffman
Well, is FROM DUSK TIL DAWN worse than Tom Hanks in MAZES AND MONSTERS or Denzel Washington in CARBON COPY? You'd hardly be an American actor if you didn't have a few stinkers early in your career! (Though if you really wanted to dig intoClooney's past, you'd turn up RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES, RETURN TO HORROR HIGH and COMBAT ACADEMY!
christian bale
Ed Norton. Though he doesn't do as much commercial stuff, he is pound for pound the best.
Matt Damon
Daniel Day Lewis. He is one of the most under appreciated actors thats for sure. Amazing in everything he does.
Ed Norton
Gael Garcia Bernal
just kidding!! hehe... Ed Norton
I'd say Matt Damon. Christian Bale isn't even American.
I don't think Christian Bale is a bad idea, especially considering how well he portrays Americans. Not to mention I've never seen any other actor do so much for a role ("Batman", following "The Machinist"? You're going to overlook that?).
I'd say Brad Pitt can act to some degree. He was damn good in "Snatch", at least. And I thought he was just as good in "Fight Club".
Christian Bale
Morgan Freeman, no contest.
Christian Bale is not American. The premise is asking who is the iconic AMERICAN actor of our day. This also eliminates Daniel Day Lewis, Gael Garcia Bernal
Heck, if I was asked to name the finest, most definitive English speaking ACTOR of our day, I'd propose the incredible Russell Crowe. He's best at playing iconic Americans... better than most Americans can. Far better than pretty boys Pitt or Clooney.
Why aren't there any women on this list? This is 2007 right? How about Meryl Streep? Or Halle Berry, or Julianne Moore...
Tom Cruise, baby!
Christian Bale
Christian Bale
Edward Norton, of course!
I could very possibly agree with Edward Norton.
Daniel Day Lewis
Christian Bale!!!!!!!!!!!
erm, no chistian bale or edward norton? no vote!
Christian Bale is BRITISH!!!!!! Stop mentioning him!!!
TOM CRUISE!!!
Christian Bale
I voted Other: Al Pacino
And btw, who added Adam Sandler to that list? Are you kidding me? I saw his name and busted out laughing. With so many of the listed actors sporting HUGE dramatic
offerings, AS has only done a couple. Come on! Al Pacino should've been a shoe-in for that list. It's like there's a flag on the field here, and no one's taking notice.
-sigh-
Um, hello, can you say CLIVE OWEN????? I love George, he is a great "star" but not such a great actor. Clive is an incredible actor with range and professionalism. Doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes either :)
Clooney, Hanks or Washington.
Read the article again.
Give Depp a couple of years and less "quirky" accessible parts and he comes into the frame.
Harrison Ford
Oh my god.
To anyone who mentions Christian Bale, Kenneth Branagh, etc...you need to have your license to use the Internet revoked as you can't even READ A SIX SENTENCE ARTICLE PROPERLY!!!
clooney is too much of a goof, can't get over batman and robin.... what a goof! It's all about brad pitt, always classic, always good rolls, and a classic badboy, reminds me of james dean. or christian bale, like marlon brando, so much emotion, few words!
Kevin Spacey or Edward Norton.
Christian Bale (i know he's Welsh, but who cares, the poll said classic actor NOT American), Steve Buscemi, Clive Owen, oh and that Robert De Niro guy...Sandler? DiCaprio? Give me a break... why don't you just put Val Kilmer on there while you're at it?!
Kevin Spacey or Edward Norton.
Where the hell is Morgan Freeman or Kevin Spacey on this list?
SEAN PENN
2 words: Christian Bale
Christian Bale
GARY OLDMAN
Believe it or not, Cassey Affleck in the next 2 or 3 years will be a hugeee star
Believe it or not, Cassey Affleck in the next 2 or 3 years will be a hugeee star
Kevin Spacey.
MORGAN FREEMAN, because unlike those so called "actors" like Clooney who generally play theselves on screen, Freeman has mangaed to shine without overwhelming the characters he's palying. One day he might be recognized for who he is, as the American counterpart of the chamelion like English actor Alec Guiness. Let's just hope he gets his due before he's dead.
Paris Hilton.
Cmon!It's Christian Bale, hands down..
A Close second would be Edward Norton..
Anthony Hopkins
Umm...Daniel Day Lewis? Jeremy Irons? Christian Bale? These three men are capable of absolutely fantastic performances -(Brad Pitt??)
Gary Oldman! He is the #1 Best character actor alive. Nobody beats him. And the best part is that he's not american!
Christian Bale!!!!!!!!!!!
Robert De Niro, hands down.
Robert De Niro, hands down.
Robert De Niro, hands down.
Robert De Niro, hands down.
Ed Norton is the best, most reliable actor of his generation...but only when Christian Bale is busy.
Paul Giamatti is my second choice (or is it third).
Al Pacino
Bruce Campbell
Who made up this list? Frat boys and high school girls? Adam Sandler?!?
Christian Bale
Ed Norton
Samuel L. Jackson.
That man can play almost anybody, sidekick, bad-guy, romantic lead, hero, random clerk, etc.
What about Shahrukh Khan?
Alan Rickman
Christian Bale was my first thought, just because he's such an amazing actor. He's still defining himself (perhaps as undefinable), but I think that he represents a darker side than Hanks or Clooney. I definitely see how those two would "define our times", especially if you look at what Clooney's been doing recently.
Christian Bale!!!! He's the best! (I know he was not born in America but he IS an AMERICAN CITIZEN AND THAT MAKES HIM AN AMERICAN! END OF DEBATE!)
Edward Norton and Christian Bale deserve to be on that list.
Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey. Christian Bale. (Your poll doesn't restrict it to Americans, even if the article does.)
Sean Penn!
His talent, his beliefs, his courage.
He talks the talk and walks the walk. He is all about the art/craft. Smart, passionate, fun, daring.
He is what the US people (should) stand for.
Which is totally different from the US Government of course...
Sean Penn!
His talent, his beliefs, his courage.
He talks the talk and walks the walk. He is all about the art/craft. Smart, passionate, fun, daring.
He is what the US people (should) stand for.
Which is totally different from the US Government of course...
Americans are so funny. So many like Christian Bale, so many don't realise he is British. How about someone ignorant and unaware of the rest of the world? (That's a pretty long list.)
Why are all the choices American? And why don't they include actresses? I'm torn between who DEFINES our time, and who OUGHT to define our time. If I had to choose though it would be either Daniel Day-Lewis or Johnny Depp.
Christian Bale or Gary Oldman
Its either Brad Pitt, Will Smith or Denzel Washington, for very different reasons.
George Clooeny is the everyone's adult crush right now, but he is NOT the defining actor of our time. I cant really explain why, I just realize most of the Clooney affair has more to do with his timing & politics, than the ACTUAL body of work cementing his star power. For him its the star power & THEN the body of work, if that makes any sense.
With the 3 actors listed above, I can cite the body of work FIRST, then the star power. You might have a case to snicker at Will Smith pre-"Pursuit of Happyness", but he's in our living rooms every night as the Fresh Prince, then we doled out the money to see him indutifully followed him on his drama journey.
Brad Pitt will be dismissed because his looks precede him, but his reign as the FACE Of American cinema cannot be denied once Tom Cruise catastrophically failed to lock up this position with his off the rails/scientology stuff.
Denzel Washington is the DeNiro, wildcard, of the list. Many would not want him to be face since he doesnt actually look like them, but for years he's been a solid presence, so solid, that you've just come to respect him the most.
Steve Buscemi.
Daniel Day-Lewis hands down. Not a lot of movies, but all performances are extremely high quality.
I can't believe Christian Bale isn't on this list. I don't care who you are-- you have to appreciate his amazing performances and just how immersed he gets in each of his roles.
Russell Crowe
Harrison Ford Hello? Han Solo, Indiana Jones... and he's a carpenter in his off time.
Also ... Phillip Seymor Hoffman
Clooney is an exceptional actor and can represent America as a whole seeming at times somewhat conservative, clean cut, but sexy and sly and the "Man" woman and men alike may envision as a guy we'd like to be or be with, but Johnny Depp stretches a bit further and is phantasmagorical. He goes where others fear to tread and edges out Mr. Clooney by a nose. Each one could be considered a prince of acting, but Al Pacino with his body of work still holds fast and continues to wear the crown and is king.
Classic actor? Come on, our politicians are our best classic actors. They lie with a smile, mislead with a wink, and take money from corporations for without even pointing a gun.
If they don't actually have to be American (like Alan Rickman and Christian Bale), it's got to be Ryan Gosling.
"who most closely embodies our country's vision of itself"?
To pick the "right' actor we first need to define what we think our country's vision of itself is.
Matt Damon not for his roles but for who he is.
Steven Carell, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart for getting us to laugh at ourselves.
Johnny Depp is not French now, never has been, never will be. He is an American and with no doubt whatsoever is the greatest American actor of this generation. Every performance proves it, and his best performances may yet be in him. Sweeney will be a revelation.
"Down to earth, ironic, dissatisfied, knowing, slightly apprehensive, wary, capable and a little bit angry."
Well, if you don't mind, I will take your points and defend my choice using these same points.
Down to earth: Johnny Depp--devoted dad and husband/ partner (don't know which since he is so protective over his private life and over those he loves); he doesn't play the "Hollywood Games," hasn't forgotten his roots of having to work hard to get to where he is now--what once was the "American way."
Ironic: Johnny Depp is an enigma: while completely having the "Classic American Actor" look (when he cleans up), he is who he is and doesn't bend or bow to expectations of who people "want" him to be. He definitely embodies the spirit of independence--another "Classic American theme."
Dissatisfied: Some of you mentioned the fact that Johnny has a home in France. Without arguing the fact that France is where his wife is from and where she still has family, he has other "homes" outside of France. However, he has boldly and unashamedly admitted to his shock of the level of crime kids have to endure here in the states and has decided to raise his own kids in a place where he feels they can be safe.
Knowing: The man is savvy-sorry, couldn't resist, mate--on so many levels. He's streetwise, business-wise,and "people-wise," he can relate to anyone from the upper echelon, to the poorest of the poor, to the cancer victim, to the tsunami victims, and to his fans (who he calls his "bosses).
Slightly apprehensive, wary: Johnny Depp has been burned by making himself too available and too vulnerable to those who would prey on his kindness, so he has learned to be somewhat selective in whom he bestows his kindness- a lesson we have learned, hopefully, as Americans.
Capable: The man is a chameleon when it comes to acting. He morphs into whatever character he plays and doesn't play "himself" over and over again in movie after movie. He is continuously pushing the envelope striving to stay out of his comfort zone. He builds each character he plays from scratch.
A little bit angry: Well, I'm not sure how to defend Mr. Depp in this category. I would argue that he is angry about many things --some of which got him in trouble, but once he explained what he meant, made sense. I refer to his comments about supporting our troops, but being angry about some of the decisions and circumstances into which our troops were engaged. If we were honest with ourselves, some of us may come to agree.
To conclude, I think Johnny Depp is the best choice for an "American Actor" who embodies this generation's idea of a "Classic Actor." He's intelligent, savvy, talented, and yet, extremely approachable. He is THE "everyman" of actors.
UM...TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I AM MOVIEMANIAC, NOT JENNY. FOR SOME REASON THE LONG POST ABOVE DIDN'T CREDIT ME FOR WRITING IT. whatthe???
moviemaniac...
eilouenne
Great, very pertinent post on Johnny Depp. He is my choice as well for all of those reasons. Only one correction, he is not married, Vanessa Paradis is his girlfriend.
He also did not make any comments against the troops, only against the war.
I have to agree with moviemaniac's comment. She was spot on about everything. If only other actors (and actresses) would try to move beyond their formulaic depictions of themselves, the movies might be worth going to see again. It can be a long dry spell between Johnny Depp movies.
Pacino!!!
I was prepared to write an essay on how Johnny Depp should win this poll based on his independence and tenacity in playing roles HE chooses based on the role's attraction for him. He has never relied on big production values or huge salary offers in making choices and as a result, has become one of our most versatile and progressive actors. Who else could go from Hunter Thompson to Edward Scissorhands to Jack Sparrow and now a musical, Sweeney Todd?! Inarguably, he is his own man and he has come to this point by ignoring the constraints of studio requirements and striking out on his own. Nothing could be more American. When you see Johnny's name on a film, you know the performance will be unique and unusally creative. Thank you, Johnny.
BTW Bradd Pitt? He started as a "guest star" on Jump Street with Johnny. Can you name one character he has played that made a cultural impact? I can't either. I find him bland (Harrison Ford as well) and unremarkable.
Johnny Depp is the embodiment of the word classic. An actor creates a character and acts not just puts his or herself on display. Remember him as Bon Bon in "Before Night Falls"? It took me awhile to even recognize the man.
i voted for johnny depp, but even though he is british, alan rickman is amazing.
I find it interesting that if this were a survey of which British actor embodies the idea of the "Classic Actor" and the times, there are several in everyone's mind who could easily fill the bill. However, when trying to decide which American actor stands out, I'd have to say Johnny Depp, hands down. He is a pioneer in a world of mere copies and wannabes. He has earned respect by --why does the word "slicing" come to mind?-- his own trail through the wilderness of Hollowood (spelling intentional)and not only survived, but has emerged on top of the heap. (Edit: Actually, I wouldn't even put him on the top of the heap because he is such an individual, he deserves his own place.) He has redefined the word "classic actor," which, ironically, should qualify him as the number one choice for this poll.
My heart goes out to Johnny Depp.He is the one.
Everyone keeps mentioning that Christian Bale is not American so he cannot be included in the list but are all of you nerds forgetting that Leonardo DiCaprio is on that list and according to Blood Diamond he was born in South Africa...(thats a joke for everyone that was going to take that comment seriously and possibly kill someone over this list).
So in other words it doesn't matter where they are born when they are a citizen of America therefore being labled an American!
And as far as I know the poll is not specifically asking for American born actors or even American actors, I quote what the poll asks us to do, - "what classic actor most embodies our country as we now know it?"
Where there does it say anyhting about being American born or American? Thought so. WHO MOST EMBODIES OUR COUNTRY!
1. CHRISTIAN BALE
2. EDWARD NORTON
3. LEONARDO DICAPRIO
4. DENZEL WASHINGTON
lemme check
Christian Bale!!! neener neener neener!!! UHOH I think I just commited a sin and think someone is going to read this and have a panic attack because they take polls like this a little too seriously. haha
lemme check