Modern Movie Stars

[happyfilmluvguy]

What actor or actress today do you think could be considered not just a celebrity but a real movie star?

I'll give you three that I believe are.

Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, and Robin Williams. Why? From my knowledge, none of these three have gotten into tabloid trouble, except for Nicole Kidman I think, but nothing recent. They are not hot off the press, but are unique, intelligent people, and give great screen presence in their every role. Real movie star qualities.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Kate Winslet -- a dynamic, versatile actress, and a classy, dignified woman.

 

[Feraud]

Who said tabloid trouble precludes one from being a real movie star?
Many of the actors we revere from yesteryear had their fair share of tabloid attention. Bogie, Hepburn, and Mitchum to name a few. Let us not forget scandal has been around longer than motion pictures and no one is immune to being human.


George Clooney, Sean Penn, Meryl Streep, Glenn Close. All solid actors.

 

[LadyStardust]

I agree with Robin Williams, and I'm always miffed when people say they vehemently hate him, and badmouth anyone who likes his work. Though they're the ones who usually end up looking...well, stupid...because when asked for a valid reason as to why, they just reply "Uh, because he's like weird and stupid?" He -is- off the wall, but he is brilliant at what he does. He can pop off a dozen very funny jokes about current events in the time it takes most people to process just the first one. I also think he really is a versatile actor. Dead Poet's Society, anyone? And he just seems like a genuinely good-natured and humble person.

I have to mention Juliette Binoche. A sadly overlooked, but, in my opinion, tremendously talented actress, who is sophisticated and beautiful both in her craft, and personal bearing. Initially she seems quiet and unobtrusive, but underneath she has such control of what she's doing. She captures little nuances wonderfully, and that, more often than not, is what truly makes the character. And I love that she never feels the need to be melodramatic in order to make an impression. Also, I think she always radiates class and dignity. I have alot of admiration and respect for her and her talent. An amazing lady, to be sure.

Ralph Fiennes surely qualifies as a "real" movie star, I think. :eusa_clap

 

[Grace]

Most certainly Mr. Depp. Good looks aside, he is an absolutely brilliant actor.

 

[Steve]

Christopher Lee comes to mind, though his time in the spotlight is past. Patrick Stewart is another fine actor with a solid background. I would include Monica Belucci, but she has a habit of taking roles that veer more towards self-exploitive rather than poignant.

 

[Jack Scorpion]

I like to think of it in different terms. When you see a movie with a star, you say, "Let's go see that _____ movie." "Let's go see that Cary Grant movie." "Let's go see that Rita Hayworth movie." "Let's go see that Marilyn Monroe movie." "Let's go see that new Steve McQueen movie." "Let's go see that new Tom Hanks movie."

There are great actors. There are celebrities. But a Star is something else altogether. They aren't necessarily the most talented, but they are definitely at a level higher than celebrity. Pictures are built around Stars. Stars aren't hired for pictures.

Actors that I think fill this role are:
Tom Hanks
Kevin Costner
Arnold Shwarzaneggar
Will Ferrell, lately
Bruce Willis
Julia Roberts
Hard to think of women, actually.

 

[Diamondback]

Yeah, but Willis is also a very down-to-Earth guy. A friend of mine worked with him on a project he was doing for Idaho State Police, and several years later when they crossed paths at Planet Hollywood, Willis still recognized him and stuck around to chat.

 

[John in Covina]

Bill Murray, Kevin Spacey, Gary Oldman. And that guy that played the horse trainer in Seabiscuit.

 

[Feraud]

Bill Murray, Kevin Spacey, Gary Oldman. And that guy that played the horse trainer in Seabiscuit.

That would be Chris Cooper. Good one.

Add to the list Liev Schrieber, Willem Dafoe, and Chris Walken.

 

[Dan G]

Willam Dafoe's a good one. Tom Berenger had plenty of good roles too. Besides Platoon.

edit - Platoon was good, but I mean he had other good ones too.

 

[jazzzbaby]

I agree with just about anyone already mentioned in this thread,
and I would like to add these two ladies...

Cate Blanchett
Charlize Theron

It's late and I shall think of more most certainly...

 

[Elaina]

I'd have to also go with Bruce Willis. I waited on him years ago, and then when I was a single parent (several years later), he was also at a restaurant my son and I were at. He remembered me, because I didn't flip out on who he was, and then with Demi Moore divorcing him, has just acted as classy as can be. And I'm not much of a fan of his, but my son loved him, and still does (although now he doesn't know why, just that he thinks he'd be nice).

Another one I would have included was Charles Bronson. I met him when his wife was terminally ill, and you couldn't have asked to meet a nicer person. He was always very gracious, and seemed to be happy to have met you.


For women I think Sandra Bullock and Reese Whitherspoon should be included.

 

[cookie]

My fave

Russell Crowe. Man he is a knucklehead at the personal level but is there anything he can't do? I saw that new one where he is a nasty London money market shark who inhherits the French Mas in Provence. Great!

Has anyone seen 'Romper Stomper' his first biggy?? ... frightening portrayal of a junior Fascist psycho.

'A Beautiful Mind', 'Cinderella Man' 'Gladiator'... you name it he can do the lot.

Only fault?? telephones that don't work and when the Rabbits don't win at Rugby League....

 

[Fletch]

That would be Chris Cooper. Good one.

Add to the list Liev Schrieber, Willem Dafoe, and Chris Walken.

Agree all. Is there anything Schreiber can't do? I recently saw him in Talk Radio on Broadway and he was beyond great. Funny, scary, sympathetic, pathetic. The guy has RANGE like Carter's got pills.

And I go on and on about Helen Mirren, but...Helen Mirren.

 

[Feraud]

Agree all. Is there anything Schreiber can't do? I recently saw him in Talk Radio on Broadway and he was beyond great. Funny, scary, sympathetic, pathetic. The guy has RANGE like Carter's got pills.

And I go on and on about Helen Mirren, but...Helen Mirren.

Lucky you! I want to see Liev in the show.
When people question the acting abilities of American actors I have to shake my head and realize they are just watching the wrong actors!

 

[GoldLeaf]

I agree with Charlize Theron and Julia Roberts. I think Ashley Judd is a facinating woman, and is a star to me.

I also think Christopher Walken plays interesting rolls, and his unique charisma makes him a star.

Morgan Freeman is really neat, but I am not sure he is a star by the definition we are working with.

How about Denzel Washington?

 

[mikepara]

Fiennes is fine

Russell Crowe is a fantastic actor, as is Ralph Fiennes.

 

[Photomuse]

George Clooney?

 

[cookie]

George Clooney

Gimmee a break ...is that recognition thru the head or the heart???