From: officialflagrant
This article delves into discussions surrounding various actors and their roles, including debates on their skill, filmography, and public perception, drawing from a conversation featuring comedians and podcast hosts.
Esteemed Actors and Performance Debates
The conversation frequently turned to debates about who stands as the greatest actor, comparing filmographies and acting styles.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise’s status as a top actor was a major point of contention [03:19:00]. While some assert his “longevity is crazy” [03:27:59] and that his work, including films like Top Gun and Days of Thunder, asserts “American dominance in Hollywood” [03:33:39], others question his artistic merit compared to peers [03:30:29].
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington was championed as a potential “number one” actor, praised for his consistent quality in films like Training Day, Glory, John Q, and Man on Fire [03:07:00], [03:19:19]. It was argued that Denzel is a “better actor than Leo” [03:42:00].
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio was frequently brought up in comparisons, with some arguing he is superior to Tom Cruise [03:59:58]. His filmography, including Catch Me If You Can and The Wolf of Wall Street, was highlighted [03:59:58]. The range of movies Leo takes is considered “crazy” [03:59:36].
Other Notable Actors and Directors
- Daniel Day-Lewis: Mentioned for his acclaimed work in films like Lincoln and There Will Be Blood [03:32:00].
- Mel Gibson: Acknowledged as “one of the greatest ever,” with a passing reference to his decision to “speak freely” [03:55:00].
- Joaquin Phoenix: Praised for his performance in Signs, leading to the sentiment that “Joaquin Phoenix rules” [04:06:00].
- Robert De Niro: Acknowledged, but the argument was made that he often plays the “same character” [03:59:00].
- Danny McBride: Celebrated for his work in Eastbound & Down and Foot Fist Way [01:42:00]. His acting style in sketches was praised for characters not trying to be funny, but the situation being funny [01:40:00].
- James Gunn: Commended for directing superhero movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, indicating a preference for “quality directors” over generic franchise entries [02:44:00], [02:45:00].
Controversial Discussions and Celebrity Persona
The conversation touched upon how celebrities navigate controversial topics and public perception, often blurring the lines between their art and personal views.
Kanye West
A brief mention of Kanye West included the opinion that he “kind of rules” [03:01:00], despite his known controversial figures and public statements.
Sean Strickland
UFC fighter Sean Strickland was described as “undeniably cool” and a “fun character to root for” [01:37:00]. His post-fight interviews are noted for his wild and controversial discussions around race and society comments, such as not believing women should vote [01:39:00]. Despite these remarks, it is observed that he often smiles, indicating he is aware of the impact of his statements [01:39:00]. His candor, including joking about child abuse, contributes to his “anti-hero” image in the UFC [01:22:00].
Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz, another UFC fighter, is seen as an “anti-hero” figure. During his fight promotion with Jake Paul, he and Paul maintained a respectful demeanor, avoiding typical insults, which allowed for a more authentic glimpse into Diaz’s personality [02:22:00]. This contrasts with the usual celebrity influence and public perception seen in combat sports.
Black Panther Reception
The film Black Panther sparked a discussion about its critical reception versus personal opinion. While acknowledged as culturally significant [02:47:00], one participant “howling laughing at how bad it was” [02:48:00], highlighting a division in audience perception.
Acting Style and Industry Trends
The discussion also touched on broader trends in acting and comedy:
Comics as Actors
It was posited that most comedians “suck at acting” [01:26:00] because their characters typically try to be funny. In good acting, however, the characters should be serious, with the humor arising from the situation [01:26:00]. This distinction was praised in shows like Eastbound & Down, where characters were genuinely serious within comedic situations [01:44:00].
Superhero Movies
A preference was expressed for superhero movies directed by “quality directors” like James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad) and Christopher Nolan (Batman films), over those with a “cookie-cutter” approach or a “snarky dumb” sense of humor [02:45:00]. This highlights a nuanced perspective on entertainment industry standards and artistic merit.