There has long been a debate about what constitutes an "actor" as opposed to a "film star"? As this is generally a topic based on conjecture and opinion it is difficult to argue either side effectively. With that in mind it is perhaps best to look objectively at both sides.
Examining The "Actor."
First it is important to provide definitions. Laurence Olivier defines acting as a masochistic form of exhibitionism.
An actor, it could be argued, is a performer who has the talent to portray a range of characters and roles. An individual with a back catalogue of wide-ranging film roles.
A perfect example of an "actor" could be Jack Nicholson. He has enjoyed an illustrious career on the silver screen spanning fifty years. Beginning with his breakthrough role in Easy Rider (1969), Nicholson has been nominated for an Oscar in five different decades; winning 3 times. He also has a remarkable range of characters at his disposal, and has played parts ranging from the Joker, a werewolf, and a mental patient.
Nicholson is the perfect example of what constitutes an "actor."
Examining The Differences Of A "Film Star."
A film star and an actor are not necessarily the same thing. In his article What Stars Are For, Mark Harris offers the opinion that "...a movie star is someone who can draw audiences to a movie that there's no other compelling reason to see."
By this definition, the perfect example of a film star would surely be Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnie (as he is affectionately known) is the epitome of a film star. His name alone was enough to draw a formidable box-office crowd; and was even used in a tag-line for his film The Running Man.
Indeed, so potent was Schwarzenneger's box-office power that he could draw huge revenue even for films that, really, weren't that good. After all, Jingle All The Way grossed $60 million.
Lets be honest though, Schwarzenegger, a legend though he may be, is NOT an actor. He does not have a range of characters he can play. He can play himself, a 2-D action hero. Not necessarily because these roles are the most lucrative, but because this is the limit of his talents.
Are Actors And Film Stars The Same?
In Jack Nicholson and Arnold Schwarzenegger we saw examples of the actor and the film star. However, it is surely possible for some performers to be both "actors", and "film stars". An example of this could be Tom Cruise. Who, for the early part of his career was a "film star". His name slapped across the posters of films such as Top Gun ensured they would become box-office behemoth's. However, Cruise has also shown his ability as an actor. He put in wonderful turns in Interview With The Vampire and Born On The 4th Of July, the latter of which earned him an Oscar nomination. Cruise has successfully juggled the role of "film star" and "actor" to good effect.
There are some who began as actors, like Nicolas Cage, with an Oscar winning performance in Leaving Las Vegas, but who now prefers generic action roles in films such as Bankok Dangerous to roles that require acting.
Some have gone the opposite route. Will Smith began his career as a film star, appearing in blockbusters like Independence Day and relying on his name, rather than talent, to attract audiences. He has now begun to star in more films that demonstrate his abilities as an actor.
So, actors canalso be film stars, and vice versa. Though usually, it is common to find one or the other. The latter, breaking box-office figures, whilst the former often scoops recognition from critics. Either way, both produce fine films, and the movies would not be what they are without both sets of artists.
Matthew Biggin - Matthew Biggin is currentIy studying a freelance writing course with an organization known as The Writer's Bureau, whereby he completes a ...
Join the Conversation