The Great Acting Blog: “Actors Need A Good Name”

The Great Acting Blog: “Actors Need A Good Name”

“Build a good name — because a name is not to get famous. He wasn’t talking about celebrity — he was talking about let your name radiate your self, magnify who you are, your good deeds, your code of honor. Build your name and as you go through life, your name will serve you.” – Patti Smith

Which names are synonymous with great acting? For me, somebody like Jack Nicholson guarantees a certain calibre of performance, and a certain calibre of film. There are others of course. Ralph Fiennes is one who makes me think of rigour and integrity, even if I don’t always like the results, the intent is there. Tilda Swinton makes me think of independence and individuality.

Conversly, there are others for whom I wouldn’t watch a film simply because they were in it. Their names are a by-word for falsity and venality.

Actors as much as anyone need a good name. What do you want to be known for?

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