Categories

The Great Acting Blog: “Make Choices You Enjoy – John Malkovich In Colour Me Kubrick”

The Great Acting Blog: “Make Choices You Enjoy – John Malkovich In Colour Me Kubrick”

Jm3

Malkovich is one of those American actors who is regarded as a real actor, which is to say, he actually can act, he’s an artist, he’s in it because he wants to be a great actor, or make a great contribution, he’s certainly an actor who gives something a little bit extra, he’s always provocative, always intense. He’s also one of those actors for whom we feel that the calibre of material offered to him is rarely commensurate to his talent – Malkovich has never had a great run of performances in the way his compatriots from the generation preceding his did, namely Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro. But then perhaps Malkovich has never quite been the Hollywood star in the same way either. Infact, off the top of my head, it’s difficult to really name any of his Hollywood films. However, his output in Europe seems to be more distinctive, where he has worked with Raoul Ruiz, Manoel de Olveira, Michelangelo Antonioni and Liliana Cavani. Malkovich though, is an actor of such strength, that he can take fairly mediocre material, and render it compelling. And Colour Me Kubrick is an example of this.

The film itself is a light, fluffy affair, loose in parts, piquant in others, and had the actor at the centre of the film been of anything less than Malkovich’s standard, then Colour Me Kubrick would have been a very ordinary film indeed. But there Malkovich is, delivering perhaps one of the great underrated screen performances of recent years (this is certainly an example of an actor’s work receiving less than due attention because it was done in an unfeted film – an actor cannot enjoy success unless the production he is working on, is successful as a whole – there’s moral in there somewhere). Colour Me Kubrick is based on the true story of Alan Conway, who went around passing himself off as filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. It wasn’t that Conway looked anything like Kubrick, he didn’t, but he was able to get away with it because Kubrick’s reclusiveness meant that few people were certain of what he looked like. And Malkovich goes to town as Conway, playing him as a cheap, camp, bedsitland, alcoholic – imagine one of those middle aged men wearing a brown mac and tatty old baseball cap with a cheap bottle of vodka in his pocket, and you’ve got him . Scene by scene, he wins the confidence of wannabe showbiz types by appealing to their vanity; he promises a young rock group work on his new film, and so they buy him drinks (“rich people don’t carry cash”), and on another occasion, he beds a young costumer designer after promising to hook him up with his Hollywood connections, and on another, he agrees to invest in a swanky restaurant in order to save it from bankruptcy, offering to get his Hollywood legal team to “look over the figures”. Perhaps Conway’s most audacious con, was of a light entertainer, who, in real life had been Joe Longthorne but was coded as Lee Pratt in the film. After attending a party at Pratt’s house, Conway tells him he will help him crack Vegas, and the con starts in a scene where Malkovich delivers a great piece of bravura acting – waving his arms about, and speaking in a sort of unmodulated bellow: he informs Pratt that he will speak to “Moe Green in Vegas”, and, “Sheckie in New York”, and get the ball rolling. It is a sensational acting choice, hilarious, and disquietingly true, the film is worth watching if only for this scene. The net result however, is that he takes up residence in a luxury hotel, all at Pratt’s expense of course.

Jm1

The film is choc full of these wonderful little moments created by Malkovich. Playing a character who is himself acting, offers rich performance possibilities. It’s true that Malkovich, now in his late 50s, is a master craftsman. He is innately compelling, with his intensity, intelligence, dry humour and unusual persona. His work is always precise, always simple, never adding unnecessary detail, but always striving to express the scene, and he makes it seem effortless in Colour Me Kubrick, as all great actors do. Essentially however, at the heart of this performance, is the fact that Malkovich is making acting choices he enjoys, choices which interest him, which touch off his imagination, and which ultimately energise him and fuel him through the scenes. The alternative to making enjoyable choices, is making choices we do not enjoy, and this typically happens when we act to please the director – whether that’s to give the director what we think he wants in order to make him like us, or whether it’s to shore up an insecure director by doing it his way (insecure directors typically talk too much, and want to control how the actor does the scene) – the irony is, most actors make choices in order to please others, which is why so much contemporary acting is joyless and stingy. Malkovich doesn’t fall into that trap – and as a result, we the audience, are delighted by a performance which is properly energised, vivid, various, and, well, fun.

 

Make choices you enjoy.

 

To quote the great David Mamet; “You not only have a right to choose actions which are fun, you have a responsibility – that’s your job as an actor”.

 

James

49Comments
  • James Devereaux/ 09.05.2012Reply

    Many thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoy the blog. James.

  • avatar

    The Great Acting Blog: “What Are You Trying To Achieve” – The Great Acting Blog/ 05.06.2013Reply

    […] Make Choices You Enjoy – John Malkovich In Colour Me Kubrick […]

  • how to administer cbd oil to cats/ 05.05.2022Reply

    can you take cbd and antibiotics

  • can i put cbd oil in my hot tea/ 06.05.2022Reply

    is cbd good for parkinson disease

  • avatar

    Leverage/ 12.04.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Info on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    uniccshop/ 30.07.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More Info here to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    qiuqiu99 login/ 11.08.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Read More Info here on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • harp music/ 11.10.2023Reply

    harp music

  • avatar

    sahabatqq/ 22.10.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Read More to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    click here/ 23.10.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Read More on on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    clase azul tequila glasses​/ 25.10.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Here you can find 73169 additional Information to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    สล็อตทรูวอเลท วิธีฝากเงินง่ายๆ ใช้เพียงเบอร์โทร/ 02.11.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    เสือมังกร lsm99/ 05.11.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More on on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    โพรไบโอติก/ 22.11.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Info to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    bk8 thai/ 03.12.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More Info here on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    Livescore แอพ เช็คผลบอล/ 06.12.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Info on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    BAUC/ 16.12.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] There you can find 43244 additional Information on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    บอลออนไลน์/ 30.12.2023Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More Information here on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • best lawyer/ 16.02.2024Reply

    Best Lawyer in Toronto
    These legal professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to guide
    individuals through the intricate process of filing claims and negotiating settlements, providing invaluable support during what can be a stressful time.
    Understanding when and how to seek help from a
    wrongful dismissal lawyer is essential for any employee facing termination under questionable circumstances.

    https://jswinnylaw.ca

  • avatar

    go x scooters waikiki/ 30.03.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Read More on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    คาเฟ่ ชลบุรี/ 06.04.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Here you can find 58732 more Info to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    press release distribution press release/ 17.04.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Read More on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    เติม เงิน ps4/ 19.05.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More here on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    jebol togel/ 19.05.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    Angthong National Marine Park/ 06.06.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Read More on to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    sex phim/ 16.06.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More Info here to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    attendance/ 19.06.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Read More on on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    Fake site and will take your money! Beware of uplinke.com Spam and make your site go down. Too good to be true SCAM/ 07.07.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Read More to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • teen sex/ 07.07.2024Reply

    Keep this going please, great job!

  • vorbelutrioperbir/ 07.07.2024Reply

    Some truly superb posts on this internet site, thanks for contribution. “He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.” by Benjamin Franklin.

  • clipsex/ 09.07.2024Reply

    Wow! Finally I got a web site from where I know how to actually get valuable facts regarding my study and
    knowledge.

  • sex viet nam/ 09.07.2024Reply

    Everything is very open with a very clear description of
    the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your website is useful.
    Many thanks for sharing!

  • sex lộ link/ 11.07.2024Reply

    Thanks for finally writing about > The Great Acting Blog:
    "Make Choices You Enjoy – John Malkovich In Colour Me
    Kubrick" — < Liked it!

  • avatar

    ทัวร์เกาะหลีเป๊ะ/ 18.07.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Info to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    about his/ 02.09.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Info on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    2011 Pistol/ 06.09.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    OBENGBET/ 13.09.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Info to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    dk7/ 15.09.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Info to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • Moderné kuchyne na mieru/ 02.10.2024Reply

    Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and not at all appear to get something done.

  • ball pits/ 04.10.2024Reply

    A powerful share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little bit analysis on this. And he in truth purchased me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more particulars? It is extremely helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  • avatar

    cat8888/ 05.10.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] There you can find 27347 more Information to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • avatar

    ตู้เชื่อม/ 05.10.2024Reply

    … [Trackback]

    […] Find More Information here to that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-make-choices-you-enjoy/ […]

  • fluoride/ 05.10.2024Reply

    Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too wonderful. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous web site.

  • st. james louisiana process server/ 13.10.2024Reply

    I cling on to listening to the newscast talk about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i get some?

  • косопад/ 15.10.2024Reply

    I must point out my appreciation for your generosity supporting folks that absolutely need help with the matter. Your very own dedication to passing the solution all through had been astonishingly practical and has frequently allowed many people just like me to achieve their desired goals. Your entire warm and friendly help signifies so much a person like me and a whole lot more to my colleagues. Thanks a ton; from each one of us.

  • window blinds/ 22.10.2024Reply

    Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!

  • Apellidos de Antigua y Barbuda/ 14.11.2024Reply

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I’ll learn a lot of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  • desarrollo web bilbao/ 15.11.2024Reply

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…

  • Prezzo Ncc Napoli/ 23.11.2024Reply

    Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.

Leave a Comment