Between Alex Pettyfer and Robert Pattinson, Hollywood has lost its ability to judge talent
Posted by: Brad Sturdivant
First, let me make it clear that I’m not writing this rant to piss off any pre-teen girl that thinks Robert Pattinson or Alex Pettyfer is the perfect prince charming. If you honestly believe that and are infatuated with either actor, then there’s really nothing I can do for you. There are plenty of self-help websites on the internet that you should be looking at that would gladly help you with your problem. But I guess in some sense this rant applies to you just as much as the Hollywood executives out there that have lost their ability to find talented young actors and instead, rely on the whimsy of every teen girl that tells them someone is talented. How else do you explain Justin Bieber?
But I see Hollywood taking an unusual and unfortunate turn with the sudden success of Robert Pattinson, Alex Pettyfer, Taylor Lautner and maybe even Justin Bieber. Although to be fair, the Biebs needs more movie roles before he falls into this category. I just don’t understand how Pettyfer can be handed the keys to some promising franchises when the only movie on his resume was the disappointing ALEX RIDER. And all we heard before I AM NUMBER FOUR came out was how Pettyfer was the next big star, then when the movie came out, adults were left scratching their head as to why a modestly-talented kid would get such a role in a blockbuster-type film.
I hate to keep bringing everything back to Twilight, but Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner are reaping the benefits of starring in movies that only appeal to a niche audience. There’s nothing wrong with them finding success post-Twilight, but I have to remind everyone that neither of them have a successful movie under the belt that doesn’t have “Twilight” in the title (yes, Patty was in Harry Potter – not his movie). They’ve achieved international fame, a handful of movie roles a piece and yet still don’t have a successful movie to show for it.
The teenage girl market is the most powerful marketing niche in the world. I’m okay if they dictate the plotlines of the latest Disney movie or what color girls should be painting their walls. But I’m not okay with the teenage girl niche dictating which actor is starring in my movies. What happened to the days where Hollywood would actually find talented actors? I know the casting process is excruciatingly painful for everyone involved, but there are actually good-looking and talented actors out there that deserve better roles than what they’re getting.
And for everyone that thinks I’m way off base with my insulting the talent level of Alex Pettyfer and Robert Pattinson; can you honestly say you think they’re talented actors? Take an honest step back and ignore your infatuation and the droopy eyes and then ask yourself; does this actor actually have talent when compared to his peers? Could you see him in a variety of roles that required him to do more than stare broodingly? I just don’t see it, and it’s only a matter of time before Hollywood figures it out as well.
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