"The talent is in the choices" - Robert De Niro

Despite some directors, such as Hitchcock and Kubrick, merely viewing them as another cog on a very large wheel, actors are an integral part of the filmmaking process. There is nothing more disconcerting than a poor performance. Anyone who recently witnessed the implosion of John Turturro in Transfromers can testify to this. Turturro is not a bad actor though; in fact he is a very fine one indeed. He was just a casualty of the Bay/Bruckheimer massacre of 2007. Such an incident simply highlights the actors’ predicament - you are only as good as the material around you. Bad choices are inevitable. A few of these in a row however, and your reputation can quickly be in tatters and potential script offerings could dry up. Once great actors could be left mugging through scenes in Godsend and The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle.

Atonement opened recently and has been getting rave reviews. This has a lot to do with the exceptional performance of James McAvoy who manages to cement his reputation as Britain’s most exceptional young actor. His charismatic performances have been drawing comparisons with the early efforts of Ewan McGregor. McAvoy should view this as a compliment, McGregor’s early work emoted a fearless energy that was born out of a pursuit for naturalism. A nakedness that McAvoy has managed to recreate. Despite this acclaim, McAvoy should also see this comparison as a warning. McGregor’s current career could easily be McAvoy’s ten years down the line. An impressive looking bank account, but a lack of notable performances. Other than a terrific performance in David Mackenzie’s Young Adam, McGregor’s recent CV makes for poor reading. One can only assume that his decision making has become less shrewd over time. Embarisingly, a letter pened by McGregor to McAvoy was recently leaked to the press. Through the fear of legal precedings, I shall merely summarise:

Dear James

I have been heartened by your recent performances, ‘Atonement’ was fabulous darling, and ‘The Last King of Scotland’ was a real showcase of your talents. I fear that superstardom now beckons for you and it is with this assumption that I now pen this letter, offering what I hope to be friendly advice. After all, I wouldn’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.

If an overweight bearded gentleman pesters you to help him revive a classic franchise, just say no. Brando and Olivier would even struggle to deliver those lines he comes up with. Repeat the following sentence like a mantra. Hollywood rom-coms are a recipe for disaster.

Providing the vocals for an animation is not an entirely bad idea. However, providing the vocals for an animation not made by Pixar or Aardman is a bad idea. Always remember why you started acting in the first place, recall the buzz of what it’s like to challenge yourself. It is all about the work. You don’t have to keep continuously making films, you are in a privileged position to pick and choose your roles, please take that opportunity seriously.

And finally, there will of course come a time when Mr Bay knocks on your door. Politely decline whatever he offers you. When he returns with a sack full of money and a semi-naked Scarlet Johansson in toe, stand your ground and be firm, however difficult that may seem.

All the best in your future endeavours,

Ewan x