Cillian's star... fading?

[Pisces]

An ugly subject, to be sure, but one that I think needs discussing.... so here we go.

It cannot be ignored that Cillian has been much less visible than he was 2-3 years ago. Some of this is due to his choices in films and other projects - he has placed a lot of emphasis on indies - and it was only a matter of time before there would be a long-term effect from this. The effect can be evidenced on this forum directly, in that there are far fewer visitors currently than there were at his peak popularity (2006-ish). Sustaining a fanbase is a precarious proposition for any actor; more difficult still for someone like Cillian, who had accumulated a more cult-like, underground following.

It was said (in another thread here, by Melty_Girl) that most people eventually move on from being fans of certain celebrities, which is no doubt true. To keep fans, celebrities must not let themselves be forgotten, and fight for their visibility and status. They must continually generate art for audiences to enjoy, and keep that limelight shining upon themselves. For whatever reason, Cillian's efforts at this have been lukewarm at best. And so, a lot of his fans have moved on.

This thread is not meant to slam Cillian for his choices. He had reasons for making each of them, and it is his life and body of work - no one else's. I still respect him and his underutilized talent more than any other performer today. What I hope to begin here is a discussion of this situation regarding his career - and see how we each, as fans, feel about it.

In other words, this is the place to vent about the direction Cillian's career has taken. Are you happy with it? Disappointed? Neutral? And why so?

What would you like to see him do differently? What sort of roles would you most wish to see him undertake in the future? Do you think his star can be reignited?

Thoughts, please.

[Melty_Girl]

Overall, I would just comment that Cillian's career isn't completely within his control. He can't just give himself great leading parts -- the money people and directors have to give him the star opportunities. And let's face it, he's got slightly unconventional good looks and certainly is not an American/Hollywood-style muscle-y/big guy. And I think that Red Eye and Batman Begins may have pigeonholed him as a villain, and maybe that's all he has been offered. He's always said that as long as it's a quality project, he's happy to take big Hollywood parts -- I think if the parts were offered, he'd take them. Look at Dali and I -- that might have been a perfect example of a fantastic studio film ... but it doesn't seem to be happening, and Cillian must be very disappointed about that.

In the meantime, I'm glad he isn't taking starring roles in mainstream crap just to keep his name/face out there. It would be a big turnoff for me. I'm more forgiving of interesting little projects that did try but missed the mark (The Edge of Love, Watching the Detectives) than I am of big budget crap.

Another thing: he's got a lot in the can right now that hasn't come out -- release dates are not in his control. Maybe 2009 will end up in a flurry with Hippie Hippie Shake, Peac*ck and Perrier's Bounty all making a splash at once, and he'll rebound. (Or 2010 ... )

Still, it's true that there isn't much news about upcoming leading roles, so that's not a good sign. He's headed for his mid-thirties, so there may be a gap between twentiesish boyish-romantic-leading-man roles and forties-man-of-authority/experience roles. Unlike actresses (though it's getting better), men are often allowed to come into their own after forty -- but with a slightly built, androgynous guy like Cillian, that remains to be seen. I think he could do well to take really interesting character roles if he's not being offered juicy leading parts right now.

[Seabreeze]

Cillian never has been nor never will be a romantic leading man and he shouldn't be. He is a brillant character actor in search of unusual and fascinating roles. However I do think he needs to keep his face and name in the public eye. I'd like to see him return to the theater until he's offerred a juicy film role. I was watching him at the Empire Awards and I felt so embarrassed as he went on stage. I have the feeling he did it as a favor in order to get a role in Inception. He looked absolutely miserable.

[Melty_Girl]

Jun 22, 2009 11:59:30 GMT -5 Seabreeze said:

Cillian never has been nor never will be a romantic leading man and he shouldn't be.

I say "romantic" in the broad sense of the term. To my meaning, The Wind That Shakes the Barley was a definitely romantic leading role. So were 28 Days Later, On the Edge, Intermission, Disco Pigs, even Sunshine. He has said he wants leading roles, and certainly what everyone here wants is more of these kinds of leading roles for him. And I wouldn't mind seeing him as an interesting leading villain like in Red Eye, but I wouldn't want him to get typecast.

I'd like to see him return to the theater until he's offerred a juicy film role.

Good point. I wonder if he's looking for something... or busy with his little kids and not looking.

I was watching him at the Empire Awards and I felt so embarrassed as he went on stage. I have the feeling he did it as a favor in order to get a role in Inception. He looked absolutely miserable.

Too true that he looked miserable. But I don't know about a quid pro quo. I can more imagine his agent needling him to take the opportunity in order to be in the public eye, and him agreeing out of general career concerns, but being super-nervous.

[Pisces]

I definitely agree that a lot of this is out of Cillian's hands... but then again, actors make their own breaks by what roles they have chosen in the past. In this regard, Cillian's choices in the last two years or so are hurting him, partly because he's been in several movies in a row that either went to DVD or did not make wide release in the US. Now, the rest of the world can think what they will about America and the audience therin, but we do (inadvertently) have a lot of influence over performer's careers - in other words, we can make or break them. I realize that Cillian has had a following for years, but it can't be ignored that he became most well-known following Batman Begins and Red Eye - two US films by major studios. Judging by the affection most of us feel toward his characters in both of those movies, I don't think any of us here would label them 'mainstream crap.' Of course, maybe I'm wrong.

...men are often allowed to come into their own after forty -- but with a slightly built, androgynous guy like Cillian, that remains to be seen.

True, but some might have said the same about Johnny Depp ten years ago. And as far as Cillian being slightly built, a personal trainer could take care of that with little problem. Of course he will never be a 'big' guy, but I really couldn't care less. There's enough of those out there on screen if I want to go see that (I don't).

I say "romantic" in the broad sense of the term. To my meaning, The Wind That Shakes the Barley was a definitely romantic leading role. So were 28 Days Later, On the Edge, Intermission, Disco Pigs, even Sunshine. He has said he wants leading roles, and certainly what everyone here wants is more of these kinds of leading roles for him. And I wouldn't mind seeing him as an interesting leading villain like in Red Eye, but I wouldn't want him to get typecast.

For myself, I am not interested in seeing Cillian in a lead romantic role - at least, not in the traditional sense. The examples you noted here are good alternatives, and they are as far as I am willing to go in that direction. I actually want to see him as another villain - not because I want to see him get typecast but because I truly believe that that is his strength onscreen. In fact, I will go as far as to say I would rather him be typecast then never see him again... which so far, is what has virtually happened. Not that it's an 'either-or' situation. It's not. I just don't want Cillian to shun all villain roles as a knee-jerk reaction to avoiding typecasting. For me, better that than seeing him in something like Watching the Detectives. But, that's only my opinion - we all enjoy Cillian in different roles.

Too true that he looked miserable. But I don't know about a quid pro quo. I can more imagine his agent needling him to take the opportunity in order to be in the public eye, and him agreeing out of general career concerns, but being super-nervous.

I agree that I think he is nervous in these appearances. It looks as if going out to premieres, award shows, etc. are his Achille's Heel, and that he is supremely uncomfortable at them. I don't mind that so much... but I also think he would not be pressed into these things if people could see him onscreen (where we are supposed to see him) more often.

[Melty_Girl]

Jun 22, 2009 13:57:54 GMT -5 Pisces said:

I definitely agree that a lot of this is out of Cillian's hands... but then again, actors make their own breaks by what roles they have chosen in the past. In this regard, Cillian's choices in the last two years or so are hurting him, partly because he's been in several movies in a row that either went to DVD or did not make wide release in the US.

I'm sure that's not what the goal was for these films when he signed his contracts. In other words, he didn't sign on knowing that the films wouldn't be widely released in the U.S.

But maybe I'm misreading you and what you're saying is that his judgment has started to fail him, and the movies he's picked have been less than stellar. But I still wouldn't put the blame on him, even for bad judgment in his picks. Film is such a collaborative affair, with so many people's hands in it, and so much money involved. I'm sure he has the ego to want to be a big star. Scripts and projects start out one way and end up another. He can't control that, just as he can't control what parts he's offered.

Now, the rest of the world can think what they will about America and the audience therin, but we do (inadvertently) have a lot of influence over performer's careers - in other words, we can make or break them. I realize that Cillian has had a following for years, but it can't be ignored that he became most well-known following Batman Begins and Red Eye - two US films by major studios. Judging by the affection most of us feel toward his characters in both of those movies, I don't think any of us here would label them 'mainstream crap.' Of course, maybe I'm wrong.

Sorry, I didn't mean to offend by saying 'mainstream crap'! I don't consider Batman Begins and Red Eye mainstream crap -- I consider them really good mainstream films. What I meant was that I'm glad that Cillian is not taking mainstream projects that aren't good, just to keep working. And he's always said that he wants to do both mainstream and indie roles -- but that as much as he can, he's going to try not to take crap movies just to work.

I just don't want Cillian to shun all villain roles as a knee-jerk reaction to avoiding typecasting. For me, better that than seeing him in something like Watching the Detectives.

I agree with you there!

[Pisces]

I'm sure that's not what the goal was for these films when he signed his contracts. In other words, he didn't sign on knowing that the films wouldn't be widely released in the U.S.

Well, no one has a crystal ball when it comes to how a film will end up. But by signing onto so many indies, Cillian was no doubt aware that the odds climb dramatically for things to occur such as limited release, release only in certain countries, or straight to DVD... or not at all. That's the nature of the indie beast, and apparently Cillian found it an acceptable risk to take.

But maybe I'm misreading you and what you're saying is that his judgment has started to fail him, and the movies he's picked have been less than stellar. But I still wouldn't put the blame on him, even for bad judgment in his picks. Film is such a collaborative affair, with so many people's hands in it, and so much money involved. I'm sure he has the ego to want to be a big star. Scripts and projects start out one way and end up another. He can't control that, just as he can't control what parts he's offered.

Well, he certainly wouldn't be the first actor to sign onto a project with best intentions and a postitive vision... only to realize half way through, or after the fact, that the end product bears little resemblance to what he'd hoped for in the beginning. Having said that, I can't see Cillian as choosing WTD because he viewed it as a cinematic masterpiece, so he does shoulder at least some portion of blame.

Sorry, I didn't mean to offend by saying 'mainstream crap'! I don't consider Batman Begins and Red Eye mainstream crap -- I consider them really good mainstream films. What I meant was that I'm glad that Cillian is not taking mainstream projects that aren't good, just to keep working. And he's always said that he wants to do both mainstream and indie roles -- but that as much as he can, he's going to try not to take crap movies just to work.

No offense taken! ;D And I agree with you that Cillian shouldn't take a mainstream movie just to get his face out there. But by the same token, I'm not sure he's being served by taking only indie projects out of some sense of remaining edgy or artsy. Taking a bad indie movie just by virtue of it being an indie movie is the flip side of the same coin of avoiding mainstreams for the sake of doing so. There seems to be a misperception among many that just because a movie is independent, it is automatically worthwhile and notable, and that is certainly not a truism. So I don't want to see Cillian bog himself down in things that may or may not ever see the light of day because he has pigeonholed himself as an 'indie actor', which is yet another form of being typecast, in my opinion.

But as you say, he wants to do good films of all sorts, which is commendable. Hard to do, but an admirable goal. What concerns me lately is that he hasn't worked much in the last few years. And he strikes me right now as someone who is waking up to realize that his two-year indie spree has not necessarily aided his career, and may in fact have stalled it. A more established actor can pull off an indie hiatus like this and rebound with no problem, but Cillian simply doesn't have the body of work to absorb two lackluster years. Having said that, Cillian signing on for Inception gives me a great amount of hope for him.

I know it sounds as if I don't agree with you, Melty_Girl, but I do. One of the things I appreciate most about Cillian is that he discriminates. And I don't want that to change. I just can't help but wonder if he has worked so little because it was a personal choice (entirely his right, if so), or because he was receiving so few offers. Or so few good offers. Only he knows.

In short, it's my opinion that Cillian could have perhaps worked at least a little more than he has. But, all it will take is one great role in a good movie to put him back on everyone's radar. I'm hoping that's exactly what happens.

[Melty_Girl]

I totally agree with what you've said above.

I think that the only ground we haven't covered/examined is this: he has two young children and it seems like he doesn't want to miss their childhood or uproot them. He also doesn't want to lose his career, so perhaps he's made a compromise: the film in or near London, as long as it doesn't totally violate his other guiding principles, will always trump projects abroad. That way he keeps working, but is with his sons.

I find it hard to fault him for that.

[rukia888]

Wow, so much has been covered already! Well, here goes. Cillian's movie career has been noticeably waning, and I do admit that I'm a bit disappointed not to see it progress further. I haven't lost faith in him as an actor at all though. He has made good choices in his roles, and he has consistently given terrific performances. His recent movies haven't been up to caliber -- not because of his performance -- but due to other reasons, such as bad screenplay, bad story, bad direction, etc. I thought he did the best he could with what he had to work with. I'm just disappointed because us fans simply haven't be able to see enough of him on the big screen. I really miss seeing him on the big screen, but I agree with you, Melty_Girl, I'm glad he hasn't followed in the footsteps of some actors who make movie after movie that are mainstream but are such crap that they make us wonder, "Why in the hell were they made in the first place?!" I wouldn't mind to see him in high quality, mainstream movies though because that would mean it'll make it easier for us to see him on the big screen! (Boy, I really miss him on the big screen! Haha.)

I know that you mentioned that Cillian can't control the roles that are offered to him, Melty_Girl. I'm not very knowledgeable about how movies work, but I thought Cillian (and actors in general) can seek out roles/scripts themselves? I'm sure he doesn't sit there and wait for roles to come to him. I'm sure he's not always going to get the role he tries out for, but it doesn't hurt to try. No matter how big the role, how "unlikely" it would be for him to win the role, it doesn't hurt to audition. I hope Cillian's following this route, and not waiting around for roles to come to him.

I know that you guys have mentioned that you don't want to see Cillian in any traditional romantic roles. For now, I'm probably in the minority for wanting him to be in one. I'm a romantic at heart. I don't want him to be in anything cheesy though. I'm all for romance, but I tend to like the more complex, depressing and tragic material. None of those flaky rom coms, please! If it's going to be a rom com, it has to be well-written and witty. I haven't seen Sam Mendes' Away We Go yet, but something along those lines. Something cute but unconventional. It's true that Cillian doesn't have the customary good looks, but that doesn't mean he's not good looking. I think he has what it takes to be a romantic leading man.

I agree! I'd love for Cillian to be in more villainous roles! I don't want him to be typecasted, of course, but if he's good at it, he shouldn't stray away from what he's best at! I don't want him to be villain after villain, but being a villain here and there would suffice.

I wouldn't mind to see Cillian try his hand at comedy a bit more. I don't want to see him in those immature, raunchy comedies, but maybe something a bit more understated like Woody Allen to start out. I would even like to see him work with Judd Apatow; Apatow movies may seem just all raunch at first, but there's heart and wit to them. If Cillian were to mentor with a comedian, I'd like him to follow Paul Rudd rather than say, Will Ferrell. And comedies tend to be more easily accessible to the main public, so comedies may be a way for Cillian to reignite his star.

We all know that drama is Cillian's strong suit, so of course, I'd love to see him in more dramatic roles in the future. I know that being nominated/winning an Oscar isn't everything to being an actor, but I'd love to see him win one. Maybe working with some Oscar nominated/winning directors would lead him in this direction. Directors like Ron Howard, Sam Mendes, Coen Brothers, Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Stephen Daldry. That would be awesome.

That's a good point, Melty_Girl. It makes sense if Cillian's being low-key with his career right now in order to be with his family. I would totally respect that.

Anyway, I totally think Cillian's star can be reignited. I know he's not the most experienced actor out there, but he can do it. All it takes is one good movie to put him on the map again. A good actor doesn't always make a movie "good". Most times, I think a good movie is what makes a good actor. If everything's stellar about the movie (screenplay, story, direction, cinematography, etc), the public would bound to notice the actor(s) in the movie. And Cillian's hard not to notice.

[Melty_Girl]

Jun 22, 2009 21:25:47 GMT -5 rukia888 said:

I'm not very knowledgeable about how movies work, but I thought Cillian (and actors in general) can seek out roles/scripts themselves? I'm sure he doesn't sit there and wait for roles to come to him. I'm sure he's not always going to get the role he tries out for, but it doesn't hurt to try. No matter how big the role, how "unlikely" it would be for him to win the role, it doesn't hurt to audition. I hope Cillian's following this route, and not waiting around for roles to come to him.

I'm sure he is, and that his agents are helping him chase things he wants. But as he's said in the past, all the best roles go to Leonardo DiCaprio anyway!

It's true that Cillian doesn't have the customary good looks, but that doesn't mean he's not good looking. I think he has what it takes to be a romantic leading man.

I think Cillian is arrestingly, traffic-stoppingly, unnervingly GORGEOUS. But in an unusual way that not everyone is open to. That's one reason why he makes such a great villain. But I think he's a fantastic romantic lead too.

Those are just my specific replies, but I agree with much of what you say above!

[Pisces]

I haven't lost faith in him as an actor at all though. He has made good choices in his roles, and he has consistently given terrific performances. His recent movies haven't been up to caliber -- not because of his performance -- but due to other reasons, such as bad screenplay, bad story, bad direction, etc. I thought he did the best he could with what he had to work with.

I completely agree, rukia888. I should have maybe made a point of saying that as well - that his performances have never been subpar. Even in movies that are lacking in other ways, Cillian is always the shining star of the production as a whole. Which, in a way, makes it all the more glaringly obvious that he was 'too good' for several of them. Cillian is always the best part of any movie he's been part of.

I'm sure he's not always going to get the role he tries out for, but it doesn't hurt to try. No matter how big the role, how "unlikely" it would be for him to win the role, it doesn't hurt to audition. I hope Cillian's following this route, and not waiting around for roles to come to him.

That's a very good point. In fact, that was how he landed the role of Dr. Crane for Batman Begins - as everyone remembers, he auditioned for the part of Batman. Now, he probably knew he wouldn't get that role, but he was making an effort to make new contacts, get some face time with important directors, etc. I wonder if he is still making similar efforts currently.... I tend to think probably not.

If it's going to be a rom com, it has to be well-written and witty. I haven't seen Sam Mendes' Away We Go yet, but something along those lines. Something cute but unconventional.

I hate to sound like a hardass here but I hope I never see Cillian in anything that could be labelled 'cute' again. 'Cute' can be a career killer, and you want to talk about being typecast? That'll do it. LOL. I think he needs to avoid rom coms like the plague. If he gets infected with them, he'll never be rid of them.

I wouldn't mind to see Cillian try his hand at comedy a bit more. I don't want to see him in those immature, raunchy comedies, but maybe something a bit more understated like Woody Allen to start out. I would even like to see him work with Judd Apatow; Apatow movies may seem just all raunch at first, but there's heart and wit to them. If Cillian were to mentor with a comedian, I'd like him to follow Paul Rudd rather than say, Will Ferrell. And comedies tend to be more easily accessible to the main public, so comedies may be a way for Cillian to reignite his star.

I agree... partially. I think there are a lot of ways to be funny, and I think Cillian's comedic strength isn't the traditional 'comedy' route. This will be difficult to explain but Cillian, to me, is actually funnier in a dark drama than a silly movie. I'm not sure many would agree with me, but I think Jack Rippner was actually funnier than Neil (in WTD). I sure laughed more watching Red Eye... and I don't mean that I was ridiculing the movie - I mean that Jackson's sarcasm and arseholery is funnier to me than stuff I am 'supposed' to laugh at in WTD. But I have a dark sense of humor. Anyway, I'd love to see Cillian be funny by being in a Coen brothers movie or something like that, rather than an in-your-face comedy. It feels more legit to me.

I know that being nominated/winning an Oscar isn't everything to being an actor, but I'd love to see him win one. Maybe working with some Oscar nominated/winning directors would lead him in this direction. Directors like Ron Howard, Sam Mendes, Coen Brothers, Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Stephen Daldry. That would be awesome.

God, yes. And I would add into that list Martin Scorsese and Michael Mann, though Spielberg is the top of the top, to me. But the fact that he is working with Chris Nolan again is fantastic. That's exactly what he needs right now.

But as he's said in the past, all the best roles go to Leonardo DiCaprio anyway!

Cillian said that?? LMAO! Oh no... and now he has to work with Leo!! Awkward moment, anyone?

I think Cillian is arrestingly, traffic-stoppingly, unnervingly GORGEOUS.

(fangirly swooning...) I so agree... and I love the way you put this. Unnerving is right! But you're right - he's not everyone's cup of tea. He has a most unusual face that strikes different people in different ways. For me, he's living art and my muse. I never get tired of looking at Cillian... there is something otherwordly about him.

[razzthekid]

I think Cillian is a bit like Joseph Gordon Levitt- he's not concerned with making millions and being a big well known leading man. His main goal when making a movie and choosing roles is to do something he finds interesting and can be proud of. He likes unusual characters and i love that fact that he does a lot of Indie flicks. I dread the day that he becomes a hugely famous leading man who does the same type of role over and over.
And as others have said, he has a lot of films coming up soon. Good directors still know him and will recognise his talents. To me he is one of the best actors out there and definitely the best Irish actor around- so powerful and real. He can't go unnoticed by people with good eyes- like Danny Boyle!
Oh and he's number 47 in the list of the top 100 sexiest men- the highest Irish entry in it- ahead of Colin Farrell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers which is cool cos as far as i can see with my friends and family, none of them think he's good looking.

[Larvalee]

I'm not really worried. I have faith in his talent (not saying those of you who are expressing concern don't) and he has a few movies coming up. I would be worried if it had been several years with nothing from him. Peac*ck sounds really interesting & we all know he should get a lot of attention for playing lead in a psychological thriller! I wouldn't be surprised if he was taking it easy with having 2 young kids & maybe now he is kicking it into high gear again. Everything is going to be okay don't worry!

[Kizuna]

Wow, a lot's been said on this, but I guess I might as well add my own two cents in.

I definitely agree, many of Cillian's movies haven't quite been up to snuff lately. But another problem that irritates me is the fact that he's still doing fairly well on his home turf across the pond, but in America, he's still known for very specific roles. I haven't lost faith in him as an actor, like Rukia said, his performances have all been great, even when the film itself wasn't very good. He has always given a great performance. It's just that I'm also disappointed because we simply haven't been able to see him on the big screen. I too really miss seeing him on the big screens.

Now, I'm glad he's not selling out and becoming a tabloid fodder type of celebrity, but there are ways to keep yourself in the public eye and still keep your privacy. Christian Bale and James McAvoy are definitely the best examples of this. But really, if you ask me, the entertainment industry in general is way easier on men than on women. Just how many female versions of Woody Allen, Joe Pesci, Danny Devito, etc can you think of? It's like men can keep acting as long as they can remember their lines, but women are kicked out of the profession at the sign of their first wrinkle.

In terms of reigniting his career (stateside mostly), I'd say to look for a slightly lighter movie. Nothing so heavy and dramatic, but just something that goes with the flow. Admittedly, comedy isn't really his best strength, so he'd probably be better in something a little darker (but not a gallows humor kind of thing).

And this is just my own form of fangirling, but I'd like to see him do another kind of action-ish role. I personally would like to see him take up a superhero role too. I know, he played Scarecrow in Batman, but Ryan Reynolds starred in Wolverine as Wade Wilson/Deadpool and he's recently been cast as Green Lantern, a Marvel villain and DC hero respectively. There are many ways to make a superhero movie smart, but still fun to watch at the same time. I'm personally leaning towards either Daredevil (who's rumored to be getting a franchise rebooting of his own), Aaron Stack/Machine Man (though he's more on the fun side), Hank Pym/Ant-Man/Giant Man/Yellowjacket/Goliath (given Marvel's focus on building up to The Avengers event) or Clint Barton/Hawkeye/Ronin. I really don't want to see him play a villain again, largely because it just would limit his talents, my opinion of course.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was taking it easy with having 2 young kids

Good point. I wouldn't be too shocked with that case either.

[emma286]

Have to say that I'm pretty disappointed about this too. It does seem such a pity to me that the guys career started off so well and then this is what has ended up happening with him. Still, as Rukia stated earlier in here, this hasn't made me lose my faith in him as an actor at all. I'm sure that he's more than capable of making a highly noticable come back, it'll just take him finding the right kind of movie opportunity. And hopefully as he's currently a few movies on the horizon, that'll happen in the not too distant future. I'll certainly be keeping my fingers crossed!