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Post by Pisces on Feb 11, 2012 10:15:07 GMT -5
As we all know, Cillian's career has had a nice boost lately, due to being seen in a few recently released films, and having success with his play Misterman. With nothing lined up for future filming - the forever delayed At Swim Two Birds notwithstanding - it's a good time for us to discuss where we'd like to see Cillian's career go next. What would you like to see him do? More films? More plays? Some of both? If films, what type would you most like to see him involved with? I'm going to begin with some of Cougarlady's words from another thread, since they were the ones that gave me the idea for this thread. Well, to me you made an interesting point when you mentioned Danny Boyle casting Cillian after Disco Pigs. Yes, those are the kinds of films that are usually stepping stones in your earlier career, leading to bigger and better things as time goes on. Or even the types of films to revisit from time to time, but not to make a steady diet of them if you truly want to experience every type of opportunity available as a film actor. But Cillian seems reluctant to embrace the role of lead actor, for whatever reason, whether it's a reluctance to leave home, a reluctance to do press or just a desire to remain in the background and have a bit more privacy. His contemporaries, like Colin Farrell and Johnathan Rhys Meyers are consistently in lead roles and often not in big Hollywood productions, so just using those two alone as examples, we can see that film roles are available. They're not all terrible. Cillian could easily have played any of the lead roles that they have played in recent years. But they seem to be willing to go on location for long periods, while Cillian does not. Most of those types of films are not going to be shot in expensive cities like L.A. or London, they are going to be filmed in more affordable and far away locales. Who knows, that is just my observation. I know that many of his fans love him in the indie roles, and those are fine, I just wish he would branch out more and go a little BIGGER now as he progresses in his career. Perhaps get out of the UK once in a while, and by that I don't mean a holiday in Spain or three week shoot in L.A., lol. That is part of what you work for as an actor, isn't it, an opportunity to grow and challenge yourself by continuing to work with the best and brightest in the industry. There's no reason he couldn't work with a Ridley Scott or Woody Allen or Milos Foreman if he wanted to. That brass ring is there for him, IMO, if he would care to grab it, even once. To add my two cents: I agree with this. I've gone on a rant or two about the steady diet of indies Cillian tends to exist upon; I don't think they have all been beneficial to his career. Using Retreat as a recent example: is anyone really going to remember him for that movie? He seems to shoot films from major studios only occasionally and with great reluctance, and in my opinion, that has somewhat sandbagged his career. Like Cougarlady, I'm puzzled by his apparent disinclination to venture any great distance or length of time for a shoot. And I do think that the roles are out there for him as well; if Colin Farrell can land lead after lead, there is no reason Cillian could not do the same; his talent eclipses Colin's (no offense to Colin or his fans, lol). And there are good Hollywood films. For every five or ten Transformer movies, there is a No Country for Old Men, or a Gangs of New York. And yes, only a few actors are going to land roles in productions like that. But criminy - you can't tell me that every brilliant director in Hollywood doesn't know who Cillian is by now, and if they do, they know how talented he is. I would bet anything that a LOT of these directors would be very interested in having him in their films. And maybe to back him up a little: It's rather difficult for an actor to predict, only by reading a script, what a movie will be like in the end... Maybe an actor reads a splendid script and joins the movie enthusiastically, but in the end the script gets edited, or the directer misses to make the best out of it or or or... IDK There could be many possibilties. LOL BUT I'm totally with you, Cougarlady, by wishing he would do more promotion, more leading roles, more big movies, more of everything. For I want to see him more often !! ;D Especially in some remarkable and/or sexy leading roles LOL Totally agree with this, Zombie!! No actor can predict how a film will turn out in the end. That's a sad truth. I just wish Cillian would take more chances, and I think I'm wanting to see him push himself a little. I don't mean in his acting - we all know he's always willing to go to the edge of that cliff and over, acting-wise - I mean in what he chooses as projects. And I'm also a little impatient to see him sign on to film something this year. I'm thrilled that Misterman has been a wild success, but I don't see why he can't be shooting something in the interim between play runs. It's a bit concerning for me, as someone who will never see his plays, and I'm sure there will be a lot of other fans who feel the same. So what do you think, everyone? Add your thoughts! What would you like to see Cillian do in 2012?
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Post by applepretzel on Feb 12, 2012 12:35:29 GMT -5
I'm just sick of him being the best thing in otherwise crappy movies.
My hopes are up after learning that one of the Coen brothers went and saw Misterman, though. If that puts him on their radar and he gets cast in one of their films, I'll forgive him for Retreat and In Time.
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Post by wikkleshamrocks on Feb 12, 2012 17:48:09 GMT -5
Wow. I think some of the movies he's done are pretty cool. They are and eclectic mix and not many actors are brave or skilled enough to take that kind of diversity on. We can't like every film he's in but he certainly makes a film of any sorts worth watching. Cillian works on small and big budgets, art house and commercial and even does live performance. He is at a point in his career where he can choose what he likes and be picky so we just have to wait what scripts he says yes to next. Yes he has the bone structure of a leading hero but he can shape-shift in to anything, it's incredible! He was born to act and every atom in his being knew that the moment he saw Corcadorca do the Clockwork Orange production. Also, he can't really control the post production and release of films he's worked on, we all know that, so more often than not, what was a balanced run of regular work for him will be portrayed as a clump of movies being released on top of each other making it look like he hasn't been doing much in the mean time. If we don't hear on anything about a shoot going on etc, let the guy rest! I think he works pretty hard. When you put the marketing and publicity stuff into the film contracts for the actor, it becomes tiring. International promotions, appearances, premiers, interviews and festivals, it's a lot of work. I think Cillian deserves to kick back and be pampered.
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Post by Pisces on Feb 12, 2012 19:08:51 GMT -5
Wow. I think some of the movies he's done are pretty cool. They are and eclectic mix and not many actors are brave or skilled enough to take that kind of diversity on. We can't like every film he's in but he certainly makes a film of any sorts worth watching. That is undeniably true! I've always enjoyed his performances (well, with one exception, lol), and he's certainly done a good job of creating a diverse portfolio of films. No complaints there! He seems more comfortable sticking to small productions, or ones that support Irish cinema, and I love that about him. But I'd also like to see him dream a little BIGGER, darling. Also, he can't really control the post production and release of films he's worked on, we all know that, so more often than not, what was a balanced run of regular work for him will be portrayed as a clump of movies being released on top of each other making it look like he hasn't been doing much in the mean time. Or, as is the case lately, films he shot back to back are released much farther apart (Red Lights was filmed immediately after In Time, but Red Lights yet to be released, whereas In Time has already hit both the cinemas and the DVD shelves). I'd just like to see that he's signed on to shoot something in 2012 sometime, lol, not necessarily right now before Misterman. Of course he deserves his rest, just like anyone else. Post production can take anywhere from 9-18 months. That means that even if he were filming something currently, we wouldn't see it until 2013 at the earliest. So, after Red Lights is released, there won't be anything forthcoming from Cillian until at least a year from now. And possibly much longer. It would be a shame if Cillian's movie career lost the wonderful momentum it has recently gained. I just always want to see more of him. Can't help myself! ;D
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Post by allstarr55js on Feb 12, 2012 20:01:05 GMT -5
Which one did you not enjoy?
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Post by Cait on Feb 12, 2012 22:21:36 GMT -5
Agree with all of you ladies. I respect and admire that he chooses his projects based on the quality of the script, not on how much attention or money it'll get him. However, I also wish he would go bigger. He's too damn good at what he does to not be noticed by the best directors and to not be cast in their films. I know he would go so far if he'd just go for it! The man could have an oscar in his hand. I often wonder what would have happened if he'd accepted the role for 127 Hours. James Franco did a stunning job, but I know Cillian would have been phenomenal.
So, for 2012, it would be nice to see him not just choose bigger projects, but to take the lead role because that's where he belongs. However, even if he doesn't, it won't hurt my feelings as long as he keeps acting, and as long as I don't have to wait too long to see the films.
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Post by Pisces on Feb 13, 2012 7:06:20 GMT -5
Which one did you not enjoy? That would be Peac0ck. Too over-the-top for me. That was the only time I have ever watched Cillian in a movie and been acutely aware that he was acting. I just never believed a moment of that performance.
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Post by cougarlady on Feb 13, 2012 17:43:32 GMT -5
Great idea for a thread Pisces, and VERY interesting and valid points, everyone. It is true that film is a director's medium and actors have little to no control over the final outcome. And yes, it is true that the quality of the script and perhaps the perceived talent of the director and/or fellow actors may be the determining factors when actors choose roles. But if Cillian's claim is that the quality and originality of the script is his primary motivator, then let's use the script for "In Time" as just one example. I realize that this may sound harsh, but it was not original, it was not a new idea, it was "Logan's Run" meets "Robin Hood," and it was transparently targeted for a teenybopper audience with a teenybopper pop star in the lead role. And all of these elements were readily apparent before Cillian signed on. It seemed less about quality filmmaking and more about quick profit. Just IMO, Cillian too often aligns himself with directors who have also written the script, and it doesn't always work out well, especially when they are newly minted filmmakers and it is only their freshman or sophomore effort. Yes, "Inception" is obviously the huge exception to that theory (lol) but how many times does a completely original script like that come along? Most are not even original. "Retreat" was just "Dead Calm" all over again. Cillian has earned the golden opportunity to work with big name directors who have a track record of quality films and success. Yet he seems to bypass that opportunity time and again in favor of little indie movies that are coincidentally filming close to home, or a secondary role in a Hollywood movie which probably did not require a huge time commitment. But if those indie films go straight to DVD or are never even released, then his promising career is suffering for it. Yes, once again, he has no control over post production, but there is a pattern there: indie films shot quickly and/or close to home = less likelihood of film release or success = fewer opportunities for quality film roles in the future. He is SO much better than the types of films he has been choosing of late, and we know he worked hard to earn his place in that film world. You don't reach those levels by accident. I think what we as fans must realize is that just because Cillian experienced film success and the opportunity to pick and choose roles throughout his 20's and early 30's, doesn't mean that it's always going to be that way, especially if he does not experience continued financial success with his films. There is a window of opportunity for acting in films, and actors who have that kind of opportunity need to take full advantage of it while they can, if that is indeed even what they want. Very few actors (and even fewer actresses), even the most successful among them, manage to sustain film careers throughout middle age and beyond, that is just the harsh reality. Yes, there are exceptions, but that is generally the rule. There will forever be a newer, fresher, more ambitious young actor coming up behind you, ready to step into the roles and appeal to a continuously youthful movie market. And most films are targeted to the younger demographics, as they are the people who are most likely to spend money on such things. I know, another rant, lol. Sorry about that But like Pisces, Cait, Applepretzel and others, I just want Cillian's body of film work to reflect his amazing natural talent. Some of the films are great, but many are not, and my chief concern is that the not-so-great films are occurring later in his career rather than earlier, and it shouldn't be that way. He could be working with bigger names and making better films. Just ask yourself if you would have bothered to see a particular film, perhaps like "Retreat," or "In Time" or "Edge of Love" if Cillian had not been in it. Just IMO, I'd like to see him focus on film acting now and save theater for later, and I'd like to see him work with more big name, tried and true directors. He has earned that opportunity and it may not be there forever. And if that means going to Argentina or China or Thailand or wherever for six months of filming, then just ONCE, forego all fears and concerns and let NOTHING hold him back. When that happens, it will be his masterpiece of film work, I think.
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Post by allstarr55js on Feb 13, 2012 18:57:04 GMT -5
Which one did you not enjoy? That would be Peac0ck. Too over-the-top for me. That was the only time I have ever watched Cillian in a movie and been acutely aware that he was acting. I just never believed a moment of that performance. WOW I thought he was brilliant in Peac*ck.
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Post by Pisces on Feb 13, 2012 19:15:15 GMT -5
Yes, "Inception" is obviously the huge exception to that theory (lol) but how many times does a completely original script like that come along? This is the most salient point of all. The fact is that there is a painful shortage of truly original scripts out there, and that goes for indies as well as big studios. That is completely out of Cillian's control. Because of that shortage, the competition is going to be fierce for the few good roles in the few great films. So the odds are against him landing those roles, even if he were auditioning till his gorgeous eyeballs rattled. He's not the only actor who is missing out on those coveted roles... though he probably IS the most talented one to be missing out on them. I think a lot of us will readily admit that we might not have watched some of Cillian's films had he not been in them. In fact, I can say with great confidence that very few of us would ever have even heard of Retreat if we were not following Cillian's career so closely. BUT... having a devoted fanbase who are willing to see movies they otherwise would not isn't a phenomenon unique to Cillian. Every actor has a devoted following, some more loyal and long lasting than others. I would venture to say that Cillian's fans are some of the most loyal I have seen, and they care genuinely for his success. It's hard sometimes to watch the success of other actors who haven't a fraction of his talent or presence. But getting back to the point about watching movies we might not have: I think in a way, it's a testament to his talent. Because we know that, even if we don't love the movie, we will love him in it. In that respect, he rarely (some would say never) lets us down. He gives us loyalty by the integrity of his performance, and we reward him by sticking around. Win-win! I often wonder what would have happened if he'd accepted the role for 127 Hours. James Franco did a stunning job, but I know Cillian would have been phenomenal. I can't tell you how many times I have wondered that, Cait. I know it was something of a controversial movie, and there were some who didn't like it, but you can't deny that it generated a lot of attention. And had Cillian taken the role, it would have been a virtual one-man show. No hiding in the background! I guess we will always have to wonder... WOW I thought he was brilliant in Peac*ck. You're not alone, allstarr55j- most people thought the same as you did. I'm in an extreme minority on that one, lol.
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Post by The Phantom Lady on Feb 14, 2012 2:24:21 GMT -5
I for one love the diversity of his movies and plays.
I would love to see him in some epic role one day, something he'd be remembered for the rest of his life you know? And that's not saying I mind him doing indie movies at all... I mean Breakfast on Pluto means the world to me and Cillian did such a good job with that!
Selfishly I'd love (when/if its ever finished and rewritten) that he read my script for 'Blue Eyed Jack' and love it...
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Post by bunnie24 on Feb 14, 2012 13:31:36 GMT -5
Hey...I have several scripts still being written and there are a few where I've based some characters JUST for Cillian...
...if they get made he BETTER take those roles other wise I'm going to be pissed!
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Post by Zombiekitten on Feb 14, 2012 14:47:08 GMT -5
Exciting thread and absolutely something what many of us Cilly fans are questioning ourselfs. Why is his career not higher, regarding the remarkable, huge talent of his? The reasons could be manifold... Several very intelligent points were already talked. And like cougarlady I think every viewpoint is valueble and deserves to get considerated. Well... my opinion: (and forgive me if something I wrote may not be understandable... it costs so much energy to express my self in another language, but yet it is really important for me to share my opinion. AND to share it without getting missunderstood ) First: I agree with all of you who said they would love to see Cillian just MORE. And that his career should be bigger and so on. It is really hard for us fans to climb from every project of his to the next, for the cleft of waiting between them seems always so darn wide and long... But I think also that we should ask ourselves: What does Cillian himself want? DOES he really gives a damn about having a big career, of being a star? We all know that he isn't the star kind of type. But why does he choose "crappy" movies then? Well, he once said he chooses roles by diversity and the interest he has to play them. What if the most important thing for him about acting is not the career, not the budget, not the script and its outcome, but the pure, plain fact of having fun while playing an interesting role? We must keep in mind that playing a role may be a whole lot of fun more for him, than it is for US fans watching the finnished movie (if we don't like this movie or if it is not qualitiy enough) I think that he does acting mainly for himself. Not for fans (as sad as it is...) not for the audience, not for the career or the money. He once said he isn't ambitious, didn't he? Well... maybe we have to accept that he plays roles just for himself. That he plays the characters he has fun playing and who are challenging him as an actor. Maybe he gives a damn about the rest of the script, als long as his role suits him and he loves to play it. Who knows that man's intentiones really? Maybe for him, playing a split personality, a woman and a man in one body, in a not so well developed script is more challenging and interesting than taking part in some big bugdet movie that pushes his career, but he doesn't like the character he would have to play... Okay, okay. There are MANY movies that are good AND mainstream/hollywood/entertainment cinema. And I also think that there are a lot of roles out there for him that would suit him AND would push his career. But I can't imagine why the moviemakers aren't offering him more of them... Is it really his fault? Is the reason for not getting the big, challenging roles in the big movies his modesty? I don't know... Somehow I have the feeling, as mentioned before, that he just doesn't want to have a huge career at all. But, to critisize him regarding this point: maybe because he makes himself scarce and because he's so modest he doesn't gets offered these big AND challenging "star" roles... IDK. I can't imagine though that filmmakers are just overlooking him! LOL Nobody could overlook Cilly ;D Maybe he's just happy with having not so much stress and work in his live... IDK. Maybe he doesn't go for a huge carreer because his family and privat live is much more important to him... It's a hard topic, really... I'm having the feeling that I can only express a fraction of all the tings I wanted to say about this... What would you like to see Cillian do in 2012? SHOOTING TRON 3 FOR GOD'S SAKE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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polaris
Seriously Infected
Posts: 109
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Post by polaris on Feb 14, 2012 17:39:18 GMT -5
I don't think he gets as much scripts as we all like to think. He seems to be someone who would be hard to cast. As much as you and I think he is quite attractive, he has a lot of really weird features and doesn't look like the conventional leading man. Obviously he can't do anything about his "look", but it does plays a hand in which roles he gets considered for.
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Post by Zombiekitten on Feb 16, 2012 18:25:44 GMT -5
I agree that Cillian has a very special look which might keeps him from being casted for many roles. He's not the average looking guy. He's quite... exotic... But yet he can play very diverse type of guys. Neil for example is quite a "normal" guy. In contrast to him Fischer is a totally different. And Cillian has really the ability to play them different. So that nobody would ever mistake Fischer for Neil. LOL
Roles which wouldn't fit Cillian are IMO average love story guys or action heros. Or the daredevil, muscular, roudy kind of guy...
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