JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
John Doe Asks - Who should be the best paid actors and actresses?
Mediocrity Pays?
Every year Forbes releases a list of Hollywood’s top earners. Focused solely on the numbers, reducing actors and actresses to mere products the list is a cold reminder that filmmaking can be viewed as merely a corporate business concerned with the bottom line.
What the list also does is prove there is absolutely no correlation between thespian talent and the level of recognition achievable in the industry.
Browsing through the names John Doe is truly dismayed at the shortlist. It reminds that when the public chooses to eat out they are more likely go to McDonald’s than somewhere with tasty food that offers sustenance and it seems they put the same demands on their art and entertainment.
The irony of the list is that it's more like a most hated catalog, most of the names are like garlic to a vampire that guarantees JD from seeing a film instead of getting his bucks at the box office. Rather than wallow alone, questioning how out of touch Johnny might be with what quality acting really is, he is instead being proactive and will attempt to sum up his opinion on each individual and then throw out a dream list of his own populated with those he considers worthy of his hard earned dollars.
Highest Paid Women:
Sandra Bullock – 56 million
Its sickly appropriate that the most ridiculous entry sits at number 1. This woman is incapable of naturalism, is so cookie cutter she belongs on the Disney channel. Worst of all she is just boring! Coming across with an aura of sanctimonious self righteousness that stinks up every frame. Watching Crash where she was cast opposite some real actors served to highlight just how incapable she is of any genuine feeling.
Reese Witherspoon – 32 Million
Credit where it’s due, Reese’s performance in Election and Freeway were both praise worthy. It’s not that she is terrible, just very mundane on screen like a cinematic Rohypnole completely forgotten once the lights come up. JD begrudgingly admits she did push herself in the deeply flawed Rendition.
Cameron Diaz – 32 million
Aside from The Last Supper and Very Bad Things her name on the cast list invariably leaves the aroma of dirty lingerie. Look no further than Gangs of New York for proof.
Jennifer Aniston – 27 million
Seriously? Sure The Good Girl and Friends With Money were rewarding films. Office Space amuses but the nagging thought that someone else in the part would have lifted it is inescapable. The rest of her filmography causes JD to dry heave in much the same way as seeing Cher in sheer mesh outfits.
Sarah Jessica Parker – 25 million
Never one to bring much charisma, LA Story is the only time Johnny recalls her persona benefiting a production. Flight of the Navigator, Footloose and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun are great examples of her goofy 80’s innocence but that’s not a good thing. Though she has appeared in several Tim Burton films (Ed Wood, Mars Attacks) watching Parker act is akin to ramming an over-sized stiletto heel into your eyeballs.
Highest Paid Men:
Johnny Depp - 75 Million
John Doe is completely fine with this decision and can understand because there are so many flavors of Depp to savor. Personally The Libertine was his last exceptional role though JD is a fan of most everything the man does aside from the underwhelming Pirates films, Secret Window and The Astronauts Wife.
Ben Stiller- 53 Million
His brand of comedy just doesn’t synch with JD’s. Sure The Royal Tenanbaums, Zero Effect, Your Friends and Neighbors and Flirting with Disaster are good movies, but in no way do they benefit from his exaggerated, nervous tics. Zero tolerance for the goof ball side, though begrudgingly Tropic Thunder did make Johnny laugh.
Tom Hanks - 45 Million
Now I will go to bat for The Burbs, Joe versus The Volcano and most of the man’s work on SNL but as a serious actor there is no sign of inspired choices. Going for the most obvious route at every turn and in effect becoming cinematic valium for JD. (Yep I cheered when he finally died in Ryan) His role in Gump is a great example of just how one dimensional and afraid to be disliked he is. By doing this there is no genuine flawed humanity to any performance, after all nobody’s perfect in life and who wants them to be. In short the most over rated actor walking the face of the earth or visiting the darkside of the moon.
Adam Sandler - 40 Million
JD enjoys Happy Gilmor as much as the next guy and can appreciate Punch Drunk Love but that pair in no way encourage this kind of recognition.
Leonardo Di Caprio - 28 Million
Like Depp, this is another actor who has enough diversity in his acting to truly disappear in the right character. The Basketball Diaries, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Body of Lies and Inception being fine samples of what he is capable of. It seems that overall the men's list at least got two right.
Before JD offers up his own list of who should be the top 5 earners it’s important to share a few thoughts on what he looks for in performance. The most important factor is interest, an actor has to be interesting onscreen. Their interpretation of a character’s eccentricities should deliver unspoken complexity beyond the written word, with nuance sharing subtle traits beneath the surface. In drama its believability, in comedy exuberance of personality, for action it comes down to sheer presence and force of will.
Ultimately all these criteria are left to the subjective eye, for JD it’s very simple, the actor needs to be one that would fascinate in real life roles or inspire in fantasies parts.
Formulating an equation that factors in longevity, (It takes over a decade to rise to the top and prove consistency), integrity (some phenomenal talents base decisions on material not the paycheck) and a gut feeling of audience appeal here is JD’s nominations for 5 actors and actresses warranting the excessive bank balances their profession inexplicably boasts.
NB* JD is aware that the Forbes list is about big films in the last 12 months but the films included are there to show range of appeal and ability to shift between more personal work and blockbusters.
Actors selected are not necessarily 5 favourites, rather hard working, versatile chameleons.
John Doe's in a perfect world Top Paid Actors
Mickey Rourke (Angel Heart, The Wrestler, Sin City)
Benicio Del Toro (The Usual Suspects, 21 Grams, Sin City)
Gary Oldman (Leon: The Professional, State of Grace,The Dark Knight)
Robert Downey Jr(Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang, Wonderboys, Chaplin)
Sam Rockwell (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Galaxy Quest, Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)
Sam Rockwell compares the difference between Indie films and Big Budget
John Doe's in a perfect world Top Paid Actresses
Jennifer Jason Leigh (Last Exit to Brooklyn, Existenz, Fast Times at Ridgemont High)
Jennifer Connelly (Requiem for a Dream, The Rocketeer, Dark City)
Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich, Out of Sight, Where the Wild Things Are)
Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights, Children of Men, Hannibal)
Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Leon: The Professional, Star Wars)
Natalie Portman on Inside the Actor's Studio.
So readers, even though the money thrown around in the industry is incongruous, who do you think is the best at providing the service of actor for hire?
Johnny Depp ranks #1 in bucks.
Every year Forbes releases a list of Hollywood’s top earners. Focused solely on the numbers, reducing actors and actresses to mere products the list is a cold reminder that filmmaking can be viewed as merely a corporate business concerned with the bottom line.
What the list also does is prove there is absolutely no correlation between thespian talent and the level of recognition achievable in the industry.
Browsing through the names John Doe is truly dismayed at the shortlist. It reminds that when the public chooses to eat out they are more likely go to McDonald’s than somewhere with tasty food that offers sustenance and it seems they put the same demands on their art and entertainment.
The irony of the list is that it's more like a most hated catalog, most of the names are like garlic to a vampire that guarantees JD from seeing a film instead of getting his bucks at the box office. Rather than wallow alone, questioning how out of touch Johnny might be with what quality acting really is, he is instead being proactive and will attempt to sum up his opinion on each individual and then throw out a dream list of his own populated with those he considers worthy of his hard earned dollars.
He might not be the greatest actor around but here QT perfectly captures the essence of how JD felt reading the list of highest paid actresses.
The Top Paid Women - Image courtesy of Cinematical
Highest Paid Women:
Sandra Bullock – 56 million
Its sickly appropriate that the most ridiculous entry sits at number 1. This woman is incapable of naturalism, is so cookie cutter she belongs on the Disney channel. Worst of all she is just boring! Coming across with an aura of sanctimonious self righteousness that stinks up every frame. Watching Crash where she was cast opposite some real actors served to highlight just how incapable she is of any genuine feeling.
Reese Witherspoon – 32 Million
Credit where it’s due, Reese’s performance in Election and Freeway were both praise worthy. It’s not that she is terrible, just very mundane on screen like a cinematic Rohypnole completely forgotten once the lights come up. JD begrudgingly admits she did push herself in the deeply flawed Rendition.
Cameron Diaz – 32 million
Aside from The Last Supper and Very Bad Things her name on the cast list invariably leaves the aroma of dirty lingerie. Look no further than Gangs of New York for proof.
Jennifer Aniston – 27 million
Seriously? Sure The Good Girl and Friends With Money were rewarding films. Office Space amuses but the nagging thought that someone else in the part would have lifted it is inescapable. The rest of her filmography causes JD to dry heave in much the same way as seeing Cher in sheer mesh outfits.
Sarah Jessica Parker – 25 million
Never one to bring much charisma, LA Story is the only time Johnny recalls her persona benefiting a production. Flight of the Navigator, Footloose and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun are great examples of her goofy 80’s innocence but that’s not a good thing. Though she has appeared in several Tim Burton films (Ed Wood, Mars Attacks) watching Parker act is akin to ramming an over-sized stiletto heel into your eyeballs.
The Top Paid Men - Image courtesy of Cinematical
Highest Paid Men:
Johnny Depp - 75 Million
John Doe is completely fine with this decision and can understand because there are so many flavors of Depp to savor. Personally The Libertine was his last exceptional role though JD is a fan of most everything the man does aside from the underwhelming Pirates films, Secret Window and The Astronauts Wife.
Ben Stiller- 53 Million
His brand of comedy just doesn’t synch with JD’s. Sure The Royal Tenanbaums, Zero Effect, Your Friends and Neighbors and Flirting with Disaster are good movies, but in no way do they benefit from his exaggerated, nervous tics. Zero tolerance for the goof ball side, though begrudgingly Tropic Thunder did make Johnny laugh.
Tom Hanks - 45 Million
Now I will go to bat for The Burbs, Joe versus The Volcano and most of the man’s work on SNL but as a serious actor there is no sign of inspired choices. Going for the most obvious route at every turn and in effect becoming cinematic valium for JD. (Yep I cheered when he finally died in Ryan) His role in Gump is a great example of just how one dimensional and afraid to be disliked he is. By doing this there is no genuine flawed humanity to any performance, after all nobody’s perfect in life and who wants them to be. In short the most over rated actor walking the face of the earth or visiting the darkside of the moon.
Adam Sandler - 40 Million
JD enjoys Happy Gilmor as much as the next guy and can appreciate Punch Drunk Love but that pair in no way encourage this kind of recognition.
Leonardo Di Caprio - 28 Million
Like Depp, this is another actor who has enough diversity in his acting to truly disappear in the right character. The Basketball Diaries, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Body of Lies and Inception being fine samples of what he is capable of. It seems that overall the men's list at least got two right.
Before JD offers up his own list of who should be the top 5 earners it’s important to share a few thoughts on what he looks for in performance. The most important factor is interest, an actor has to be interesting onscreen. Their interpretation of a character’s eccentricities should deliver unspoken complexity beyond the written word, with nuance sharing subtle traits beneath the surface. In drama its believability, in comedy exuberance of personality, for action it comes down to sheer presence and force of will.
Ultimately all these criteria are left to the subjective eye, for JD it’s very simple, the actor needs to be one that would fascinate in real life roles or inspire in fantasies parts.
Formulating an equation that factors in longevity, (It takes over a decade to rise to the top and prove consistency), integrity (some phenomenal talents base decisions on material not the paycheck) and a gut feeling of audience appeal here is JD’s nominations for 5 actors and actresses warranting the excessive bank balances their profession inexplicably boasts.
NB* JD is aware that the Forbes list is about big films in the last 12 months but the films included are there to show range of appeal and ability to shift between more personal work and blockbusters.
Actors selected are not necessarily 5 favourites, rather hard working, versatile chameleons.
John Doe's in a perfect world Top Paid Actors
Mickey Rourke (Angel Heart, The Wrestler, Sin City)
Benicio Del Toro
Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman (Leon: The Professional, State of Grace,The Dark Knight)
Robert Downey Jr
Sam Rockwell (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Galaxy Quest, Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)
Sam Rockwell compares the difference between Indie films and Big Budget
John Doe's in a perfect world Top Paid Actresses
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Jennifer Jason Leigh (Last Exit to Brooklyn, Existenz, Fast Times at Ridgemont High)
Jennifer Connelly
Jennifer Connelly (Requiem for a Dream, The Rocketeer, Dark City)
Catherine Keener
Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich, Out of Sight, Where the Wild Things Are)
Julianne Moore
Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Leon: The Professional, Star Wars)
Natalie Portman on Inside the Actor's Studio.
So readers, even though the money thrown around in the industry is incongruous, who do you think is the best at providing the service of actor for hire?
Your own selections are pretty great, although I'm not so fussed on Keener, and Mickey is more like Top 10 or 20 than Top 5.
Additions would perhaps include Daniel Craig, Ron Perlman, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Tom Hardy, Paul Giamatti, Vera Farmiga, Laura Linney, Mark Ruffalo and probably a dozen others that I can't think of right now.
I also agree with Matt that Ron Perlman is one of our best, most underappreciated thespians. So is Bruce Campbell. Josh Brolin, too (Jonah Hex notwithstanding).
Heck, I could do this all day!
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
Funnily enough, I like Sandra Bullock but I don't like Sandra Bullock, the actress. I think her non-working persona far exceeds her professional one...the same with another overrated actress - Julia Roberts.
I love Natalie Portman, I think she's probably the only actress out there that's worth taking a look at. However there is only ONE Goddess out there for me and as much as Hollywood is sick of writing her name on a nomination ballot, this diva is still cranking out quality work at 60...Meryl Streep. She still puts everyone to shame - she's even good in really bad movies.
As far as actors go, Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney and Sam Rockwell are very intelligent actors who are worth their salt. Honorable mention to Johnny Depp.
That's all I could think of for now, I'm sure more will spring to mind as the other comments come in.
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
Horrorphile
I can't stand Sarah Jessica Parker (apart from in Square Pegs).
Yay for Johnny!
Curious that none of the top earning female actors have anywhere near the kind of range as Depp.
I wouldn't know where to start with my own two lists ...
Good for for thought post though JD ...
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Great post - and I would certainly concur with your analysis of the highest paid women.
Stiller and Sandler I just can't get my head around as to why anyone would go close to thinking they're worth that kind of money - mind you - it's not about talent my friend - it's about the box office.
Sometimes plastic people pay good plastic to see plastic.
Keep the bastards honest JD . . . it's what you're good at!
Screen Adventure
All of those actresses are terrible! (I'm keeping in mind that Reese W. has been in a couple of good films but I still dont care), but essentially it's kind of like being the worlds most expensive wh*re
I'm actually quite happy that they're in that price range , that means that quality actresses like Christina Ricci or Catherine Keener are still in arms reach for the indie film maker.
Anyway - thats all I have to say on the matter, I have better things to do than think up some unfair salary for an actor - just call me
Shaun 'sour grapes' K.
Screen Adventure
P.P.S. - your paragraphs on the actresses were hysterical - you make me laugh
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
Women:
Helen Mirren
Judi Dench
Kate Winslet
Emma Thompson
Toni Collette
Men:
James McAvoy
Cillian Murphy
Sam Rockwell (we are in agreement)
Michael Pitt
Alan Rickman
Actresses I'd pay to see: Laura Linney, Patricia Clarkson, Catharine Keener.
For actors: Kevin Spacey (the voice alone is worth it), Jean Reno and Steve Buscemi.
Film & TV on DVD
Your own selections are pretty great, although I'm not so fussed on Keener, and Mickey is more like Top 10 or 20 than Top 5.
Additions would perhaps include Daniel Craig, Ron Perlman, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Tom Hardy, Paul Giamatti, Vera Farmiga, Laura Linney, Mark Ruffalo and probably a dozen others that I can't think of right now.
It was tough to compile my own list because I did have to factor in longevity That's why Joseph Gordon Levitt, Thomas Hardy and Aaron Eckhart etc didn't get included despite my love of them.)
Universal appeal also played a part so no Phillip Seymour Hoffman for example.
I love your own list and especially mark Ruffallo, jeffrey Wright, laura Linney, Ron Pearlman and Paul Giamatti.
Glad I am not alone in my revulsion of who the public shells out for.
Film & TV on DVD
I would add William H. Macy, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Kevin Spacey to the men's list.
I also agree with Matt that Ron Perlman is one of our best, most underappreciated thespians. So is Bruce Campbell. Josh Brolin, too (Jonah Hex notwithstanding).
Heck, I could do this all day!
Thanks for dropping in and playing Psychocinemapath,
William H Macy is superb and could easily have made the cut for me. Brolin really has grown in recent times and BC always earns honors for Bubba Ho Tep amongst many others.
Film & TV on DVD
Connelly has been a fave of mine since Once Upon A Time in America and The Rocketeer. I do see what you mean about teh grim look, though don't think its all teh time. Funnily that melancholy air of hers actually bring charcater complexity for m that always intrigues forcing me to analyse the subtle variations.
Julianne Moore can play anything ion my book. She just has so much range and all of it is utilized in Boogie Nights from introspective emotion to exuberant coke fuelled mania. Her performance in Children of men was exceptional and when you measure it against her fun loving stuff like Evolution and Trust the Man I see a very talented chameleon.
I try to never factor in an actors personal life when assessing performance. If I did sandra Bullock would be even more despised. her arrogant self rightousness really grates. Highlighted or me with teh whole oh you gave me a razzie but you obviously didn't see the film thing. So easy to see why someone cheated on her, it must be so boring hearing "me, me, me" all the time. Julia Roberts I can say nothing nice about at all.
Natalie is certainly good that's why I included her.
For me its Jennifer Jason Leigh that is the goddess of talent. Even in bad films (eg - Single White Female) she lodges exceptional performances and disappears in so many roles (Hudsucker Proxy, Kansas City etc) in a vast array of characters. I don't think anyone can match her ability. Last Exit To Brooklyn is arguably the greatest female performance of my lifetime.
I dig Javier too, but was trying to stick with Hollywood actors, hence no Vincent Cassel either.
Always nice to have your contribution.
Film & TV on DVD
You mean the Forbes list of earners right? None of them have any discernible range at all, let alone Johnny Depp abilities.
Surprised no one has come out to bat for Viggo Mortensen, who I wrestled with including for over 15 minutes.
Film & TV on DVD
Film & TV on DVD
All of those actresses are terrible! (I'm keeping in mind that Reese W. has been in a couple of good films but I still dont care), but essentially it's kind of like being the worlds most expensive wh*re
I'm actually quite happy that they're in that price range , that means that quality actresses like Christina Ricci or Catherine Keener are still in arms reach for the indie film maker.
Anyway - thats all I have to say on the matter, I have better things to do than think up some unfair salary for an actor - just call me Shaun 'sour grapes' K.
The pay scale is ludicrous for sure Shaun and i agree that its nice to have indie cred. Still with a higher salary means more freedom so real actors would alternate between indie and big budget like Depp does.
So many i left off my list, it was really hard to try and channel my corporate side for the list and factor in audience appeal and artist temperament.
Names like Viggo Mortensen, Clive Owen, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tom hardy, Aaron Eckhart all difficult to cut...hence the disclaimer that its not my 5 favourite actors rather ones Im surprised the public doesn't adore for skill.
Film & TV on DVD
Women:
Helen Mirren
Judi Dench
Kate Winslet
Emma Thompson
Toni Collette
Men:
James McAvoy
Cillian Murphy
Sam Rockwell (we are in agreement)
Michael Pitt
Alan Rickman
Like them all Morgan and all would be more worthy than the current crop. Must admit Cillian is a little hit and miss for me as is Collette. Still no arguing they improve upon what is there and would make more sense.
Film & TV on DVD
Hi MelG,
It's been awhile and its wonderful to see you back.
I think Connelly is subtle instead of wooden, the range she shows in Requiem For A Dream astonishes for awareness. From gleeful giddy love all the way to the deepest self inflicted tragedy. That's just one of many examples, but hey it comes down to subjective view. The whole reason I wrote the post.
As a red blooded male, not factoring in her obvious skills I wish I was on that train with Portman
Film & TV on DVD
Actresses I'd pay to see: Laura Linney, Patricia Clarkson, Catharine Keener.
For actors: Kevin Spacey (the voice alone is worth it), Jean Reno and Steve Buscemi.
Great choices all Thomas,
Laura Linney is amazing as is Clarkson.
Jean Reno does a lot of pay check stuff but he is always great, Leon The Professional being the end word on his uber talent.
Spacey naturally could have slipped into my own list. Buscemi continues to grow and is always superb, just don't think he has the universal appeal to have made my fantasy list which was still attempting credibility.
Film & TV on DVD
Be warned, Requiem for a Dream is one of the most powerful and emotionally commanding films I have ever seen. You need to be in a good place before viewing is what I'm saying.
On the topic of Connelly, even if Requiem blows you away, I don't think that one film should change your overall opinion of her. Consistency is important and it seems what she brings to the screen is a negative for you. Sorry, just realized I was telling you how to think...I only do that in my reviews
I'm honoured you continue to drop by, i remember having some great discussions with you earlier on. Thanks for the votes and even more so for reading.
Horrorphile
My head hurts.
Love Speaks
Food Slate
I like your list for actors – though am indifferent to the actresses
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
he should not be on a list, for...
PANT PANT...HUBBA HUBBA!!
sorry about that chief... got carried away!
cheers
fog
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
For me there can be only one and his name is LEO
Nice list of yours JD - although not hugely fussed with Del Toro or Mickey Rourke - but I do enjoy their movies. I would have to have Joseph Gordon-Levitt on my list - me loves him.
As for the ladies Jennifer Connely, Julieanne Moore and Katherine Keener are probably three of my fave female actors - I would add Meryl as I just love her and Sigourney is always flawless.
Flick Wit
Film & TV on DVD
Great to see you around here again.
Who are some of the actresses you would like to see leading the way?
Film & TV on DVD
I totally agreed with Mr Depp on the Forbes list too...he is a great actor...but the god of all is Rourke for me
Who would make your own list?
Film & TV on DVD
There were many actors that i like a lot and Joseph Gordon Levitt, along with Tom Hardy are the best newcomers...just didn't think they belonged on the top earners yet...maybe in 5 years
Thanks for playing along.
Film & TV on DVD
Always great to have you drop by.
naturally I agree with your assessment.
Who would be some that would make your own list?
Flick Wit
Monica Bellucci
Colin Firth
Natalie Portman
Paz Vega
William McInnes
Thandie Newton
Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Meryl Streep
Viggo Mortensen
Helen Mirren
Jack Nicholson
Tang Wei
Sigrid Thornton
Harvey Keitel
Charlize Theron
Have probably missed a lot that I love but would like to see some of the above in the list, except a few might have to whore themselves to get there.
Film & TV on DVD
Not a fan of Singrid Thornton, Charlize Theron and Thandie Newton but the rest are gold.
Monica Bellucci curls my toes at every turn. her performance in Malena and The Apartment possibly my two favourites.
Thanks for sharing.
Film & TV on DVD
Oh and I can't stand Renee Zelwegger...that being said I liked Nurse Betty, Love and a 45 and Empire Records despite her presence.