The world of film has been left feeling more than a little perplexed, after Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt announced that he reckons he’ll be done with appearing in “on-camera” roles by the time he reaches 50.
While this wouldn’t normally be the end of the world – after all, many an actor has hung on past what might very well have been called their “sell by date” – the fact that Pitt has been turning out some pretty consistently good films over the past decade (okay, perhaps not Mr & Mrs Smith…) coupled with the fact that he’s already 47 years of age, could make for some relatively grim reading for film fans.
Now, first thing’s first, I’m all too aware of the myriad jokes that could be hurled the way of a heterosexual male bemoaning the fact that Brad Pitt might stop making films in the near future. Goodness knows I’d consider making them myself if the conversation was brought up in the pub on a Friday night, but stop and think about it for a moment, Pitt’s got one of the most consistent track records when it comes to making films that guys – as well as girls that might care more for his looks than acting abilities – could enjoy.
While you might not be able to find Seven Years in Tibet in my DVD collection (honest…), think about some of the other films he’s made that go pretty well with a pint. Fight Club, Kalifornia, Inglorious Basterds, Se7en? Pfft, who’s sniggering now?
If his career was on the slide, his decision could perhaps be explained a little easier, but it’s not even as if he’s hard up for box-office takings (that being said, his latest venture, Moneyball, is an account of the former GM of the Oakland Athletics baseball team’s approach to scouting and analysing players, doesn’t exactly scream blockbuster).
He has hinted that he might turn his hands to working behind the camera, perhaps as a full-time director or executive producer, which could be interesting. The route has worked particularly well for someone like Clint Eastwood, although the fact that even Dirty Harry himself has a tendency to appear in a fair amount of the films he directs might prove that Pitt might struggle to keep himself off camera after a certain amount of time. Following Eastwood’s example could be a decent idea though, especially if it leads to a remake of Gran Torino around about 2035.
In closing though, I think Pitt should perhaps re-consider his decision, he still has plenty to offer Hollywood as an on-screen talent, and it’d be a real shame to see him end his career prematurely.
Now, stop sniggering up the back…
When he retires will you be in the Pitts of despair? Give us your favourite Brad moments in the comments.
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November 15, 2011
Movies