What Makes A Movie Star
So Will Smith is our only legitimate movie star. That is the realization I came to last week after reading Bill Simmons’ article on Grantland where he discusses what constitutes a “movie star”. I strongly recommend anyone who is a fan of movies to give it a read. The first part Simmons uses Ryan Reynolds as an example of why he isn’t a true Hollywood movie star, while also listing his top 24 movie stars currently. The second part of the article discusses how Will Smith is the one and only true movie star.
Let’s take section one first, particularly the top 24 list of movie actors. There are obvious stars, like Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, etc. Lower on the pecking order are comedians like Will Ferrell and Seth Rogen. This made me consider how many movies I’ve seen that include the top 24. Normally I avoid the critically acclaimed movies, so I thought the number would be low. Surprisingly that wasn’t the case. As I’ve made it a habit to watch more movies over the years, I’m getting the opportunity to see these great actors bring their art to the big screen.
The second part of the article is what really intrigues me. There is a reference to an article done on Will Smith where he discusses how he would meet with his manager during his “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” days, and study the patterns of the 10 highest grossing movies of all time. After finding the similar patterns amongst the movies, Smith would set out to star in future movies that followed these same patterns. This strategy results in box office supremacy for any movie that has Will Smith attached to it.
Some may argue that he doesn’t push himself as an actor because he is afraid of stepping out of his comfort zone. However, I say Will Smith is brilliant! Seeing the depths that Smith has taken to become number one in his profession gives me extra motivation to do the same. I have many goals I want to accomplish with this site. If I can reach them by studying how a person like Will Smith became extremely successful, then you better believe I will.
Who are some of your top actors in the game today? Leave a comment and let your voice be heard!
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
