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Was he a great actor? Was he even a good actor?

posted 6 years ago by Otter (24464)
17 replies | jump to latest

He did have that "great actor" reputation through the sixties, or at least part of the sixties, then his career took a swan dive and he became known as a scenery-chewing ham who'd do anything for a paycheck.

He did give some very good performances, in films such as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" and "Becket", and some very bad ones in crap like, well, everything he did with Liz Taylor. Are a few terrific performances enough to rescue his reputation?

[–] strntz (10861) 4 years ago

I have no direct opinion on his acting, but to me, the two best things about Burton was that he had Elizabeth Taylor in her prime and that he provided Bill Murray some fodder to do a damned good send up impersonation in Scrooged.

[–] huwdj (4562) 4 years ago

It's funny we're still discussing how good Burton was and he didn't care. Another tweet from @BurtonDiaries

16 Jun 70 Have this marvellous reputation as an actor of incredible potential who has lazed his talent away. A reputation which I enjoy. Unless I go back to England or the National Theatre in Cardiff & slog away at the classics for a decade this is the reputation I shall die with.

[–] Adam60z (3750) 3 years ago

Yes, he was a great actor. He's made lot's of great films. Yes, there were a few stinkers like all actors have; like the one with OJ. But most were great!

[–] Jones70 (6195) 2 years ago

Have you seen all the war movies he was in? I've only seen Where Eagles Dare and Wild Geese and didn't like either of them. Are the others worth seeking out?