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Why was his career so grim between American Beauty(1999) and House of Cards(2013)?

posted 6 years ago by EricCartmanBrah (426)
13 replies | jump to latest

Just to break up the discussion about all the latest news about him, I want to discuss something else which I find very odd about him.

He was maybe the 90s most acclaimed actor. Two oscars for a man in the same decade is pretty much unrivaled in modern history. But what actually happened the next 14 years; What were his most famous movies? Superman Returns? Men Who Stare At Goats? Now, granted his performance in both these movies was pretty good, but the same can absolutely not be said for the movies themselves. A better question could also be, what made him get a comeback in top movies and show?

[–] TexasJack (12515) 6 years ago

I really liked Men Who Stare At Goats. Spacey's role was fairly minor.

[–] Fairy_snuff (389) 6 years ago

I really liked The Life of David Gale and Moon. I never think he was a huge celebrity although he did play some amazing roles and was recognised for those.. I don't think he's ever been a 'movie star'. I also think he focused on his theatre work.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

"American Beauty" - a truly great film by any standard - CURSED the entire cast. The up-and-coming actors went
NOWHERE, Benning remained in art films, and Spacey's career as a leading male star DIED. Only Alison Janey
went upward.

[–] EricCartmanBrah (426) 6 years ago

Umm Chris Cooper won an Oscar just a couple years afterwards. Also, Moon doesn't count since he's just doing voiceover.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

You're right, I forgot about the great Chris Cooper. But all of the actors in AB are astonishing, and deserved
better careers afterwards. And Spacey never hit that pinnacle again.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5958) 6 years ago

There's a saturation factor. If people see you too often, casting directors stop casting you, directors stop requesting you, audiences stop coming to see you.

[–] TandyMan (10364) 6 years ago

That's certainly true. In regard to Spacey, it's especially odd. He was quite popular and celebrated. I wonder if people didn't want to work with him cause of all these stories we hear now. The more powerful he got, the more this behavior must have gotten out of control. It's possible it was his decision. He certainly could have been the next Anthony Hopkins if he wanted. Or so it seems. Perhaps he chose a more reclusive oddball career so he could keep grabbing boys. Who knows.

[–] GenoWashingline (810) 6 years ago

He was Manager / Producer of The Old Vic Theatre in London from 2003-2013,

In an ibterview in 2006 he said he was having the time of his life.

Looks like he was rather enjoying the local social life and "jazz bars' too

[–] EricCartmanBrah (426) 6 years ago

Finally an answer that isn't just speculation. Thank you!

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5958) 6 years ago

But probably he went there in the first place due to not finding good parts in Hollywood?

[–] GenoWashingline (810) 6 years ago

20 further allegations have come out from his time at The Old Vic...

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/video/2017/nov/16/old-vic-apologises-in-wake-of-spacey-allegations-video

[–] bozo_500 (12219) 6 years ago

And he probably went to the oldvic for a few reasons.

Possibly being deemed 'difficult' to work with in Hollywood? i.e. perhaps it was known what he was like and word must've gotten around (hey you don't wanna work with spacey he's a right perv) so maybe work dried up abit for a big name like him? (Superman was with his buddy Singer)

Everyone in oldvic so starstruck by him/the management so thrilled to have him there bring attention to the oldvic he can get away with stuff (oldvic said as much in their statement) and a constant stream of eager starstruck young english actors to interact with

London being a more discrete place (a place you can sort of disappear in if you wish)

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 6 years ago

Maybe he was too busy molesting little boys. Just sayin'........

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