MovieChat Forums > Guy Pearce Discussion > Who did he rub the wrong way in Hollywoo...

Who did he rub the wrong way in Hollywood?


Does anyone ever wonder why Guy's career never took off after what should have been a breakout role in LA Confidential? That film launched Russell Crowe (ironically another Aussie import) but not Guy and I just do not understand it because both actors showed star potential in that film. My friends and I are always disappointed when we see Guy wasted in bit parts or movies that really do not utilize his full potential.

Does anyone have any legitimate information or theories about why Guy Pearce never caught on as a star?

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I don't know, but I've wondered the same thing! He was outstanding as Exley, and he had a great leading role in Memento that also showed some comedic talent. I'd love to see him take more and better roles over here.

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I don't think he's interested in having a big Hollywood career. He has talked about being offered big films after L.A. Confidential and turning them down because he didn't like the scripts and didn't feel like he could make something interesting out of something dull. He also said he doesn't want to be a celebrity and feels more confident doing smaller films.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhJxfVBNCAc

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I would guess is he was ill and that caused his career to slow down. Now he's better.

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He was ill? What was wrong?

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I guess it depends on how you define success. I agree that Guy is a terrific actor, much more talented than some people with bigger careers. But as someone else said, he has commented that he is happier doing smaller films. He certainly seems to get plenty of work, and has the respect of his peers. He has a long happy marriage - seems like he is very successful really.

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The number of threads asking why he's not A Big Hollywood Name are astonishing.

Folks, that is merely one measure of success -- and a truly shallow one, at that.

Guy Pearce has been working steadily since he was 19, which is indescribably rare among actors -- it's estimated that only about 5% of all the actors out there are making a living (= paying the rent), and a small percentage of that 5% are working steadily / are prosperous.

Pearce is an ACTOR -- unlike Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and all of the other glorified emoters. Pearce brings characters to life with subtlety and depth -- he *inhabits* characters. That's entirely incompatible with the Big Star In Hollywood ethos.

Thank GD he's an actor and not a "star." When I watch one of his characters, I'm watching the *character*, not half-remembering that he and his wife adopted 70 children or that he married some model half his age. He's actually an artist -- get it?

"All you need to start an asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people."

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