Steve Martin Film Updates


This movie ("A Simple Twist Of Fate") is one of a string of movies that Steve Martin produced and starred in that were updates of classic novels. This one, as has been previously posted, is an update of 'Silas Marner'; others include "Roxanne" ('Cyrano De Berjeraque') and "L.A. Story" (based loosely on a Shakespearian play - I believe 'As You Like It', but don't quote me on that.)

Martin believes that you can bring classic material to a modern audience if you set the story in a more modern, recognizable setting. He is not the only one to do this. There have also been upgrades of 'Hamlet', 'Romeo & Juliet', "Richard III' and other classic novels using the same approach.

What is very exciting is in this role Martin acts in a serious role. He does here what I have noted other comic actors also able to do exceptionally well, and that is to really ACT in a serious film. "Serious" actors have a much more difficult time trying to do comidic acting if they are not prone to it.
Examples of comedic actors in serious roles are:
Robin Williams in "Dead Poets Society"
Jim Carrey in "Man On The Moon"
John Candy in "JFK" (it's a short role but he plays an evil lawyer friend of Jim Garrison's and nearly tears Kevin Costner's head off in the lunch scene)
John Belushi in "Continental Divide"

Yes, parts of some of the example roles above have comedic elements (I could also site Robin Williams again in "Good Morning VietNam", comical at times, but not at ALL a comic film, but go to your local video store and see where they place it - I've seen it in the comedy section, the war section, drama...I digress)but as a whole the roles require actual acting ability.

I fell in love with ASTOF the first time I saw it and have recommended it many times, especially to friends whose children (obviously) have to read 'Silas Marner'.

Enjoy!

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful (because I'm not)

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Martin has come a long way as an actor. I recall seeing him in the seventies wearing an arrow on his head.

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