He was only in one scene I think? What is the point in having such a famous actor when he just appears for one minute or so?
shareMaybe he loves the book and wanted to be in the movie no matter what part he received
Maybe he's not as famous as you think he is.
Can't stop the signal.
Because the four animals in the life boat represent a human character, and he was one of them, so possibly they wanted to use an actor that was noticeable for that short period.
shareHe had to escape to Russia maybe and fitted his short scenes in.
It's that man again!!
It's called a cameo.
shareGiven some of the crazed antics by Depardieu in recent years, having him play a sort of nutjob in the film was INGENIOUS CASTING in Ang Lee's part!
To answer the OP's question, having a notable actor indicates to the audience that this may be an important character in the film, which it later turns out that he is indeed.
Director Ang Lee believes in good casting, and he isn't one to cast cameo roles just for the sake of having cameos.
Good points made.
To really get this movie, we have to REMEMBER the cook from two hours ago, after so much crazy stuff has happened to Pi. A famous actor does make that easier to do.
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Maybe he was on vacation and needed a few bucks.
Jimmy Cagney was an Extra in Mutiny on the Bounty because he was vacationing in the area where they were shooting. He dressed as a sailor and did stuff in the background for a few bucks.
Hitler! C'mon, I'll buy you a glass of lemonade.