James Nesbitt

[andy-hughes]

As the BBC trumpets about the re-tread of its Cold Feet series, does anyone agree with me that James Nesbitt is a titanically lousy actor with the range of a paper clip?

[ummmm]

Charlie gets a lot of flak. I look at it like there are people like him in real life.

[vulcan42]

A really good actor becomes the person s/he is portraying. Take Alec Guinness for example, compare his Colonel Nicholson (Bridge on the river Kwai) to Professor Marcus (The ladykillers) you wouldn't even think it's the same actor. I find no matter who James Nesbitt is portraying, it's still James Nesbitt trying to be somebody else.

[andy-hughes]

I think Vulcan has the essence of it.

For an actor to be good at their job, they must make you believe that they are the character they play - completely.

That never happens with Caine, Connery, or Nesbitt you can only ever see the actor, not the role, so in my view, that is a failure of their ability to play a part properly.

[jno]

Caine, Connery, or Nesbitt

rather wacky bracketing there - two greats and a not-quite-that-great. Hannah and her Sisters or Robin and Marian suggest to me you underestimate Caine and Connery. If they're paid to play themselves, that's what they do; but they can get into character when given the chance.

[ichkeria]

Often, though, parts are written for specific actors, so that doesn't apply.
Who's to say what the "real Murphy" is for example.

Put James Nesbitt for example in the role of King Lear and he would probably struggle (or would he) Of course, if you don't like the type of character typically being played then you won't like the actor.

[jno]

you never know, ichkeria - I saw Jude Law as Henry V last year and he was excellent.

[Psybbo]

Hi Ichkeria, Coleraine ot the Glens?

[hc4361]

Sid James was the worst actor for playing the same role in everything.

[ichkeria]

"Hi Ichkeria, Coleraine ot the Glens?"

Do you mean which team do I support?

[Psybbo]

School and are you still around?

[ichkeria]

I'm not still around - neither is the school, in its old form, sadly

[Psybbo]

Thanks, sorry to go off topic, just being nosey.

[jno]

oh I don't know, hc4361, did you ever see him as Banquo?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048230/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_91

[andy-hughes]

jno - //Caine, Connery, or Nesbitt

rather wacky bracketing there - two greats and a not-quite-that-great. Hannah and her Sisters or Robin and Marian suggest to me you underestimate Caine and Connery. If they're paid to play themselves, that's what they do; but they can get into character when given the chance. //

They can't! That's exactly my point - getting into any character is precisely what all three actors fail to do!

The reputations gained by Connery and Caine remain a total mystery.

[jno]

well, I've named two films in which they play characters very different from, say, 007 and Harry Palmer.

[MargoTester]

I thought Caine was excellent in Educating Rita.

[andy-hughes]

jno - and I have named four where Connery is just Connery!

[vulcan42]

I admit I enjoy the acting of Caine & Connery but they are not totally convincing and I think the problem is with their voice. Connery for example sounds exactly the same whether he is James Bond, Robin Hood or a Russian submarine officer.

[barbara1835]

I think Bill Paterson is a versatile actor and is always convincing.....a burns specialist in Foyle's War, a dodgy business man in Aufwiedersehn Pet, Beatrix Potter's father, and the harsh idealist in Licking Hitler......many moons ago.

I like Paul Copley as,well ......and James Nesbitt !

I suppose,the thing is TV demands a restrained technique, relying on the camera to capture subtle expressions.

[andy-hughes]

Vulcan - //I admit I enjoy the acting of Caine & Connery but they are not totally convincing and I think the problem is with their voice. Connery for example sounds exactly the same whether he is James Bond, Robin Hood or a Russian submarine officer. //

I can't agree.

All actors have the voice they are born with - they learn to adapt it, along with changing their posture, and entire persona.

Look at Paul Whitehouse as a shining example - Unlucky Alf, Rowley Birkin, Ted, Suit You Tailor, Self-Righteous Brother, Mike Smash - the list goes on and on and he is utterly different as all of them.