Juggy Sohal observes the way Hollywood seems to favor those with chiseled good looks when casting lead roles, and whether or not this is a problematic trend.
Keira Knightley has recently bemoaned the fact that her good looks and immaculate jawline have hindered her chances of more serious, gritty film roles, which is quite a controversial statement because aren’t the genetically blessed actors the ones pushed to the front?
Knightley has proved herself to be a talented actress that can turn herself into a variety of characters, from the lovable tomboy in Bend It Like Beckham to an acoustic songstress in Begin Again, but was it her looks or her talent that paved the way for her success? In Knightley’s case I believe it is a mix of the two, as she has to have the acting chops to pull off entertaining audiences for ninety minutes, but she does also have the fashion sense and face to help promote films on billboards and red carpets across the world.
She is right in a sense as her being cast in a gritty drama wouldn’t feel believable due to her media profile and back catalogue of film roles, so being good-looking can actually sabotage an actor’s chances to spread their wings.
On the other end of the scale, there are so many actors out their performing time and time again and delivering beautiful performances that do not get a chance to be at the forefront, but why is this the case? Could it be down to them not having the stereotypical Hollywood looks to lead a film? The best supporting actor roles at all these numerous awards shows display some raw talent yet man of these actors never manage to make the transition to win the coveted best lead trophy.
A good example to support this theory is Jonah Hill, who is the first to admit he doesn’t necessarily have the physique or chiseled face to pull off the typical leading man role that has women lusting after them and men wanting to be them, but is definitely more then a equal match in terms of talent. Yet he still plays second fiddle to Brad Pitt in the drama Moneyball and Leonardo DiCaprio in the comedy The Wolf Of Wall Street.
Even when he is billed in the top position like in 21 Jump Street, he has to share the honors with the pinup Channing Tatum. Is this because he chooses to take a back seat or due to executives not having faith that talent alone can pull off box office triumphs?
We will never know, however Hollywood does need to start adapting with the times and have faith that actors such as Best Supporting Actress winner in 2011 for her genius performance in The Help, Octavia Spencer, can sell a film, as the story should be the unique selling point, not the people bringing it to life.
The film industry works in both ways; good looks can stop an actor from being cast in a certain type of role, while the focus on appearance in Hollywood makes it hard for actors who don’t fit the model archetype to get the recognition or the money that comes with a leading role.
Hollywood is a money-making machine and casting is integral in predicting a film’s chance at success; film executives are going to give the more bankable and lusted-after stars who have a legion of fans in their wake the pivotal roles so their film can earn them money, which unfortunately results in diversity taking a back seat.
