What Happened to Raw Talent?

Watch television or film today, and you will notice a disturbing development. For every talented actor or actress, there seem to be fifteen or twenty untalented ones getting screen time and unmerited publicity. This seems absurdly skewed. After all, it wasn’t so long ago that almost everyone on the screen seemed to be immensely talented. Film was an art, after all, and actors were skilled in their craft.

I wish I could say the same is true today, but we all know that it is not. While physical appearance has always been critical to the success of actors and entertainers, it has taken an outrageously dominant position. Suddenly, looking the part is more important than being able to act the part.

The Total Package

Award-winning actors and actresses of the past, as well as modern times, combine talent with physical appearance, with talent often the stronger element. Obviously, this represents the best of both worlds. These stars are beautiful artists demonstrating their honed craft on stage or set. While always a rare find, these acting professionals have been dwarfed by cheap imitations due simply to the sheer volume of movies produced in the twenty-first century.

These film idols are experts in their craft and know not only how to perform to the highest degree, but also how to play the industry game. Rarely do you see these individuals in the tabloids or newspapers with scandal attached to their names. They are as classy as they are classic – true role models of the industry.

The Generic Model

If the classical stars of entertainment are considered the top brand, there is most assuredly an overabundance of generic models. Perhaps a young starlet is beautiful, or has an amazing figure, but her acting, or lack there of, leaves much to be desired. A young man better known for his modeling achievements gets top billing in a feature film, but seems to spend most of the time with his shirt off or making intense brooding faces.

There is much to be said for physical appearance, and it is well known that beautiful people are given more chances for success overall. Be that as it may, to excel at any field, that exterior must be paired with proficiency in a given skill set. Even fashion models who seem to get by on beauty alone have to be savvy enough to navigate the industry.

In the world of entertainment, this skill set translates to the ability to act, and do so in a believable manner. Despite familial and industry connections, if beauty can’t act, it will quickly fade. This has been the case for generations, but shines especially true today. Hollywood releases hundreds of movies a year. With only so many quality actors available, the majority of these films seem to be testing grounds for new talent. Unfortunately, the failure rate is dismally high, and we, the audience, are made to suffer for it.

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