Where have all the iconic movie stars gone?
Paparazzi stalking, reality TV and pre-packaged pop-tarts. That’s who the media’s blaming for an end of an era. With the death of Elizabeth Taylor, people are asking, where have all the iconic movie stars gone?
The resounding chorus seems to agree -- Angelina Jolie’s the closest thing America has to an old-fashioned, Hollywood starlet. Rumors are swirling Jolie will headline an Elizabeth Taylor biopic, as well as tackle Taylor’s most iconic role, Cleopatra, in a blockbuster remake. (NBC)
But a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer wonders, is she good enough?
“Taylor was a MOVIE STAR when being a movie star meant something. She was also a serious actress, strikingly beautiful and catnip to men. Oh, you youngsters say, she’s just like Angelina Jolie. Talk to us in 2050.”
While Jolie and Taylor share some off-screen similarities, a blogger for CNN argues, there’s only one place a movie star can be made, and it ain’t between the pages of a magazine.
“When people call Elizabeth Taylor the ‘last star,’ they speak of her as the final member in a glorious parade of personalities … whose magnetism grew solely in dark rooms smelling like popcorn and illuminated on a big screen. No one could claim her place in that line now. No one should.”
So why’d that “glorious parade” have to end? When The New York Times film critic A.O. Scott appeared on The Joy Behar Show, he said, maybe we just know too much about celebrities today.
A.O. SCOTT: “Even though there was gossip, it was often very controlled and managed by the studios and the stars handlers. Now, you know, we’re in the world of the Internet and TMZ and everyone has too much information about everyone, so it’s very hard. And I do think that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have tried to present themselves with some of that old-fashioned movie star grace and dignity.”
JOY BEHAR: “Yes! She has the looks of an old-fashioned movie actress, I think. Angelina does.”
But are looks enough? As Barbara Walters explained to Good Morning America, tabloid culture’s always existed. The problem is today’s actresses simply aren’t living up to Taylor’s time – on or off screen.
“But when you think of Elizabeth Taylor, she’s always been a part of our life. 50 films, two Academy Awards, four children, 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren – and every illness you can mention, it seems that she had. The marriages, the ups-and-downs, the scandal ... Nobody had that kind of life, off camera. No one.”
E! Online reminds us Taylor’s era isn’t quite over – Sophia Loren and Lauren Bacall still work occasionally. So are they the last Hollywood icons?
The resounding chorus seems to agree -- Angelina Jolie’s the closest thing America has to an old-fashioned, Hollywood starlet. Rumors are swirling Jolie will headline an Elizabeth Taylor biopic, as well as tackle Taylor’s most iconic role, Cleopatra, in a blockbuster remake. (NBC)
But a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer wonders, is she good enough?
“Taylor was a MOVIE STAR when being a movie star meant something. She was also a serious actress, strikingly beautiful and catnip to men. Oh, you youngsters say, she’s just like Angelina Jolie. Talk to us in 2050.”
While Jolie and Taylor share some off-screen similarities, a blogger for CNN argues, there’s only one place a movie star can be made, and it ain’t between the pages of a magazine.
“When people call Elizabeth Taylor the ‘last star,’ they speak of her as the final member in a glorious parade of personalities … whose magnetism grew solely in dark rooms smelling like popcorn and illuminated on a big screen. No one could claim her place in that line now. No one should.”
So why’d that “glorious parade” have to end? When The New York Times film critic A.O. Scott appeared on The Joy Behar Show, he said, maybe we just know too much about celebrities today.
A.O. SCOTT: “Even though there was gossip, it was often very controlled and managed by the studios and the stars handlers. Now, you know, we’re in the world of the Internet and TMZ and everyone has too much information about everyone, so it’s very hard. And I do think that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have tried to present themselves with some of that old-fashioned movie star grace and dignity.”
JOY BEHAR: “Yes! She has the looks of an old-fashioned movie actress, I think. Angelina does.”
But are looks enough? As Barbara Walters explained to Good Morning America, tabloid culture’s always existed. The problem is today’s actresses simply aren’t living up to Taylor’s time – on or off screen.
“But when you think of Elizabeth Taylor, she’s always been a part of our life. 50 films, two Academy Awards, four children, 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren – and every illness you can mention, it seems that she had. The marriages, the ups-and-downs, the scandal ... Nobody had that kind of life, off camera. No one.”
E! Online reminds us Taylor’s era isn’t quite over – Sophia Loren and Lauren Bacall still work occasionally. So are they the last Hollywood icons?
Who was your favourite iconic movie star? Why?
Are there any iconic movie stars today?
Comments
Agatha
I AGREE with the CNN BLOGGER'S argument about WHAT IT MEANS to be A star.
I've seen scenes of films of Elizabeth Taylor... I think she was a good actrees, not only a beautiful face. I think this is the difference between a movie star and an iconic movie star
Hilde
I agree with you. I wonder how many actors of today will achieve iconic status.
There are some quality actors&actresses in Hollywood yet: Jolie, as you mentioned, has the look, elegance but also a little bit of crazyness/diva feeling that makes her perfect as iconic star. In women I would say Cate Blanchett is amazing at the glamour and acting side, and probably Tilda Swinton in the "weird team". From old Hollywood females, I love Gene Tierney, Marilyn & Hayworth. In men, everyone mentions DiCaprio and I think he's great but "the original" (River Phoenix) was better. I like other Phoenix family member, Joaquin, in the "crazy/weird team" and Fassbender in a more Brando vibe. I'd say today directors continue being "the star" like in old days.
There is undoubtedly acting talent around today but the mystique and the glamour has gone. Alas, it is unlikely to return.
It's a pity you can't watch the video that accompanies the transcript now. Have you checked out Newsy? I used to have a look now and again but it's changed.
I agree with you: there are fewer movie stars around nowadays. They say glamour moved to catwalks/models in 80s/90s, but I'm not sure where is it right now.
There are still some quality actors & actresses in Hollywood: Jolie, as you mentioned, has the look, elegance but also a little bit / a touch of crazyness/diva about her that makes her perfect to be dubbed an iconic star. I would say Cate Blanchett is amazing at the glamour and acting side, and I'd probably put Tilda Swinton in the "weird team". , I love Gene Tierney, Marilyn & Hayworth. Among the men, everyone mentions DiCaprio and I think he's great but "the original" (River Phoenix) was better. I like another Phoenix family member, Joaquin; he'd go in the "crazy/weird team" and Fassbender has a more Brando vibe. I'd say directors today continue being "the star" like in the old days.