Why do only good looking people get lead roles in movies and TV shows?
By ShardAerliss
@ShardAerliss (1488)
May 30, 2008 8:13am CST
This seems to be something a lot of people are asking. The argument goes; all these beautiful (be they airbrushed or not) people are giving us average folks (without personal trainers) a crisis of image. So, we should have less pretty and more average on our screens...
Am I the only person who wants to see beautiful people on her TV screen (as long as they can act!)?
I want to see Angelina Jolie in nothing but a night gown rolling around with Brad Pitt in just his trousers (yes, Mr & Mrs Smith is one HOT movie... hmm, may need to add that to my rental list).
I want to see a young Sean Connery and Michael Cain roaming the Middle East or Africa and being incredibly British (I'm watching Zulu at the moment, and then The Man Who Would Be King).
I want to see sexy young people like James Marsters, Eliza Dushku, Amy Acker and Gena Davis in fluid and dance-like fight scenes (or shooting guns) against the Big Bad (I've been on an Angel and Firefly fix recently).
Obviously everyone's tastes are different and what I find attractive, someone else will not. I understand this, and my tastes are somewhat different to a lot of peoples. Plus, I'd never turn down a movie with Steve Buscemi or Quentin Tarantino in it! But I find the idea of not wanting something you enjoy looking at on your TV screen rather odd...
Am I just being amazingly shallow (you can tell me if you think I am, I don't care), or are aesthetics an important part of visual media?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@sutanhartanto (4122)
• Indonesia
30 May 08
yes, of course i want to see the beautiful ones gwyneth paltrow, jessica alba, jodie foster, rachel weiz) in movies or tv show. but i don't think only good looking people get lead roles in movies. it depends on the movie. the simpsons, for instance, i think homer simpsons is not so good looking as russel crow 
). they tend to use people who have strong characteristic, especially which appears in their faces; and their acting skill of course (you know, like robert de niro, dustin hoffman, peter o'toole)
). they tend to use people who have strong characteristic, especially which appears in their faces; and their acting skill of course (you know, like robert de niro, dustin hoffman, peter o'toole)1 person likes this
@ShardAerliss (1488)
•
30 May 08
Hey, Dustin Hoffman is a good looking man! I'm with you on Rachel Weisz though, she's one beautiful lady.
No, not only good looking people get roles, hence me mentioning Tarantino and Buscemi (who I think is AMAZING). It's more that people keep saying that good looking people are getting too many roles, that they want to see more average people on the screen...
@Ritchelle (3790)
• Philippines
7 Apr 10
all humans are prone to like anything that looks good. actually, do you believe that when it comes to hiring people the good-looking ones always have a sure bet they would be reconsidered? however, this would go to the extent whether looking good is basically having almost perfect features of plainly looking neat as mere neatness would already make even the simplest looking person look attractive.
as for the movies talent or sometimes a little of it may go a long way when one has the looks. however, a knowing eye knows only little talent from a major one. ever noticed that some actors would get a real close up when they're crying or emoting something extreme? while some actors would be shrouded by light or some special effects? that's little talent there for the facial expression has to be camouflaged.
but as with anything you cannot put a price on real talent when it comes to making it not just in movies but also in real life. however, it always pays to put attention to hygiene, proper diet and happy healthful living in the long run.
@evviesands (162)
• Uruguay
2 Jun 08
Yeah, I think there should be more average looking people on tv. In fact, what I hate the most are those "perfect" models who're actually anorexic!!
But i don't mind at all seeing beautiful people like in CSI which i think is kinda crazy cos you and me know that if we go to the nearest police station we're not goona find studs like that!
Seriously, it may be unfair yes, but many enjoy beauty. Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder right?
For instance, I have this huge crush on actor Adrian Brody, who's not exactly what you'd call a stud! Aother one I drool over is French Jean Reno, but then, any woman knows that for a man to be attractive is enough with speaking french!!! LOL!!
Beauty is good, i think, but it depends on what you consider beuatiful. I dont like girls, but I found that My big fat greek wedding actress is really stunning.
