I despise auditions,Marlon Brandobarked as he launched into the audition for his role inThe Godfather.
(It was, of course, a great audition.)
Actors angst was much in evidence yet againlast weekend at the SAG Awards.
Marlon Brando in ‘The Godfather’Everett
Brilliant performances were being honored, formidable talent was on display, andBarbra Streisand clearly owned the room.
But the evening had a problematic subtext: The anticipated turnaround in job opportunities hadnt happened across Hollywood.
The epoch ofpeak TV seems to be drifting away, withwords like contractionechoing in the trade.
Barbra Streisandaccepting the SAG Life Achievement Award on February 24 (Getty Images)Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Casting directors are now playing an essential role, the Academy reminds us in announcing the new branch.
The honoree of this past weekendsspecial SAG Award, Streisand, has triggered historic casting struggles herself.
She supposedly wasnt pretty enough for the movie version ofFunny Girland was the wrong gender forYentl.
Streisand won her battles theatrically.
Was Adam Driver sufficiently Italian to capture Ferrari?
Casting has become a virtual exercise now, complains one actor who has won and lost major roles.
Face-to-face sessions are history.
Its story chronicles the life and career of Muggsy Bogues, the famed 5-foot-3 NBA star.
In the case of Brando, the stars self-initiated taped audition succeeded in winning him theGodfatherrole, of course.
The novel suddenly had become a worldwide hit.
Indeed, only Coppola, with a tiny crew, was invited to witness the impromptu shoot.
When he finally saw the tape, Bluhdorn abruptly changed his mind.
Why didnt you tell me youd convinced him to audition?
he shouted at Coppola.
The director decided not to confide that it was Brandos idea.
