by Tom on 14 Feb 2004, 02:38
I can agree that Dolph isn't the greatest thespian in the world, anyone can see that. Then again you have to say none of the action stars are great actors. Most critics would say that Sly Stallone and Eric Roberts for example are two of the worst actors to ever be nominated for an Oscar. You have to kind of agree with a statement like that but they are still good actors on their day. Dolph is a better actor at this stage of his career than many other action stars above him, like Van Damme, Seagal, Paul Walker.
The thing with low budget movies, particularly action movies that almost operate in a kind of Hollywood studio system, of money before artistry, rather than independant films trying to be quality. Look for example at Bubba Ho-Tep, a recent an very good low budget flick from Bruce Campbell who has been doing a similar standard of B-movies to Dolph (With the odd cameo in big films.). That was independant, original and stood out. Theres no reaseon that Dolph can't do that, we hope. It won't happen working for the likes of NU IMAGE, who although spend good amounts of money, don't concentrate much on comedy.
Dolphs best film recently was Hidden Agenda, the script wasn't an original idea by any means but it changed enough and kept enough originality to be interesting. Not just typical action. It was a mystery thriller that was not about who done it but more about why. Also having no real main bad guy was a step away for Dolph.
I hope Dolph tries to work with more independant film companies, or typical independant companies, but it would mean dropping pay. It depends on how much his art means to him compared to the money.
Sly is a classic example. Through the mid 90's+ he has been very well paid for a string of critical flops, that wasted his talent. He then dropped from 25 million a film to receive only $15,000 for Copland. I don't think the budgets matter too much. You do need a minimum unless he works on a fantastic script and hot new director.
A good example of a film on a micro budget is Christopher Nolans THe Following, shot for £6,000 but the script was really good, it was interesting, had a great score and wasn't effected by not having proffesional actors. Dolph unfortunately has had a severe lack of talent around him on the most part, hence his recent films are not as good as his first films.