By Open Book
With all the announcements last week about actresses Amy Adams and Sarah Gadon selected to bring the “on screen chemistry” (ingredients some say missing for the films currently in pre-production) Superman: Man of Steel and Cosmopolis.[1] It makes you wonder how it all works? Of course, this only ignited curiosity regarding the big blockbuster films slated to come out this summer as well. They include: Thor, Green Lantern, Pirates of the Caribbean and Transformers 3.[2] All these films will need to rely (to some extent) on great “on screen chemistry” between the opposite sexes. So what makes on screen chemistry believable to audiences? And, what qualifies as a authentic transformation if the actors are a couple off screen?
Can we really call it “great acting” if an on screen romance is also one off screen? Is that fair to the actor who really transforms him or herself on screen who isn’t in a relationship with each other? A great performance of on screen chemistry is hard to master and make look believable. The actor for one has to spend more time getting to know the characters desires and motivations. It also gets in the way of the story if audiences are focusing on the personal life of the “real couple.” So in analyzing great chemistry on screen you have to eliminate actors who are known to be in a relationship off screen.
Who’s the Top 5 film couples in history we claim had great on screen chemistry but were in relationships off screen? All these actors should be disqualified as being considered great examples of on screen chemistry because, were they really acting?
- Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn- Adams Rib
- Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall –The Big Sleep
- Woody Allen and Diane Keaton- Annie Hall
- Warren Beatty and Annette Benning- Bugsy
- Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Now, before anyone gets upset, the following Top 5 film romances are examples of actors who transformed themselves. Their on screen chemistry was flawless and convincing to audiences.[3] They include:
- Omar Sharif and Julie Christie- Dr. Zhivago
- Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas- The English Patient
- Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche- Chocolat
- Daniel Day Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer- The Age of Innocence
- James McAvoy and Keira Knightley- Atonement
Please watch video
It takes a skilled director to spot chemistry between two actors and then have it articulated on screen. The director can hope and pray what they envisioned gets translated on screen but that’s not always a guarantee. So when watching great chemistry portrayed by actors in the future, ask yourself? Were they really acting? Because it’s attractive to take the easy route and go with the real thing but then it becomes something else we’re watching instead of great acting.
Please join us for a discussion on this topic: Tuesday, April 5th@ 7pE/12UTC
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Hi everyone! I’m stopping by early incase I get to the live discussion late.
I have always loved the chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Geer and Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan (Sleepless in Seattle).
I can’t think off the top of my head of anymore on screen couples. I will work on it! 🙂
Hi Littlebells,
I almost included Julia Roberts and Richard Gere for Pretty Women, I also liked Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in Notting Hill or how about Richard Gere and Debra Winger in An Officer and A Gentlemen?
Anyway, with all the talk about good chemistry it seems studios marginalize an actors contribution by marketing and manufacturing chemistry with showmances to sell poor films or chemistry between actors. What they don’t realize is that it is a red flag, they don’t think the films, actors performances or chemistry is believable on screen. Good chemistry is apparent and these showmances are created to overcompensate or deflect attention away from what’s not happening on screen. IMO!! In other words if u have good performances, content, direction etc…U don’t need gimmicks like putting actors off screen relationships on exhibition to sell a film.
Hi Open Book!
I whole heartedly agree with you.
Honestly I don’t give two flying figs what actors do in their private life or who they are involved with. Yeah, yeah, I do pay attention, but it doesn’t get my bills paid, my laundry dried and folded, or buy the groceries. I appreciate actors (good or bad) who keep their noses clean (so to speak) and stay out of the public eye. Like Daniel Day-Lewis. I love that man. HE has talent!
As for showmances, ugh, yes it’s incredibly annoying. I think it can kill a movie. And I realize this is going to sound incredibly harsh, but I cannot believe the amount of people in this world who buy the tabloid fodder!!!! Aye Caramba! I feel that the showmances are for crappy actors (not all but most) trying to make it big.
Here is my question, if the actor or actors involved in a film can’t act worth beans and need a showmance to keep them relevant, why hire them in the first place? (I realize I have absolutely NO CLUE as to how HW works, but I had to throw out that question anyway.) I know it’s a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” thing, but geez, money is tight and when I see a film I don’t want to waste my $40!
Like you said, you don’t need gimmicks to sell a film. The talent, story, cinemetography, direction, costuming, etc…will make the film a success. I love seeing movies where the on-screen couple are so full of passion and love and then find out later that the two actors couldn’t stand each other. To them I say, “Bravo!” That’s talent! 🙂
Good Q Littlebells,
This is speaking mostly about films that are made to appeal to teens and young adults, where u see a lot of these showmances occuring.
IMO! Films, ultimately are made to advertise products to consumers. I mean u have seen product placement in films right? So marketing departments are really the stars of teen films, not the actors. Actors they see as props for their campaigns. Simply because they see it as an opportunity to appeal to one of the biggest consumers of entertainment, teens. Does that make sense?
P.S. U said “if the actor or actors involved in a film can’t act worth beans and need a showmance to keep them relevant, why hire them in the first place?”
Answer: They are easier to control.
That makes sense. I just wonder why people would want to work with actors who aren’t very talented, thus making a product or movie that isn’t great and no one wants to see.
Little Bells,
Its EOE…equal opportunity employment. LOL
*nods head* yes, yes it does!
Great blog! I truly love how it’s easy on my eyes and the details are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which ought to do the trick! Have a nice day!
Hi WIO! Welcome! It is a great site. 🙂
Open Book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are genius, awesome, and completely and totally related to me. LOL! LOVE THIS ARTICLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What about Richard Gere and Diane Lane in Unfaithful? Of course, who would cheat on Richard Gere? Anyhow, I can’t stand knowing two people are in a real-life relationship or “showmance” Take for example, Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe. I couldn’t watch the film they were in and I forgot the name of it anyway.
I can’t watch Cleopatra either. Its a Taylor and Burton love fest. or who’s afraid of Virgina Wolf? ugh.
I don’t see how it helps to have two people who may not be able to stand each other be in a showmance. I mean the studio who is producing it may not recoup their losses but hold your head high and have some morals about you.
Hi Paris,
Here’s my pet peeve. LOL!!
There is so much that goes into producing a film. So u have actors researching their characters, profession, ethnic backgrounds, period and working with dialect coaches etc… Then u have production designers, costume, prop master etc.. studying the period, characters history and environment. Then not to mention the director and editor, etc…
Ok, so in looking at the video of Atonement above. All these things I just mentioned are on full display to make this scene believable to audiences. So how can studios reduce all these artist contribution, by attributing it to the marketing department showmance campaigns? Whenever u reduce actors to showmances they are not only insulting all these artist hard work but audiences intelligence as well.
Paris, I really liked your comments and OB, you said it perfectly about insulting the hard working artists and the intelligence of the audience. It’s really annoying….
I have a Q for u?
Do u believe Tabloid media and reality T.V. is one in the same?
If so when marketing departments or even actors sell there relationship on and off screen, doesn’t turn films into reality T.V.?
IMO, yes and no. Yes because everyone and their brothers knows that they are together and No because they are being paid to act a specific way.
I’m gonna have to agree with Paris. And honestly, I have little to no respect for couples who sell their relationships. I’m talking about couples who throw each under a bus, make nasty comments about one another, pimp them out, and other negative behavior. I cannot stand it and actually avoid a lot of Reality TV. I know they are being paid to act a certain way, but when it’s degrading behavior, I think there is enough in the real world. i don’t want to be a voyuer to it.
I have a question? Is there a correlation between what is going on right now overseas (wars) and what is on reality t.v.?
all the negativity I mean. You know what would really sell papers is if R and K actually had some type of public blowup. That would sell.
At this point, I don’t even care! Is that awful????
No its not. Honestly, I could care less as well.
Hi Everyone,
Welcome new and returning visitors. Feel free to jump in on tonight’s discussion.
Hi ladies!
LittleBells, Thanks
Hi Everyone! Open Book, how are you?
Hi Paris!!
Great comment above and I sooooo agree with u about “I don’t see how it helps to have two people who may not be able to stand each other be in a showmance.”
Do u think it ultimately drives down the production value?
Yes. I do think that because who wants to be lied to? I mean if consumers know that what they are being sold is fake then why should they buy into the story that is being created? In other words, all of those people that you mentioned up above….actors, directors, etc. just put their time and energy into nothing. Does that make sense?
Yes, Paris. I agree with you. I think there are more valuable forms of art to spend my money on and I feel bad for those that work hard in the industry just to have a movie cheapened. Hopefully they are compensated.
Paris,
It does make sense. I think marketing departments go too far in assuming artist won’t be able to pull in audiences into theaters. So they resort to cheap gimmicks, especially when marketing films too teens. That’s what makes me angry. I mean the whole idea that teens are only into CGI and shallow plots and dialogue is what’s killing the box office numbers.
I think the mentality of teens is taken into consideration. I must tell you though I have met some teens that are extremely intelligent. I think also this goes back to lack of education funding. Teens are considered to be poorly educated, IMO.
I won’t rehash what I know about our education system, but I do think we undervalue their intelligence and I feel like most of these teen movies mock it. I don’t think intelligent teens fall for these showmances at all either.
Paris,
I agree there are a lot of intelligent teens I just don’t think they are challenged to think critically in school. We really teach kids to not be innovators but cogs.
Argh!!! Critical thinking starts in elementary and believe me, it’s not being seen. Everything is scripted for them. It’s quite scary actually.
Paris,
I have to say I really like watching R and Reese interviews together for WFE. There seems to be less tension and they are more relaxed with each other. What do u think?
yes i agree he is more himself.
I like how relaxed he seems. I like giggly Rob and she seems to be able to play along with him and be funny. I think he really cares about WFE and it is very evident in how he speaks. I haven’t watched them all, but I’ve been very pleased.
I agree. He doesn’t have to pretend anything. Although I did notice in his photos that he no longer smiles.
I wonder if he is just “over it”. Getting totally off topic, but I see a guy who wants to do what he enjoys, appreciate the fans that support him, and just go home at the end of the day. I don’t see him liking any of the HW crap (pardon me) that comes with being such a wanted actor.
I see that too. In fact he said it himself. I’m paraphrasing but he said all the stuff they do (hotels and such) is a trap and that he wants a quiet life.
There are a lot of ways one can choose to live in HW. U just have to be very disciplined and organized to not live the crazy lifestyle. I mean the extreme lifestyle needs to be balanced with extreme order. IMO!!
Yes, OB. I agree that you can. I think it takes a lot of self discipline and making sure you find balance in your life. I think you also need to surround yourself with people in whom you can trust to put you in your place and really want the best for you without selling out.
I don’t see him staying in HW though. IMO, he’ll go back to London. He’s said that he misses it.
I think too that having a good sense of self helps. know who you are and all that and don’t take yourself so seriously.
Absolutely, not believing your own press is the only way to stay grounded in HW. I mean I have seen some actors who will get lazy once they have reached a level of success and then there work becomes repetitive and stale. It’s horrible to see when that happens.
Yes I agree. Maybe once BD is over things may settle down for him. WFE in my opinion is a small glimpse of what it will be like after BD.
BTW, hi all! I’m tired so I don’t know if I’ll make sense for much longer! 🙂
Hi Ozzie!
Hi Ozzie!!
Hey Ozzie!!!! I was wondering if you would be here. 🙂
Hi girls!
Open Book,
I have a question for you. Up above you said that actors are easier to control. What did you mean by that?
Thank you for asking that Paris! I tried asking that earlier today on my phone but it wouldn’t go through.
its my pleasure. 🙂
Well I think getting actors who are not very well known is appealing. Depending on if the actors are desperate for work. It’s easier to control them because they don’t have any leverage at the BO to call the shots.
thats true. I understand now. 🙂
Ok, ladies a few questions for you (while I try to look it up myself).
1) What have been the biggest showmances in Hollywood history?
2)…..ah nuts, I just forgot! 😦
I remembered. It’s not a question, but I would be fascinated to research HW marketing from the beginning of HW history and how tactics have changed throughout the decades….Hmmmm….
Hmmm!
including tabloid and media coverage….
LOL!! I can’t stop laughing at your second comment.
Ummm! I would say Rock Hudson and any female he was with. LOL!!
LOL!
Duh, yeah! Now I look like an idiot! 🙂
Any others???
Hmm! Let me think. I will come back to that Q.
Tick Tock……
uuummmmmm r & k?
hahahaha!!! *knee slapping and just fell out of the chair*
Whuuuu???? You jest!
surely i do. 🙂 Don’t you know they are really in love and are going to have a child? LOL
I hear Jamie is adorable!
Everyone,
Do u believe the over saturation of actors relationships in tabloids keeps audiences from envisioning them in other roles?
Of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In my opinion yes.
I think it’s a double edged sword. It’s a very competitive market for actors and the movie industry. So trying to keep you name out there has major risks when it’s tied to a fake relationship.
So true! I think marketing departments resort to promoting showmances to sell a film because they are unimaginative.
thank you. OK I have a ? for everyone. Lets use our imagination. Turn back the clocks to the beginning of Twilight and how would you have marketed it? (you can’t use a showmance)
Oooo!!! I like it! Umm……..wow, I will have to chew on that for a while.
Well, it’s interesting that they pulled the romance portion out to highlight that instead of highlighting the fact it was ‘based on a novel’.
People like me, who didn’t know about the books found out afterwards. Whereas, WFE is being marketed as ‘based on the NYT bestselling novel’.
That’s one element I can tell you that I noticed.
I agree. I would have based the script more on the novel and left in some key scenes that were missing from the films.
Ding, Ding, Ding…… The marketing department did not think they could sell the film based on the book written by a Mormon author on teen abstinence. Not in this day in age when teens are having sex at 13? I think they thought by doing the showmance triangle with a tough leading lady would appeal to teens.
you are correct but ugh. Bella is not tough by any means. The books already had a big following though.
LOL! Yeah tough was the wrong word. How about overly aggressive.
Yes, Lurker. I think that is definitely how they should have marketed it. It allows the audience to focus on the story as a whole and not just the two leads and their relationship.
that’s true. What about real relationships though? If I have to hear about how Brad and Angie raise their kids one more time….i’ll go through a roof. Showbiz Tonight was leading their program with that a few nights ago.
It’s pure exhibitionism!! IMO!! I think there are people addicted to following these actors around because it makes them feel important. Then there are actors who are addicted to the publicity. So it’s a never ending feeding frenzy.
I’m sorry….but i have to say this and i’m not picking on her please don’t attack me but Kate Gosselin is not a celebrity. IMO
Don’t even get me started on “those” people!!!!! Ok, where I my emoticons? I really need them right now. 🙂
Oh yeah, I saw a headline at the store today about Kate G – she is horrified she might have to get a ‘real job’.
Don’t get me started on reality TV, talentless people seeking fame. Ewww still don’t watch reality TV.
LOL yeah i agree she might. I don’t think anyone cares about her or her kiddies anymore.
Yes, her 15 minutes is over!
they were over 30 min ago. LOL
but its constant. its like a worn out toy already.
Who caaaaaaaares????!!!! 9Not you Paris, I’m agreeing with you) I don’t care about anyone’s kids, what they are wearing, who’s with whom and blah, blah, blah. Just give me quality reviews of films, great interviews with directors, actors, costumers, cinematographers, etc…and maybe little tidbits about them that they are willing to share we might find interesting. Seriously.
Amen sister!
my halleulia moment just showed up. LOL
Or as Oprah says – your ‘aha’ moment! (LOL)
yep my aha moment.
Standing O!!! Littlebells.
Any mags out there that really do that? I would love to have a magazine that doesn’t needs tons and tons of adds to fills it’s pages or fund the mag itself. I want something classy where the pages are filled with insightful material. I want a mag that those in the industry admire and appreciate for showcasing their talents.
Thanks, ladies, btw…I sometimes get carried away. 🙂
ps. I want to read something and feel smarter and enlightened than dumbed down and stupid.
U are not alone. I call it Brainfood.
Great question!
Well, I think it can, but I think it also has to do with the talent and roles the actors are choosing. For example, I like Jennifer Aniston, as a person but not necessarily an actress. She is always being linked to her co-stars, which I never believe. Her showmances don’t affect me if I see her in any other role. It’s more her acting that keeps me from envisioning her in other roles. *Note to any and all reading: I am not bashing Ms. Aniston in anyway. Please do not take it as such.*
Another example: Johnny Depp. With all the chaos that has ever followed him, I see his film for his talent because HE CAN ACT.
Did that make sense??
Yes and I agree. Also a good script helps too.
Absolutely 150%! Actually you need all the elements to come together, but as long as you have a great story and great actors, you can make the rest work.
I really think Jennifer Aniston when she was doing indie films was pretty good. The characters were diverse and interesting. For example when she was in Office Space. Also, I liked her in this film with Clive Owen. Derailed.
yes of course. I agree about JA but the same could be said for AJ. with Jennifer all i see is Rachel from Friends. With Angelina all I see is someone who is going to kick someone’s behind really bad.
OMG!!! yes!!!! hahahahahahahahahaha! (honestly, I don’t get the appeal)
LOL!!
Paris, u and Littlebells should start a comedy act!!
Would you please tell my husband that? 🙂
thank you. 🙂
So true AJ is already typecast. That’s why she couldn’t pull off The tourist and Salt made money!
hahahaha!!! I rented the tourist thinking it was a thriller (which it was initially, right?) and laughed my socks off. My husband and I kept saying to each other, “Is it supposed to be funny?”
I haven’t seen it yet, just the trailer and I think I missed the Johnny Depp lines that were either supposed to be funny or were sarcasm. Either way it looked confusing.
I have never seen The Tourist? Is it supposed to be a comedy?
I’m not sure honestly. I think it was marketed as a drama. So I don’t know.
It was confusing in the sense of it wasn’t funny but it wasn’t a thriller, so you honestly didn’t know what you were watching. And what you did see, was funny in a non-funny what -is -going- on way. You didn’t miss anything. Any more confused? 🙂
Thriller/romance……yeaaaaaaaaaaah that did NOT happen and that’s why it was nominated in the comedies at the GGs. *curtsies*
i’m throughly confused. then again i’m always throughly confused.
Sorry, I gave a horrible description. It’s supposed to be a thriller but there were parts that were funny that I KNOW were NOT supposed to be and I didn’t find it thrilling at all. Don’t waste your DVD coupons….
Hi Ladies! Sorry I’m late!
Hi Lurker!
Howdee!
Hi Lurker! 🙂
Hi Littlebells!
Big Waves!! Lurker…..
Hi OpenBook!
No waves today, just a lot of sweat!
LOL!!
Are u sipping a cocktail?
You know it!
Hi! How’s it going?
Hi Ozzie!
Loving the Palm trees and the great food!
We have found some really great restaurants so far!
Are you in the tropics somewhere???? Jealous.
Key West FL!
I’m really liking the casting for Cosmopolis. I think it’s going to be great.
What are your thoughts Lurker given u did an article on Cosmopolis Female Characters?
Well considering some of the gossip sites who seized on the female actors, I was so trying to stay above that fray.
However, I like the idea that they are picking actors who aren’t multi million dollar catches who might overshadow the story. I think there is plenty of unique talent and I can’t wait to see how these actors female and male really spin their characters.
It looks to be an incredible collection of talent.
I’m really looking forward to it. I don’t care if the person is well known or a newcomer. I just want to escape into the story for a few hours and come out going “Holy cow that was awesome!”
LittleBells, do you think there really are more consumers like us who feel the same way?
I too, want to escape into the story and be entertained. I honestly don’t care about the gossip that goes along with the stories.
I’m sure there are many consumers who would like to escape into the story and not deal with all the nonsense. However, I heard a rumor the other day that Bel Ami is shelved because the studio is afraid Rob won’t be able to sell the character of Georges Duroy. Honestly, he could sell ice to an eskimo. What do you think?
I think they are worried about him loosing his ‘appeal’ and that is a valid concern. However, I think they haven’t done enough research to find his market base. They are being a bit short sighted thinking the only appeal he has is to the ‘fanatic fans’ from twilight.
very true.
Do u want my honest opinion?
I really think BelAmi is too soon. Meaning, I think audiences today are not ready to see this R. I think after WFE then Cosmopolis then maybe Bel Ami would be good. I think what R wants to avoid is looking like a gimmick by playing a character that is such a polar opposite of the image he has now. Does that make sense?
Yes, absolutely and if it is being shelved for that reason, I can understand it. I think they do need to see what the fan base truly is and if he can get BO hits with other films, then releasing BA later will probably be more successful.
LittleBells said it better than i did. 🙂
Not really, but thanks! haha!
As much as I want to see it, I’m ok with waiting. It’s quite an extreme and honestly, I want to see him do other roles before. That’s not to say he didn’t do a great job in BA, but I kind of need a warming up period myself.
yes it does. but i think if he did that it would show he has talent and not just looks. but the way you put it i think he’s letting people into his warm pool very slowly. Sorry if that sounded bad its the best way i could think of to put it.
Well true, and BA has that same element that some of the have seized upon which is the ‘fake relationship’ and the physical attributes. BA doesn’t really separate him from that element either.
True!
what fake relationship??? I’m confused.
Exactly, it’s a sign of maturity to start slowly and build over time. R does not strike me as a 15 minute person.
Here’s another expression. U don’t want to pound the keys on the piano because that’s the sound of a beginner learning to play.
I agree. I think he is very methodial, wants to be serious about his craft (while having a fun time) and have a successful life. I think he would be one of our consumers, ladies! He likes great things. 🙂
*methodical*
I do. Even though it’s hard to tell sometimes, there is a large quantity of us consumers who want quality whether it’s in the genre of thriller, horror, comedy, drama, etc…Unfortunately, I think HW is more about the BO dollars so they cater to the audiences that are willing to spend the money on mindless matter. Now do I like some of those movies that a fifth grader could have done better? Sure. But when it comes down to it, I want something great. I want something that exercises my brain. I want to be able to talk about days after and somehow applying what I saw and the things I learned to my own life and the life going on around me. I can get pretty intense that way.
I think it’s possible for Hollywood to produce better quality movies, but I’m wondering if we can only get the message through by using their own BO against them.
I don’t know. Now I’m just rambling…
I TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry for the shouting.
haha! I’ll wear earplugs next time. 🙂
Grammatical errors everywhere. My apologies!
its ok. my brain stopped working a while ago.
Well said Littlebells.
Applause!!
You realize you’re just setting yourself up to be disappointed, right? 🙂
I agree Littlebells. I think Cosmopolis has a solid cast and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Another, Standing O!!
Lurker,
i agree. Cosmopolis will be interesting to see.
Ladies,
I’m going to go. Have a good night!
Night!
Ladies, I need to go as well.
Talk to you on Thursday!
Night Lurker. Hope you continue to have fun! 🙂
Good night Paris! 🙂
Night Paris!
Goodnight Everyone.
This was a great discussion.
Take Care!!
Good night everyone!
Night All!