One of the areas where capitalism fails the hardest? As far from a meritocracy as it gets in the US? Surely Hollywood is one of the most meritocratic places out there, where you can gain immense wealth and fame almost overnight based on your merit and drop back to being a nobody almost as fast if you don't perform to expectations - except of course that the merit on which you're judged is no more and no less than how popular your last movie was. Same thing on a company level, where a single big hit or spectacular flop can make or break a studio. As far as the ruthless, survival of the fittest aspect of capitalism goes, there are few better examples than Hollywood, especially where young actors are concerned.
And call me a cynic, but I don't exactly think most workplaces do such a great job at rewarding people based on their objectively measured merit, in a way that makes more sense than Hollywood's...
I'm optimistic about capitalism? I was pointing out an area where it fails. Tell me honestly: Is Harrison Ford a great actor? If George Lucas picks a different struggling actor with a sideline in carpentry or whatever to play Han Solo, maybe Harrison's career never gets off the ground and Star Wars still becomes one of the most money-making film franchises ever, right? Blade Runner doesn't need Harrison Ford, does it?
In your mind, Mr. Ford doesn't have any doubts that he is the reason the Indiana Jones franchise was so successful? Really? If John Doe gets cast as Han Solo and Mr. Doe can do a passable job as a lovable rogue smuggler, Mr. Doe doesn't become a huge star instead? Hollywood is the meritocracy you claim, the cream rose to the top, and Harrison is sooo much more talented than Mr. Doe. Fine. I disagree, but I won't argue. Except to say that you're basically claiming that 'star power' is meritocratic, instead of dependent on arbitrary and fickle public opinion.
So let's talk about the literally thousands of people who you ignore. Do you think Mermaid #4 in the 4th Pirates of the Caribbean movie is a better mermaid than the 100 other beautiful young women who auditioned for a part in that movie? How about Mr. Weinstein's production assistant, or the chick from craft services, or the girl that does Harrison Ford's hair and makeup? Gal Gadot's stunt double? Do you think if Robin Wright gets replaced by Julie Roberts or Cate Blanchette, Wonder Woman tanks or something? For that matter, Gal Gadot was a 'great' Wonder Woman - do you really think there weren't dozens of actresses who could have pulled it off?
I'm talking about the hundreds of people per movie, and you're pointing at the payoffs that the top-billing actors/actresses get (after they have become stars, not before!) and claiming this disproves my point? Really?
*NM*
- 13/10/2017 07:41:18 PM
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