Well, well, well, it looks af if the world's greatest movie actor alive is suddenly back in vogue and on everybody's lips. I'm talking about Bobby DeNiro, oops pardon me, I mean Mr Robert DeNiro. Must give him the respect due, and it is definitely due. This incredible talent first bowled me over when I first saw 'The Godfather Part 2' on it's original theatrical run back in 1974. Never having seen him on screen before I totally believed this man to be purely Italian. In the film he barely utters any English at all, yet he was so convincing in the role I was not surprised when he got a Best Supporting Actor for his efforts. Then in 1976 I saw this Italian American rip up the screen in 'Taxi Driver' and that was it. I was now a fully paid up member of the Robert DeNiro fan club. What followed was role after role which translated as a masterclass in acting. In 1980 he left everyone in the dust with his brilliant, harrowing portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta in Martin Scorsese's masterpiece 'Raging Bull', for which he received his second Oscar, this time for Best Actor.
So DeNiro has been doing his thing, making movies, opening restaurants and starting the annual Tribeca Film Festival in downtown Manhattan (set up after 9/11 to help the struggling businesses in the neighburhood), with his reputation pretty much in tact. In recent years he has decided to further explore his comedic side with films such as 'Meet The Parents' and 'Analyse This', while big box office hits, these films caused some dismay to some of his more loyal fans, believing the roles were beneath an actor of his stature. He doesn't seem to care and professes he actually enjoys making these kinds of films along with the more serious fare.
So DeNiro has been doing his thing, making movies, opening restaurants and starting the annual Tribeca Film Festival in downtown Manhattan (set up after 9/11 to help the struggling businesses in the neighburhood), with his reputation pretty much in tact. In recent years he has decided to further explore his comedic side with films such as 'Meet The Parents' and 'Analyse This', while big box office hits, these films caused some dismay to some of his more loyal fans, believing the roles were beneath an actor of his stature. He doesn't seem to care and professes he actually enjoys making these kinds of films along with the more serious fare.
Now in 2013, Robert DeNiro seems to be back in a big way. Only a few days ago he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, which actually surprised me as I had wrongly assumed he already received a star many years ago. On top of all of this he recently received his 7th Oscar nomination, his first in 21 years! He appears alongside current Hollywood Hot Boy Bradley Cooper ('The Hangover') and current Hollywood Hot Girl Jennifer Lawrence ('The Hunger Games') in the terrific, comedy drama 'Silver Linings Playbook', which is turning out to be a huge commercial hit at the box office. The story deals with mental illness and an unlikely couple who get together. DeNiro plays Cooper's father and he's up for Best Supporting Actor. I should also point out that the film heralds the welcome return of funnyman Chris Tucker ('Rush Hour'), who adds a nice touch of humour to the proceedings.
Where once it was nigh on impossible to see DeNiro talking to the press about anything, now as Bob Dylan once said, the times, they are a-changing. Bobby (I feel I can call him that as it feels as though we've been friends for so many years, at least in my head!), is now everywhere and praise (rightly so) is being heaped upon him in every direction. He may even pick up his third Oscar in a couple of weeks. He very recently gave a very interesting interview on CBS News, where he even mentioned about wanting to make more films with Martin Scorsese. I would be first in line for that!! Yes, the spotlight is back on Robert DeNiro and I, for one have no problem with that whatsoever. Do your thing, Bobby!!!
Here is the Robert DeNiro interview on CBS News:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57567303/robert-de-niro-on-acting-shyness-and-luck/
Where once it was nigh on impossible to see DeNiro talking to the press about anything, now as Bob Dylan once said, the times, they are a-changing. Bobby (I feel I can call him that as it feels as though we've been friends for so many years, at least in my head!), is now everywhere and praise (rightly so) is being heaped upon him in every direction. He may even pick up his third Oscar in a couple of weeks. He very recently gave a very interesting interview on CBS News, where he even mentioned about wanting to make more films with Martin Scorsese. I would be first in line for that!! Yes, the spotlight is back on Robert DeNiro and I, for one have no problem with that whatsoever. Do your thing, Bobby!!!
Here is the Robert DeNiro interview on CBS News:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57567303/robert-de-niro-on-acting-shyness-and-luck/
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