Sunday, October 10, 2010

A great one? Or a soon to be forgotten?

Alright the next post won't be as heavy I PROMISE!!! Here goes:

I read an article with an interview with Blake Lively, and I have to say I've gained some respect for the girl. I really admire her way of being an actor and doing what she needs to do but generally staying out of the limelight. Doing so, she is being taken seriously and it looks like she may have a great career ahead of her. Something common that happens here in hollywood to young girls is this; they get a small taste of fame or success and their focus seems to be less of their art and more about their red carpet status. We've all seen it and we all know who falls victim. Blake said something I've always thought; There are actors and their are celebrities.



The problems lies here; when your career gains some momentum you can choose to have a publicist and pay somewhere in the ballpark of $3,000 a month (many pay a lot more, some a little less), and it is a promise to more fame and a better career (or so you're told). These people get you on the list for the best parties, red carpets galore, interviews and even push you for nominations at various award shows. All that you, the public, sees is pushed in your face and you are told who is "hot" and going to be a star because everyone is doing someone a favor and getting paid. The sad thing is that so little focus is on talent these days, and these young stars don't realize that sometimes more press isn't always a good thing. Sometimes it makes me feel so sick to be a part of something where most of the time, image is more focused on than talent. Also these young girls don't see how these people aren't always out for their best interests, and a lot of the time these young Hollywood actors are looked at as socialites more than thespians. They spend so much time looking good for the camera that the reason they got there in the first place becomes secondary.

I'm just venting because it's something that I see around me every day. It's weird to watch it happen. It is so easy to get sucked in to it all, but at the end of the day I want to be known for my ability to create life from words. Not for how I look or for a popularity contest. Whenever I wonder if I should be getting myself out there more? I think this: who do I admire? Do they sell themselves out? All of the "greats" say their words and go home. A lot of them need publicists but they are on a level that demands it, it's not being used to get them into a movie premiere or a frivolous party. That being said, I enjoy the occasional fun time with my peers like anyone else, but you start to realize it's work. And you realize you are selling a product; yourself. Also, there are certain things that even some of my favorite movie stars do because a bit of it IS part of the job. I just wish that maybe there wasn't that fine line of celebrity and someone who is taken seriously as an actor. The world loves celebrity and tries to turn every one of their beloved actors into one.

So I'm sure just like any other post, I'll have people who might find fault in what I've written. All I'm doing is shedding light on something I see every day. And before you ask, no I don't have a publicist and never have...


10 comments:

Katy said...

I just had a conversation with some people about this today. I agree with 100% of what you just said

Doris said...

this is so true..you don't even understand how much I agree with you. This is also one of the reason I admire people like you. keep up the good work, you're a true role model.

Unknown said...

Hey Chelsea,

I'm an avid reader of your blog and I enjoy every bit you write. I agree hundered percent with what you wrote. Its pathetic and soo fake how showbiz works today. But at the end of the day its the celens who run away from fame who pple gravitate you. I love you, you're amazing on and off screen. I'm a huge fan of your work and like your sincerity and honesty.
Just keep your blogs coming...

Alexander James said...

Hey Chelsea, thank you so much for an insider's take on young Hollywood. It's a perspective that needs a louder voice and I'm happy to hear you voicing it.
The idealist in me agrees with you 100%. Unfortunately he only occupies 50% of my thought process. The other half believes that the reality of being mediocre fuels the frenzied reaction for the lime light which, in turn, ends up driving the celebrity machine by way of unscrupulous means, e.g., the publicists/any means necessary.
In other words, I suppose everyone wants on top and the lesser-skilled (or lazy) will go the latter of the routes, leaving everyone placating to the lowest common denominator.
I commend anyone able to negotiate the entertainment industry's gauntlet unscathed by red-carpet fever.
My inner idealist thanks you for keeping it real.
Many Thanks!

PS- I don't think anyone would blame you if you did get a publicist. I suppose the trick is choosing your battles/parties wisely. Though it seems you're doing just fine without.

PPS- I'm not a realist, I just play one in real life.

Bettina said...

Your words are deep ( & true)and your blog is a pleasure to read ,I really love it.

Unknown said...

I'm glad I found this blog. You stick out (is this how it's said?) from what we're used to watch. Thank you for that.

Dan said...

One of the actors that I always looked up to was Harrison Ford because he is a great actor who hasn't become a sellout.

Anonymous said...

KATE WINSLET??? SHE FANTASTIC!!!

Jenna said...

Your star is rising and one day you will need a publicist, if only to protect you from the sharks in Hollywood. Be sure to choose wisely, when that time comes.

Unknown said...

You are a super cool chik- I love your spirit and your outlook