Consider: The Drug-Addict Role

Since my last post, I've learned that The Road was delayed until next year because it's still in post-production and not ready for release.

Anyway, I just saw Rachel Getting Married. Anne Hathaway has been getting considerable Oscar buzz for this film over the past few months for playing a recovering drug addict on her way home for her sister's wedding. It was certainly an interesting film, but more I want to discuss the phenomenon of what happens to an actor's career after a role like this. So please consider the complexities of the drug-addict role.

Many actors take on this challenge. Robert Downey Jr. was recognized for his turn as a tragic young drug-addict in Less Than Zero. Jared Leto was similarly praised for pawning his mother's things for drugs in Requiem for a Dream. Now it's Anne Hathaway's turn to gain recognition, praise, probably an Oscar nomination and possibly an Oscar win for battling with her personal demons that stem from her years of drug use.

Watching films like this one can be uncomfortable or thought-provoking or upsetting or even slightly nauseating, but I would never classify them as enjoyable. Take Less Than Zero for instance. I found it quite uncomfortable to watch given the problems that Robert Downey Jr. faced in his real life. Jared Leto's fate in Requiem for a Dream was just one part of the entire ultra-depressing big picture. I found it hard to have any reaction to Rachel Getting Married however, due to the excessive and distracting use of hand-held camerawork. Beware those of you who get motion sick - this film is not for you.

I leave you with some questions to ponder. Why is it that playing a drug-addict gets actors notice? Is there really something harder about playing that role than something like pure evil, say Kevin Spacey in Se7en or Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight? What about a drama actor cast against type in a comedy? A comedy actor cast against type in a drama? (And both of those actors pulling it off well)

Whatever the answers to those questions, Anne Hathaway pulled out a great performance in Rachel Getting Married. Some say that this was the film in which she finally shed her Princess Diaries persona. I disagree - Brokeback Mountain pretty much shredded that image for me. Either way, she's finally getting the recognition that she deserves as a great actress. Oscar gold on its way? We'll see.