Movie Stars vs. Actors

With Tropical Storm Ernesto hovering over South Florida, I've had time to a lot of time to think about movies and actors. With that said, I've had a belief for years that you have to either be an actor or a movie star. There is no in between. Who knew how wrong I would be?

Actors. They get the Oscar. When I think of the craft of acting, and it is an art, I think of Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Gregory Peck. True actors. Meaty, well written roles that gave you strong emotions. Happy or sad. Actors are well respected and command attention. They intimidate their contemporaries. Basically, they are what movie star strive to be.

Movie Stars. They make blockbusters and money. They would include Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis. This isn't to say that a Movie Star can't be in an actor's movie. Look at Cruise in Magnolia (love him in it!). It happens but it's rare and often feels like a watered down attempt. Movie Stars constantly have to worry about aging, popularity and ticket sales.

The Funky Hybrid. This is the newest addition to the collection and my favorite. These clever creatures roam freely between the two groups. Think Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy and John C. Reilly. They realize that diversity is key and that you can bring your top acting chops to a blockbuster movie. Who would have thunk it.