10. "Is this a situation of putting up numbers on a shitty team though?" In response to In response to 7
I'm not saying it is - I'm just posing the question.
Is it easier to put in good work in straight-to-video, shitty movies where there is no pressure or scrutiny or bright spotlights?
I can't believe this is a situation of Liotta not being able to get work in high-profile movies - he probably wants the no-pressure, easy-payday route even if it's to the determent of his prestige. I can't even say I'd knock him. It's like the athlete who'd rather get a big payday with a mediocre team then take a paycut to play for a contender; it's not just the money, it's the added stress and pressure to perform at a high level night in and night out.
I think it might be more impressive to do something like DiCaprio is doing - maybe his performances aren't universally acclaimed, but there is something to be said about taking massively visible roles in major movies with (for the sake of this discussion) elite directors and not shying away from the pressures of the spotlight.