‘ ‘ It seems to be the case that actors get typecast after a successful film performance…. ‘ ‘ It seems to be the case that actors get typecast after a successful film performance. Shining moments in cinema lead to repeat roles for actors who could have had versatile careers. Every year a rising star is led into an easy career path, making huge amounts of money, but dying a little inside after each release. ‘ ‘ ‘ Nicolas Cage used to show versatility in films ranging from ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ to ‘Adaptation.’ Now he shows his versatility with bad hairpieces in films ranging from ‘Next’ to ‘Bangkok Dangerous.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ But for every Nicolas Cage, there is an actor like the great Jim Varney, who displayed true mastery of method acting in his Ernest films, where he showed audiences what it would be like to go to camp, go to school, save Christmas, go to jail, ride again, slam dunk and even be scared stupid. ‘ ‘ ‘ According to IMDB, Varney died while in production of a film called ‘Ernest the Pirate.’ I think it is important to acknowledge the actors who make the difficult choice. Many stars today are saying no to the powerful studios and agents who force them into effortless moneymaking and saying yes to true artistic integrity. ‘ ‘ ‘ Keira Knightley has made that choice. In her newest film ‘The Dutchess,’ Knightley plays an 18th-century aristocrat and wears a corset. This is a distinct contrast to the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film franchise, which probably takes place some time in the 17th century. While Knightley also wears a corset in these films, she is wearing it while on a boat. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’ is a breakthrough role for young actor Michael Cera. He has finally shown audiences that, aside from his normal roles, he is also capable of portraying an awkward teenager who has trouble talking to girls. It’s great to see this departure from his normal routine. ‘ ‘ ‘ Young performers like Cera have an especially difficult time staying fresh. Frankie Muniz, Haley Joel Osment and the kid from ‘Jerry Maguire’ all learned this the hard way. But what was their crime? What did they do wrong? They were small. Very small. People love child actors with large heads. There is something great about an actor who looks somewhat like a lollipop. After their initial success, these young actors should not have played characters with such enormous heads. That was their folly. ‘ ‘ ‘ Haley Joel Osment, though, didn’t necessarily have a large head. His mistake was getting nominated for an Oscar. ‘ ‘ ‘ I think it is quite clear what this versatility in acting means. It means that regular people are getting a larger variety of options from our culture industry. After hearing the cries of moviegoers who want nothing less than choice, the studios have listened. ‘ ‘ ‘ Not only do viewers now have films like ‘Epic Movie’ to enjoy, but there is the choice of ‘Disaster Movie,’ ‘Superhero Movie’ and even ‘Sci-Fi Movie.’ Viewers also have ‘Saw V’ to look forward to. I’m constantly astounded by the freshness of each successive sequel. ‘ ‘ ‘ Coming in November is a film called ‘Four Christmases’ starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. The film is likely to be a departure for Vaughn, who has wanted to be sarcastic in a movie for quite some time now. ‘ ‘ ‘ But chances are that most people know these films well. Because the general public is so forceful in demanding a quality variety of engaging films, these movies that would generally go under the radar have finally found a mainstream audience. ‘ ‘ ‘ There are films and actors that are being marginalized this year, and with good reason. Clint Eastwood is releasing yet another cliche film about a woman who loses her son and is given the wrong boy by the LAPD. As if we haven’t seen this tired plot before. Luckily it has a limited release. ‘ ‘ ‘ Charlie Kaufman is a well-respected screenwriter who is making his directorial debut with a film called ‘Synecdoche, NY.’ This film is also being given a limited release. Why? Because the obvious and overused plot about a theater director who attempts to create a life-size replica of New York in a warehouse has been rejected by the intelligent, deep-thinking common man. ‘ ‘ ‘ Congratulations, America. For years our country’s people have been fighting against overused movie plots and stock characters. Because of our active engagement in choosing what we consume in popular culture, we are lucky enough to soon see an animated Larry the Cable Guy cartoon show. ‘ ‘ ‘ Larry will surely be breaking new ground with jokes about farting grandmothers and ‘gittin’ ‘er done.’ Larry isn’t the only one who is getting things done, though. People of the United States are as well. So let’s all give each other a pat on the back and watch an episode of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ E-mail Josh at [email protected].