I've often observed in this space that there's a phenomenon within the worlds of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror that, largely, goes unnoticed (I think) by fans but aligns a bit more with organizations that bestow honors on the talent appearing across these genres.
There was a time when, quite honestly, it was difficult to woo some top name actors and actresses to appear in such pictures. Again, I'm not offering this observation as a slight to anyone; it's just that -- ahem -- not every classically trained Thespian wants to step into something that might appear so 'niche' or -- dare I say? -- even mainstream. These folks reserve the use of their greatest gifts for stories they personally believe have a greater chance of transcending the ages -- of lasting beyond merely one theatrical run -- and eventually granted the label of being 'high art' by our cultural betters. And ... who can blame them? They're craftsmen -- some of them being the highest regarded ones of their generation -- so who's to fault them for wanting to preserve their very best work for what they believe might be the very best product?
Though I could never prove this (not that I'd necessarily want to), I'd argue that some of these talented wizards end up being smothered with praise for daring to think and/or act outside that box. Have you ever seen a marquee star given an actor's award for a film or television appearance you thought wasn't deserving? This isn't to say that the work wasn't good; rather, it's merely to suggest that perhaps it wasn't really good enough in that year to warrant a citation, but he or she took it home anyway.
It takes a great actor to recognize what could be a truly great story, and then that great actor delivers on the promise. One such actor is the incomparable Donald Sutherland ... and his is a name I'm afraid I have to report that we've lost today.
While it's true to say that Sutherland wasn't exactly well known as a genre talent, let me assure you that he showed up for any such fare and delivered his very best work. Some of the citations are a bit dated (for today's audiences), but the man ruled the screen in such projects as Don't Look Now (1973), Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978), Threshold (1981), and The Puppet Masters (1994). And, frankly, these mentions alone don't even begin to do justice to the man's incredible, incredible body of work as it pertains to mainstream or conventional dramas -- the stuff that doesn't get much coverage in this space -- as his IMDB.com profile shows a legacy of just under 200 different screen projects and a mind-blowing 24 award wins.
As the editor of SciFiHistory.Net and as a consumer of just damn good stories, I'm forever thankful that actors and actresses of his stature ventured into projects near and dear to us because -- if nothing else -- it reminds audiences what true talent can do with extraordinary circumstances. Readers are encouraged to check out the man's profile, and -- as time permits -- maybe go back and watch something from a kinder, gentler era and let magnificent storytelling do what it does to your souls.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Donald Sutherland.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ
There was a time when, quite honestly, it was difficult to woo some top name actors and actresses to appear in such pictures. Again, I'm not offering this observation as a slight to anyone; it's just that -- ahem -- not every classically trained Thespian wants to step into something that might appear so 'niche' or -- dare I say? -- even mainstream. These folks reserve the use of their greatest gifts for stories they personally believe have a greater chance of transcending the ages -- of lasting beyond merely one theatrical run -- and eventually granted the label of being 'high art' by our cultural betters. And ... who can blame them? They're craftsmen -- some of them being the highest regarded ones of their generation -- so who's to fault them for wanting to preserve their very best work for what they believe might be the very best product?
Though I could never prove this (not that I'd necessarily want to), I'd argue that some of these talented wizards end up being smothered with praise for daring to think and/or act outside that box. Have you ever seen a marquee star given an actor's award for a film or television appearance you thought wasn't deserving? This isn't to say that the work wasn't good; rather, it's merely to suggest that perhaps it wasn't really good enough in that year to warrant a citation, but he or she took it home anyway.
It takes a great actor to recognize what could be a truly great story, and then that great actor delivers on the promise. One such actor is the incomparable Donald Sutherland ... and his is a name I'm afraid I have to report that we've lost today.
While it's true to say that Sutherland wasn't exactly well known as a genre talent, let me assure you that he showed up for any such fare and delivered his very best work. Some of the citations are a bit dated (for today's audiences), but the man ruled the screen in such projects as Don't Look Now (1973), Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978), Threshold (1981), and The Puppet Masters (1994). And, frankly, these mentions alone don't even begin to do justice to the man's incredible, incredible body of work as it pertains to mainstream or conventional dramas -- the stuff that doesn't get much coverage in this space -- as his IMDB.com profile shows a legacy of just under 200 different screen projects and a mind-blowing 24 award wins.
As the editor of SciFiHistory.Net and as a consumer of just damn good stories, I'm forever thankful that actors and actresses of his stature ventured into projects near and dear to us because -- if nothing else -- it reminds audiences what true talent can do with extraordinary circumstances. Readers are encouraged to check out the man's profile, and -- as time permits -- maybe go back and watch something from a kinder, gentler era and let magnificent storytelling do what it does to your souls.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Donald Sutherland.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ
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