Post by technicolor on Sept 3, 2014 8:32:01 GMT -4
Paltrow clearly was the one profiting from the relationship fame-wise, but I agree that they both knew how to present themselves. Aniston was trying to make a transition into movies, so in that sense being linked to Pitt probably helped in being perceived as a "movie actress" and not only "successful tv actress". Though she's never quite gotten rid of that label, probably because she became famous during a time where working on tv was still seen as "less". But they both knew how to present themselves as a couple as well. Same with Jolie. The Brangelina juggernaut raised her profile and arguably also the quality of her filmography (though IMO it's still hit and miss, but I don't think that's because she doesn't get offered good parts. Perhaps she's sometimes more interested in her other projects or just chooses "wrong".) Obviously Brangelina know how to present themselves and boy do they work it.
Both Paltrow and Aniston have arguably shown some bad judgement when it comes to choosing parts and that has been a problem. I'm sure getting older contributed some and Hollywood is not kind to actresses in general, but Paltrow in particular IMO messed up with a string of lackluster movies after her Oscar win. Aniston is doing OK box office wise I guess, but the movies aren't for the most part getting her much acclaim. So that played a part there.
Pitt IMO has for the most part really good judgement when it comes to choosing parts for himself. So there was often critical acclaim, prestige, cult following, good buzz or at least decent box office in the 90ies to offset the one or two total catastrophes he participated in (mostly Meet Joe Black, it's boring as hell and his performance is one gigantic misjugdement). Then the Ocean's franchise, Mr and Mrs Smith and getting more heavily into producing helped offset stinkers like Troy in the early 2000ies. And now he's IMO mostly found the right balance between adventurous, appealing to movie goers and suited to himself for his projects.
So I agree that his relationship always gets integrated into his PR approach, but there's loads of other really good career management going on simultaneously. And it's always been that way, from the time he had his break on Thelma and Louise and then signed up for Kalifornia to play a redneck serial killer. He knew only the pretty boy stuff wouldn't make for a lasting career and wouldn't play to his strengths as an actor.
The reason Paltrow and Aniston arguably couldn't sustain the level of fame they generated with him is I think partly the dearth of good roles for women (particularly as they get older), partly not being part of a "super couple" anymore and a good deal of bad judgement when it comes to taking roles (perhaps more so for Paltrow) and just bad PR in general when it comes to Paltrow. Whereas he was the bigger star going into these relationships and he's sustained or perhaps even added to his level of fame and influence in the industry.
I guess what I'm saying is, I think Pitt is hardcore. It's a pet theory of mine, heh. Not that he's some evil mastermind, but he knows what he's doing. In a way not that many other people in the industry do. Jolie is also hardcore. You could see how they "merged" and started influencing each other when it comes to dealing with the press. Cleaning up her image and becoming "safer" and more palatable for the general public, him getting a dash of her perceived unpredictability and excitement. But not too much LOL. I can see them sitting together strategizing how to spin everything to get the best effect. There's nothing wrong with that and most celebrities probably do it, but IMO they both seem to really have a knack for it.
Both Paltrow and Aniston have arguably shown some bad judgement when it comes to choosing parts and that has been a problem. I'm sure getting older contributed some and Hollywood is not kind to actresses in general, but Paltrow in particular IMO messed up with a string of lackluster movies after her Oscar win. Aniston is doing OK box office wise I guess, but the movies aren't for the most part getting her much acclaim. So that played a part there.
Pitt IMO has for the most part really good judgement when it comes to choosing parts for himself. So there was often critical acclaim, prestige, cult following, good buzz or at least decent box office in the 90ies to offset the one or two total catastrophes he participated in (mostly Meet Joe Black, it's boring as hell and his performance is one gigantic misjugdement). Then the Ocean's franchise, Mr and Mrs Smith and getting more heavily into producing helped offset stinkers like Troy in the early 2000ies. And now he's IMO mostly found the right balance between adventurous, appealing to movie goers and suited to himself for his projects.
So I agree that his relationship always gets integrated into his PR approach, but there's loads of other really good career management going on simultaneously. And it's always been that way, from the time he had his break on Thelma and Louise and then signed up for Kalifornia to play a redneck serial killer. He knew only the pretty boy stuff wouldn't make for a lasting career and wouldn't play to his strengths as an actor.
The reason Paltrow and Aniston arguably couldn't sustain the level of fame they generated with him is I think partly the dearth of good roles for women (particularly as they get older), partly not being part of a "super couple" anymore and a good deal of bad judgement when it comes to taking roles (perhaps more so for Paltrow) and just bad PR in general when it comes to Paltrow. Whereas he was the bigger star going into these relationships and he's sustained or perhaps even added to his level of fame and influence in the industry.
I guess what I'm saying is, I think Pitt is hardcore. It's a pet theory of mine, heh. Not that he's some evil mastermind, but he knows what he's doing. In a way not that many other people in the industry do. Jolie is also hardcore. You could see how they "merged" and started influencing each other when it comes to dealing with the press. Cleaning up her image and becoming "safer" and more palatable for the general public, him getting a dash of her perceived unpredictability and excitement. But not too much LOL. I can see them sitting together strategizing how to spin everything to get the best effect. There's nothing wrong with that and most celebrities probably do it, but IMO they both seem to really have a knack for it.