The Guardian article 4/4/20

[sav8821]

I loved this article! Not sure how they captured the title, but the content really makes you think about Gerry's choices, career path and just how well thought out he has planned everything.......or has he????

Whatever the case. The man is successful for a reason and that is due to his dedication, intelligence and most importantly his passion!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/apr/04/gerard-butler-scottish-hollywood-star

Edited April 4, 2010 by sav8821

[AbandonThought]

Except the article has a few errors in it...

Gerry did not resign as a trainee solicitor, we've heard him say 300 times that he was fired a week before qualifying. Also, he didn't get inspired to act by seeing the movie Trainspotting, it was the play Trainspotting in the Edinburgh festival.

*Sigh*

They should have a gal write this stuff.

Steph

[milol]

Well, whoever this Paul Harris is, he did put a lot of thought and research into this article, unlike most. Gerry is a success because he is talented and a hard worker. He saw what he wanted and he went after it. Gerry is who he is and he has never forgotten where he came from and has never pretended to be anything but what he is. That is why people respond to him. He grew up in hard times, probably like most of us and he appreciates everything that he has been able to do and he appreciates his fans. I love him for who he is and I hope he never changes. He is a beautiful man inside and out. As long as he keeps making movies, I will be there to watch them and support him. Love you Mr. Butler...

[Hobbes]

Those weren't the only errors but that's what comes of rehashing what's already been written and trying to put one's own ill-informed spin on it. Even the "experts" in the field quoted in the article probably have no first hand knowledge of the man himself.

On the other hand, as the saying goes, there's no such thing as bad publicity and articles like that one do keep his name in the public consciousness.

[AbandonThought]

That's true, but when you know the details inside and out it really rubs the wrong way to see them all distorted!

Steph

[Donnie]

Well, first of all, I think those details are not the main thing the article was about. And secondly - what we really know about him for sure?

I suppose the "Trainspotting" thing is not precise - when the film was released, he had to be in London already - but, again, we do not have exact dates (when he left for London, etc.). I think he saw the film version as well (but probably later).

As to his leaving the law firm - what if it was like the journalist implied in his article (that they told him they would fire him unless he resigned himself, so he did so)? If he ever wanted to continue his legal (or similar) career, this would look much better than being fired from the job officially, so they might have agreed on this solution. None of us really saw the document ending his job with the firm, I suppose.

Edited April 4, 2010 by Donnie

[sav8821]

Sometimes too much knowledge of any one thing, or in this case person, can distort the joy in just being a fan and enjoying 'the ride'

[Lady Ski Bum]

I really liked the article - even with the few errors in the article. What I like is that in spite of all of the negativity Gerry is one of those Hollywood stars who does not count on the 'critics' to promote their careers and he is popular in spite of the critics. Bravo Gerry. It takes some kind of guts to hear this or that about your movies and/or acting abitlities and still press on. Someone who comes to mind with the same career critical disapproval was Clint Eastwood until he started directing his own productions.

[sav8821]

One of my all time favorites Bette Davis was hated by so many in Hollywood. Early in her career and mid-way (even after some successes and an Oscar) She was panned by critics all the time for not being a natural beauty and they called her acting stiff and that she has an abbrassive delivery. She carried on and despite the critic and even studio execs that hated working with her she did pretty good for herself. Today, she is known as one of the greatest actresses of all time.

Bette Davis was, in her own words, very smart and stubborn! I can both of those traits firmly in place with Gerry

[Swansong]

I think that how we view this article (positive or negative)really depends on how we define Hollywood. If by 'Hollywood' we mean the critics, then I would say, yeah...Hollywood critics definitely have it out for Gerry. But, if we define 'Hollywood" by the directors, crews, staff and other actors Gerry works with...then I think Gerry is well loved and respected by his peers.

This article does raise some interesting questions. Did Gerry really set out to earn the reputation as an old school Lothario? Was there some master plan between he and his 'people' to get him fame and recognition through tabloids and entertainment gossip? If so, I would have to ask, why...and at what cost? Personally, I find it hard to swallow that Gerry wants this label...but maybe I am just naive.

Swannie

[sav8821]

Im just happy we get more Gerry now than ever. Its selfish, but its nice to see him in magazines, cover of magazines like AD and Mens Health, Mens Journal and even W. Whatever the plan has been or not been, its working and he is now a household name.

Edited April 4, 2010 by sav8821