Well, apparently some would go to extreme lengths in order to get a good part in a movie these days. Gerald Butler, who will be playing Moriarity’s mentor Ricky “Frosty” Hesson in Mavericks, is just another one of these individuals.

With all of the hype over movies being accurate, or having the perfect actor to play a part, actor’s need to change more and more about themselves to fit the right mold. Butler was no exception in this case. He too had to do a 180 degree take on not only his choice of role, but also his body and appearance in order to look the part for this new character.

This part required him to slim down quite a bit from his former buff self. The dramatically altered Scottish start has been spotted by many as his new slimmer self, as the buff and hunky form that he sported in 300 is quite the opposite from the scruffy surfer look that Butler takes on in his new role.

The Scottish actor is not the most extreme case of actors and actresses transforming themselves for a part, but it is one of the more recent. What else would a person do for a part?

This brings up so many new thoughts on what is right to ask a person to do simply for a job. Is it morally right to ask a person to change themselves so much, even if they are willing?

Should those looking for a job leave parts only for those who actually look and act the part? These all run into the thought that sometimes it’s just not possible to find exactly the type of person that you are looking for, so making that person is the only way.

Another question to ask is whether or not changing who you are is good for the actor mentally as well as physically. In the past many actors have blended too well with their characters. For example, Heath Ledger got way too into the mind of the joker in his last film. Before he died unexpectedly, he went through many mental health issues included terrible nightmares.

When an actor has to become a new person and fully immerse themselves into the life of this new person, it really takes a toll on the actor’s sense of self and well-being.

So, the question is, how far is too far? How much can a person ask another to change for something that will last only just a few short months? Is it really worth it to permanently alter who you are as a person, and to put yourself at risk for mental and physical issues?

With all of these different issues, roles today are becoming increasingly more and more specific to the opinions of the viewer. In the end, it may just be those paying to view these movies that either change this trend, or push to make it more and more important for actors to delve completely into their roles in order to be the right fit for the character that exists in their mind.

cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com

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About the author

Sarah Sherboneau