Not me, that's for sure. No grudges. I just have never seen a Fast and Furious film and I hope I never have to. This
article about Vin Diesel I found in Variety confirms just about all of my preconceived notions of the franchise.
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Owen Gleiberman, delightfully snarky in this, makes a few points that relate to our class topics. Apparently, crucial to Vin Diesel's image is the notion that he's an "ethnic mutt"—which has created a mystique that he's mixed race. He plays the central role in a highly diverse cast (actually one of the most consistently diverse franchises in Hollywood... 4 for you Fast and Furious you go Fast and Furious). The mystique that he's this combo of Latino, black, and Italian facilitates more diverse audience members to identify with him as a star and action hero. I doubt there's been a study done on the demographics of Fast and Furious audiences in theaters, but I'm imagining that in most places, especially in and around cities, it's ethnically diverse to reflect the film's cast.
Anyway, Gleiberman analyzes how Vin Diesel has become such a 'joke' actor, calling his fame "junk superstardom". It's ruthless. But he makes an interesting point, that Diesel, as the most stereotypical action star ever conceived, is like the run off of a star dying - and that star is the old machismo films that we talked about last week. It's a worthwhile read; far more than Fate of the Furious is a worthwhile watch, I can pretty much promise that.
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I actually just went to see Fate of the Furious, and believe it or not it surpassed my expectations. Instead of useless car chases and a bunch of random things blowing up, the film has an actual plot and a decent story. Also Charlize Theron is really entertaining as the villian of the film. I'm not a huge Fast and Furious fan either, but the latest installment is worth watching. In regards to Vin Diesel, I've never seen him as a huge superstar; he just kinda lucked out with this franchise.
ReplyDeleteYour perspective is interesting because it contrasts with the movie going public. Internationally, Fast and Furios 8 broke the record for highest opening weekend making $560+ Million. On a business level these numbers can account for many things. For casting purposes they do an excellent job at creating a multiracial ensemble cast that practically every country can identify with. As for Vin Diesel I don't think its fair to equate him to being a joke. Its not that he isn't making other films, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016) directed by Ang Lee, demonstrates him trying to squeeze out of that franchisee mold. However, contracts and a successful franchise are on of the few guarantees left for actors to remain relevant in this changing industry.
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