Acting the role

Actors bring energy. They make a performance come to life. But each one brings something different to the table. Something unmistakable, something unique. After all the characters are created, it is up to casting to employ actors and actresses and have them embody these roles. And with so many talented people out there, each with a unique specialty, isn't it interesting to think of how movies and television would be different had there simply been one different actor or actress?

The 2005 summer blockbuster Mr. & Mrs. Smith famously starred Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, bringing the two of them together, leaving them inseparable (at least as of summer, 2008). But did you know that the original cast was to have Johnny Depp and Nicole Kidman face off as the bickering couple? And that Will Smith and Catherine Zeta-Jones were also considered for the roles? Pitt can play a straight face, Depp can bring an air of mystery and Smith can bring great comedic timing (not to mention the last name). Jolie plays the vixen well, whereas Kidman would definitely been great at playing up the "up tightness" of the character, as well as the comedy aspects. And Zeta-Jones, well, I saw Zorro 2 and I still like her, so, there's nothing she can't do well, in my opinion.

But see how everyone would have brought something very different to the table? That's what I'm talking about.

It is always fun to watch an entertainment program with an excellent ensemble. The Ocean's Eleven series features a dozen or so high-profile, impressive resume-wielding powerhouse thespians. And those movies have the perfect casts. The television show Lost features a bunch of actors and actresses, most of whom were not well-known before appearing on the show. And every role is seemingly cast perfectly. It is hard to imagine any other actor or actress playing the leads in either program. Imagine how much different the energy on Lost would be if George Clooney were the main character! How much moodier Ocean's Eleven would be if Matthew Fox played the ringleader.

Actors and actresses, each of them, are very unique and talented. And they all bring something incredibly different to the table. So when you are watching a project with the "perfect cast," thank the producers, directors, studios, and casting services, on a job well done.