I think you're over analyzing this. Good looking people abound in the entertainment industry because people like looking at (and fantasizing about) good looking people. In addition, for a myriad of reasons, those who age "well" seem to be held in high regard, i.e. George Clooney and Brad Pitt. All of this taps into a deeply held facet of human behavior.
However, even with all that, it takes a combination of relentless hard work, time, talent, and continuing access to have a raging career. If, however, one takes whole blocks of time to, for instance, dedicate themselves to their family or one shies away from repetitive roles, then one's resume will reflect that.
Add to that the fact that there is always the newest thing/person come up over the horizon and it all contributes to the ebbs and flow of life in the entertainment industry.
A person with a healthy outlook is aware of all of the above and has reconciled themselves to the benefits weighed against the sacrifices.
And lastly, most performers do take big blocks of time away once they have reached a certain financial security. That level is higher for some than for others. Personally, if I had even 1/10 of Ryan Phillippe's net worth, I'd be on the beach every day with not a care in the world.
It's not what a movie is about, it's how it is about it.
RIP Roger Ebert
reply
share