Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Stars are often accepted as great actors due to their commanding presence.
In plain terms
People call stars good actors because they look authoritative.
What can you take from it?
Presence can mask lack of acting skill in public perception.

Where it applies

  • evaluating actors
  • studying fame

Putting it to work

  • distinguish look from skill
  • question star claims

Questions to consider

  • Does look equal skill?
  • Why do we trust stars?

Another view

Not all stars rely solely on presence rather than craft.

More from Pauline Kael

  1. If there is any test that can be applied to movies, it's that the good ones never make you feel virtuous.

    Permalink to quote #46
  2. This is a nature-boy movie, a kid's daydream of being an Indian. When Dunbar has become a Sioux named Dances with Wolves, he writes in his journal that he know…

    Permalink to quote #48
  3. Is there something in druggy subjects that encourages directors to make imitation film noir? Film noir itself becomes an addiction.

    Permalink to quote #45

Related quotes

  1. Politicians, quite rightly, are not surrounded by mystique. Doctors, quite wrongly, too often are.

    Roy HattersleyRoy Hattersley quote #1
  2. You know it's flattering when there's a rumor that says I'm bisexual. It means I can play more kinds of roles. I'm open to whatever people want to call me. I'v…

    Jake GyllenhaalJake Gyllenhaal quote #2
  3. 'I am in so many movies that are on TV at 2:00 a.m. that people think I am dead.'

    Michael CaineMichael Caine quote #3