4/04/2012

An Actor Gifted With Incredible Talent: Robert De Niro

By Pille Ardberg


Robert De Niro has become the symbol of how to play a gangster or unscrupulous person convincingly. So much so that the audience is left in no doubt his character is as menacing and dangerous as portrayed. In cinemas around the world he has had people sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what the character would do next. People of all ages and genders are totally enthralled with his characters and greatly admire his art.

Even when playing a hood in a comedy such as 'Analyze This' he was the epitome of a bad guy, neurosis and all. Maybe a reason why he experienced such towering success as an actor is the fact that his ancestry is a combination of some of the most volatile cultures known to man. The explosive nature and hot Italian passion combined with Irish charm mixed with dour German humor and stiff upper lip English behavior promises to be interesting if nothing else.

Born to parents who were artistic and excelled at talents ranging from painting to writing poetry he was destined to follow a career connected to the arts. His commitment to acting was made at the age of 10 when he was cast as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. Basically shy by nature he discovered a freedom in acting that was gratifying and enriching.

With roles in Mean Streets as well as Bang the Drum Slowly he made his debut and started on an acting career that is filled with great movies, many awards and accolades. In 1974 his portrayal in the second film in the Godfather series as Vito in his youth gained him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar and a Bafta Best Newcomer nomination. His role in Taxi Driver and a subsequent Best Actor Oscar and another Bafta nomination firmly stamped his mark in the acting world. He was considered second to none when it came to playing bad scary guys.

His adaptability to take on diverse roles is another trait which makes De Niro a superb actor. He can change from menace to comedy with the blink of an eye and be totally convincing in both roles bringing to each a new level of excellence.

When asked about his strengths a person thinks of a man who has firm and steadfast belief in his own acting ability. His staunch belief to branch out and play roles totally contrasting to what he made his name in underlines this belief.

With A Bronx Tale and The Good Shepherd he tried his hand at directing with success. He played in both these movies and his performance on either side of the camera showed that he was a master both these art forms.

He is a superstar in every meaning of the word. Nothing is sacred and if a role requires putting on a lot of weight and becoming a believable exponent of the art of boxing, a taxi driver or saxophone player Robert De Niro will do it. He considers only total commitment is acceptable if one is to give a convincing performance and will do everything in his power to reach that level.




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