Wednesday, August 1, 2012

"Spider-Man" Bit Parts

What a difference a decade can make.  Like millions of others Americans, I'm determined to emotionally and financially rebound from The Big Recession.  Having been hit hard by it put me in the position of temporarily living with relatives.  What a blessing to be offered their spare room and kindness after I got laid off a couple of years ago.  How great to have time to bond with my totally cool grade school nephews.  One night recently, the kids invited me to watch a DVD with them.  They put on the 2002 hit, Spider-Man.
I hadn't seen this fun movie since it was in theatrical release ten years ago.  There's an old saying that "There are no small parts, only small actors."  How true.  It means that even a bit part -- a character with less than a dozen short lines of dialogue -- still affords you a chance to practice your craft, to be creative, to gain experience...and to get paid.  In the first 20 minutes of Spider-Man,  I sat with the kids and said to myself, "Wow."  And I wasn't reacting to the terrific special effects.  A tall actor opposite Tobey Maguire had a bit part as the bully, Flash Thompson.  He picks on Peter Parker in the school cafeteria.
Peter outwits and out-maneuvers Flash with his new Spider-Man powers.  The bully is defeated.  That's the last we see of Flash for the rest of the film.
It's 2012 and Joe Manganiello has worked up from that bit part as Flash to being a star on the HBO series, True Blood.  He's a hot character who makes vampires jealous.
He's the protective werewolf in True Blood.  Sookie falls for his animal magnetism.
Within that same opening section of Spider-Man, Peter signs up for amateur night at a Manhattan wrestling match. The actress with the role of Check-In Girl has about two or three short lines of dialogue.  Today, she's known for a story that took us below the Mason-Dixon line.  Octavia Spencer worked up from that bit part as Check-in Girl to play Minny, the steely 1960s Southern maid getting sweet revenge on bigotry in The Help.
A decade after those few lines in Spider-Man, she now owns an Academy Award.  For her performance in The Help, Octavia Spencer was voted Best Supporting Actress of 2011.
There's a lesson to be learned in those Spider-Man bit part performances.  We can't all become stars in show business.  But we can be professionals and take the work seriously.  Perseverance pays off.  I told that to my nephews.  Keep the faith.

16 comments:

  1. Yes, you're right--persistence does pay off. That said, never quit fighting to get back in front of an audience. Being informative, being entertaining, being insightful--all of these things, and more are reasons why we miss Bobbala!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Like a very early Christmas present. Thanks for that, John.

    ReplyDelete

  3. Cool one! Interesting information's over this web. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.| I could not resist commenting. I ‘ve spent some hours looking for such tips. I’ll also share it with a couple of friends interested in it.
    cash for cars perth

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the blog post buddy! Keep them coming... Chainsaw Parts

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? It is very useful for me. इंडिया-बिझिनेस-व्हिसा

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? It is very useful for me. यूएस व्हिसा अर्ज

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? It is very useful for me. भारत व्हिसा अर्ज

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amazing articles, keep writing such informative articles. Now you can easily get a visa to Tirkey. without meet to Turkey embassy. And You can also apply from your home or office

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you for your great post. Eligible travelers who want to get medical visa India can easily complete the application by providing some required details. Medical visa is a short term visa granted for medical treatment reasons.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great, thank you for this lively article. I hope you will definitely write this type of article for us. and I confirm bookmark your website. e visa to India is one of the most popular and online ways to apply for an Indian Visa without meeting any embassy or consultant.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Remote Control For SAMSUNG UN65KS9000FXZA

    The Boughts Remote Control is a device designed specifically for the SAMSUNG UN65KS9000FXZA television. It offers a convenient way to control your TV from a comfortable distance, with easy access to all its functions, including power, volume, channel, and more. The remote is user-friendly, with simple and intuitive buttons, making it easy for anyone to use. Whether you're settling in for a movie night or just want to relax and watch your favorite show, this remote control is the perfect accessory to enhance your viewing experience.

    https://boughts.com/products/tv-remote-control-for-samsung-un65ks9000fxza-television?variant=39825294131311

    ReplyDelete
  12. The TCL 55UP130 Remote Control is essential for accessing the TV's functions. Ensure compatibility and proper functioning, and replace with a quality replacement if needed. Familiarity with the remote's features can enhance the viewing experience.



    https://boughts.com/products/generic-tv-remote-control-for-tcl-55up130-television?variant=40763769127023

    ReplyDelete
  13. The TCL 55UP130 TV remote control is a standard infrared remote control that is designed for use with TCL 55UP130 televisions. It allows users to easily adjust TV settings, change channels, and navigate through menus.

    https://boughts.com/products/generic-tv-remote-control-for-tcl-55up130-television?variant=40763769127023

    ReplyDelete
  14. The TV Remote Control for LG 55UN6950ZUA Television is a user-friendly and efficient device specifically designed for the LG 55UN6950ZUA model. This remote control provides seamless control over your television, allowing you to effortlessly navigate through channels, adjust volume levels, and access various features and functions. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, while the well-organized layout allows for easy access to essential controls.

    https://boughts.com/products/tv-remote-control-for-lg-55un6950zua-television?variant=41056351387759

    ReplyDelete
  15. The TV Remote Control for TCL 40D100 and 48FD2700 Televisions is a user-friendly and efficient device specifically designed for these TCL models.

    https://boughts.com/products/tv-remote-control-for-tcl-40d100-48fd2700-television-used?variant=41068668649583

    ReplyDelete
  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

Colman Domingo in RUSTIN

In the first ten minutes of Steven Spielberg's LINCOLN, we see Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln talking to two Black soldiers on a Ci...