Home / Arts and Entertainment / De Niro's Bluff: Actor on Fake Praise
De Niro's Bluff: Actor on Fake Praise
19 Sep
Summary
- Robert De Niro is wary of directors offering excessive praise.
- He recalled Elia Kazan's compliment on "The Last Tycoon" set.
- De Niro believes effort is more important than flattery.
During a recent appearance on the "Good Hang" podcast, acclaimed actor Robert De Niro shared his thoughts on directorial praise and authenticity.
De Niro admitted to feeling suspicious when directors are overly flattering. He recounted an experience on the set of Elia Kazan's final film, "The Last Tycoon," where Kazan's "great" compliment felt disingenuous to him. De Niro stated that he believes the effort put into a performance is paramount, akin to a parent's pride in their child's achievements.
When discussing his own directorial experiences with "A Bronx Tale" and "The Good Shepherd," De Niro emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration between director and actor. He stated his preference for avoiding games and focusing on the shared objective of achieving a successful outcome, rather than wasting time on unnecessary dynamics.
The article also briefly touched on the controversial legacy of Elia Kazan, particularly his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in the 1950s. Decades later, this historical context still impacted reactions, with some actors refusing to applaud Kazan at an honorary Oscars ceremony.
