My sister's in love with Star Trek's James T. Kirk. I'm enamored with Boston Legal's Denny Crane, while Shatner's cop series, T. J. Hooker does nothing for either of us. So of all three of William Shatner's most memorable characters, what is it about each one that draws us to these particular characters?Maria says that Creator Gene Roddenberry produced in James T. Kirk a compassionate, yet take-charge personality. Kirk was strong, and when one of the members of his crew died (which was in every episode by the way), Captain Kirk suffered -- possibly because he was running out of crew members -- but that's another blog topic. James T. Kirk was the epitome of a sex symbol in the sixties. Just ask any Trekkie today.
Fast forward to the year 2008. Denny Crane of Boston Legal personifies what so many men go through in the last stages of their careers and lifetime. A sexy, never-defeated powerhouse in his younger days, I find it endearing that Denny is protected by his associates who have the grace to remember who he was -- and is -- as he suffers the ravages of Alzheimer's aka his mad-cow disease. Kudos to the series creator, David E. Kelly and the writers who allow Shatner's character, not only to provide comedic relief to the compelling drama, but to have moments of brilliance. And to William Shatner as well, who in this blogger's opinion, is one of the acting greats of my generation.
Five Scribe Blog Questions for the Day:
Can you think of any actor who's portrayed such equally memorable characters?
And what do you do in your own writing to make a character like Captain Kirk or Denny Crane leap to the page?
28 comments:
Oh, my gosh, I LOVED Captain Kirk. One of the first novels I wrote was a fan fiction (although we didn't have that name for it then) version of Star Trek. I imagine my mother still has that manuscript stashed away somewhere for when I become a famous author (cue hysterical laughter) or to blackmail me.
These days I don't watch much TV and have never seen Boston Legal. I might have to check it out...
What a fun way to start the day. Thanks for the memories. I don't believe I missed a single episode of Star Trek and can't think of anyone with three or more successful series. What makes a character jump of the page? A combination of strength and compassion hooks me every time.
Hey Donnell. While Shatner did a pretty god Captain Kirk, he is not Kevin Pollock ;)
BTW, have you seen Judgement at Nuremberg? Shatner's in that and gives an excellent supporting performance...real presence. And an entirely kick ass movie with Spencer Tracy and Burt Lancaster.
Annette, if you get a chance to watch Boston Legal, I think you'll enjoy it. It has the capacity to go from intense to enjoyable. I mention William Shatner, but James Spader, oh my gosh, talk about a major talent. Too bad he's not an actual trial lawyer, I'd hire him in a heartbeat.
Sylvia :) I'm glad you liked the start of your day. Ditto with the Star Trek episodes. Star Trek and Dark Shadows ;) My childhood friends and I used to play Star Trek in the vacant parking lot down the street. -- maybe a prelude to animated computer games (sigh).
And Eric! Thanks, I'll have to check out Kevin Pollock. For a moment there I thought you were talking about Kevin Spacey. He's another major character actor I admire. I haven't seen Judgment at Nuremberg, I'll have to check it out! I saw William Shatner in person where he performed in Death Trap. He was as different in that role as in the others he played. Thanks for the movie referral and thanks, gang, for spending time with me this morning:)
Donnell, I love the Denny Crane character. I give William Shatner so much credit for taking on the role. The same with Candace Bergman. She shows us it's okay to get older. And I love it that David E. Kelly gives her a sex life and shows that men still desire her.
Fun topic! Shatner's commercials are funny too.
Edie, absolutely. The entire cast of Boston Legal epitomizes what characterization is all about, would you agree? Candace Bergen is as different in Boston Legal as she was in Murphy Brown. She has a gentler soul than the hardcore news broadcaster and it comes through on the screen. So how do you do that in writing? I want each of my characters not to sound like Barbie cut outs of my former novels. It's an amazing talent I'm trying to master.
What a fun post. I lived and breathed Star Trek. As to your question "Can you think of any actor who's portrayed such equally memorable characters?" I'd consider Richard Dean Anderson in that category. As MacGyver he came across as the 'aw shucks' boy next door - smart, sexy and a little bit unattainable. As Colonel Jack O'Neil in Stargate SG1 he was sarcastic, snarky and fun in that Indiana Jones kind of way.
BTW, in Stargate Atlantis the male lead, John Shepherd, is constantly being accused of being Kirklike (aka bedding alien girl of the week). Lot's of fun shout outs to Trekkies in this show.
Okay, Karen, you may have nailed me :) Richard Dean Anderson, he's about as unique a character actor as they come. What do you think, is it science fiction factor they bring to the page? the visual effect. Let's face it -- Richard Dean Anderson and John Shepherd are fantastic-looking men. But then MacGyver. Was it the fact that we never knew his first name and the producers did a fantastic marketing job getting the public involved, or was it he had the uncanny genius ability to make something out of nothing. Like I said above if I was in legal trouble, I'd want James Spader to represent me. If I was in an emergency setting, Richard Dean Anderson aka MacGyver would do in a pinch :)))) Great comment, Karen.
Donnell,
GREAT topic and GREAT question. How do we build memorable characters? Oy, that's the crux of the matter. I think it has to do with the choices our characters make right from the start.
Like one of the best characters ever -- Disney's Aladin. LOL Seriously, here's this street urchin who has to steal to eat. Or rather, he chooses to steal. The story starts with him stealing a piece of bread. Very quickly we see his risk-taking choices as he runs from the palace guards. This kid is fearless, he's funny, he's competent. BUT once he gets away instead of enjoying his spoils -- he gives his share to two starving kids.
Here's this smart, savy, risk-taking thief who makes the rigth choice when faced with a moral question. One scene and we're cheering for Aladin to win. And throughout the rest of the story, whenever he chooses to do the "wrong" thing we know, in the end, he'll make the right choice -- just like he did in that original scene.
Okay, slinking away now. Sheesh, some people!
~Renee~
Brendan Frasier has the same quality. He's got the Mummy franchise. But he's also carved a niche with the George of the Jungle and Duddly Doright movies(both from the Rocky and Bullwinkle era).
Even Steven Segal has his own niche. He always plays the cop/federal agent that gets nearly killed in the first scene, then the mystic shaman/healer that gives him the mystical herbs to heal him in a few days so he can get his revenge.
Renee, well done!!!, applying your comment to the memorable character question;) That thief-chasing, street-urchin scene will be forever embedded in my brain (Donnell who saw the Little Mermaid 12 times, with the excuse her kids wanted to see it *again* :) I would argue a real life character actor paved the way for Aladin. Would you agree that Errol Flyn in his Robin Hood role is one of the all time unforgettable character actors? Thanks for the reminder!
Donnell, you caught me. Loved Kirk, love Denny. The scene that sticks most in my mind from Boston Legal is one where Shatner is sitting at the piano, playing, while speaking French. He was totally enthralling in that moment.
MB
Oh, yeah, Donnell. Errol Flyn was the bomb! And you're right. He played a wonderful Robin Hood. Fast forward a few decades to Kevin Costner's attempt at Robin Hood. Aside from his horrific British accent, Kevin was too one-dimensional in that role.
Okay, I could go on and on and one, but I MUST get back to my new WIP. ;-)
~Renee~
MB, I missed that episode. Apparently Boston Legal is allowing purchases of earlier dramas? I will look for it. Wow, thank you!
Eric, okay, I wish I could afford door prizes. You all are naming fantastic characters! Brendan Frasier *has* to rank among the all time high in this blogger's opinion. The Mummy, the movie he played a caveman returned from the ice age??? the name escapes me.
But here's the deal, we're talking about great characterization, and the fact we recognize it when we see it. Any idea how to transform great characterization to the written page? What makes a TV producer look at a scene and think I have to bring this to a visual medium. Nora Roberts has done it, Tami Hogue, Jim Butcher, Robert Parker, Danielle Steele... I could go on. Off line to get some writing work done; I'll check back later. Thanks for making my morning, everyone ;)
Donnell, what a GREAT post!
I have to admit that Cary Grant is my all-time fav. It's said he played the same role over and over (not quite true), but even when he did, each one was memorable in and of itself.
Father Goose is one of my top picks!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
La Vida Vampire
Hi Donnell. I'm so glad I found your blog.
Interesting topic to discuss. My top pick would be Harrison Ford. Han, anyone? Indy? Jack Ryan? I love him in all those great movies because each of those characters were forced to make tough choices and outsmart the bad guys.
Hi D,
I think interesting characters come from the insecurities and flaws we give them, and I'm not talking physical scars, like a chipped tooth. It's how they adapt to them, cover them up or embrace them. Nobody likes perfect, in fact perfect scares people.
Fun topic.
Now, forgive me D for posting this on your blog, but a little pitch here. I didn't intend my next blog to be a character blog also, but check back on June 26th (heck check back before that!) b/c I've learned some great tricks on characterization....it's a two parter.
LA
D, you asked what makes a producer look at a scene and think they have to bring it to a visual medium? Well, later this summer I'm going to interview producers and I'll ask the question! Stay tuned.
LA
OK, what are the rules? Are we asking for actors who played in multiple and vastly different roles in movies and TV? If it's the latter, the list is huge, and in my mind starts with Meryl Streep. On the other hand, if you mean actors who developed characters over the long term, in two or more TV roles, it's tougher. I loved both Bob Newhart shows but Bob had pretty much the same persona. John Ritter certainly played different guys in THREE'S COMPANY and 8 SIMPLE RULES. How about Judd Hirsch, in TAXI and NUMB3RS (boy, one word titles work for him!)?
Nancy, hi, and welcome! La Vida Vampire :) I've got this book on my nightstand ah, but I digress. Cary Grant, yes, ma'am. He often did comedy, but when he performed a serious role, we paid attention. Great comment! Too many characters to mention.... well done!
Misty, are you trying to beat Eric in the almost usurping William Shatner role? Harrison Ford is a multi-faceted character actor. Okay, see if ya'll are recognizing a pattern here. Any young actors hitting the stage these days that you're thinking, I gotta watch this man .... or woman. And what an adorable picture by the way!!!
Ah, LA (Leslie Ann) my esteemed fellow scribe :) you're absolutely right. What producer/director wants perfect? What fun is that -- kind of like moss growing? And it's *your* blog and T's and Audra's as well, so I insist you put your $100 worth in because as you can see by all these remarks not one of us has has the corner market on characterization. It's instrumental whether we're writing a novel or producing a screenplay
And I do hope everyone will check in to see what all the Scribes are up. LA has some fantastic surprise guests planned, but I won't spoil her fun. And I will be signing in on June 26 for your two-part series, because you always have something up your screenwriter sleeve!
Karen - no rules...just questions :) you make valid points. Some actors are what is the word typecast? Have I got that right? Meryl Streep in my mind has been known for more serious roles and yet in Death Becomes Her, the movie she played with Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis, she showed her comedic side. Wow, you name some powerhouse talent there, Judd Hirsh in Taxi and then in Independence Day? Can you say versatile? Okay gotta run again.
Hi Donnell!
Denny Crane is a riot! So funny!
As far as memorable characters/actors, I loved Michael J. Fox as Alex Keaton in Family Ties and then in all the Back to the Future movies. I had a huge crush. :-)
Viola
Hi, Donnell - great post and great questions! I can't keep up with all the expert opinions flying around here.
But I'd have to say I agree about William Shatner.
For the female side, I think Meryl Streep has done a fantastic job in character roles throughout her career, too.
Best,
Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Hi, Viola. Yes, Michael J. Fox. He's one I would say is stereotyped but he's not, ya know? Unfortunately until his illness he was the proverbial smart, forever young guy. But in An American President, with Michael Douglas, he sure showed his acting strength.
Barbara, hi, thanks for stopping by. Yep, with all these character greats named, I still think I named one of the best with William Shatner.
I'm signing off for the day, gang, it's clear we recognize characterization in telvision and movies. With one final question I'll leave you to pursue.... how do we bring such great characterization to our own WIPS. No need to answer here but keep pondering. Maybe LA will have some great pointers in her two-part series on June 26th. Happy writing!
Hey, girl!
I also lo ve the Denny Crane character. You have a father-son duo who say the things we would like to say, do the things we'd like to be able to do.
Anyone not in love with Paul Newman or Richard Gere?
Kevin Costner plays some good roles,too.
A character who has weaknesses as well as strengths will be remembered.
Hey Mary M! back atcha! Yep, flawed characters need only apply; those perfect protags might as well be cardboard. Yep, two very distinct character actors in Gere and Newman. Well done! Thanks for dropping by:)
Post a Comment