MovieChat Forums > Carl Weathers Discussion > Arrested Development...

Arrested Development...

posted 17 years ago by GettnMovieBuff
9 replies | jump to latest

I've read a few posts on here about how funny Carl Weathers is on AD. I would agree but in a way it is kind of a pathetic humour. He is essentially degrading himself and his acting reputation by appearing in such a weak/deprived/cheap manner (Not a character mind you...Carl appears on the show as Himself).

I kind of feel like AD is taking advantage of him and the fact that he doesn't get a ton of work anymore. I mean did Mitchell Hurwitz really write this role for/with Carl Weathers in mind or was it a simple vague idea of a Hollywood has been that Weathers fits the mold for?

While I'm on the soap box I guess I feel the same way about Liza Minnelli too.

I laugh my ass off but I also feel bad cause the roles are not very flattering. Am I the only one who see it like that (Carl Weathers/Liza Minnelli excluded:-)?
GMB

[–] n/a

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[–] powerfulkatrinka 17 years ago

I actually read an interview that it was Carl's idea to play the character as cheap. He's clearly the opposite, a very generous guy, as folks like Adam Sandler (who loves working with him!) know. That's why it's so funny, he's NOT playing himself at all. It's called acting!! And it also says a lot about his character, he's clearly very secure in his own skin. Love the guy!! More Weathers! Please!!

[–] MinorityReportFan 17 years ago

powerfulkatrinka, you've got a stew going!

[–] powerfulkatrinka 17 years ago

You got that right! :)

[–] happy_hick 17 years ago

I'm not very well informed about Carl Weathers, although I found him quite funny on the show, so I won't comment on that. But I actually felt that appearing on AD was a great choice by Liza Minnelli. I do not know what generation you belong to, but prior to this show most of my friends and myself saw her as not much more than a has-been whose mom was Dorothy. But this show has shown me the light and I have become a huge fan of hers.

[–] powerfulkatrinka 17 years ago

She's really wonderful in the movie "Arthur". I actually like her a lot as a performer. "Cabaret" - Lord, another great film! I just think she struggles in her private life and might have inherited a few demons from her mom. I love her though, I'm always rooting for her. Go Liza!

[–] mrogs 17 years ago

The role was not demeaning. It's not like Hurwitz spent some time with Carl and just thought "he's cheap... that's funny".

It's a way for actors to laugh at themselves and not take themselves so seriously. He wasn't being degraded.

If you've seen Extras, you'll have seen Orlando Bloom, Daniel Radcliffe, Kate Winslet and Ben Stiller do the same thing. They play themselves in the show, but an outrageous version of themselves which is so ridiculous that no one can seriously believe they are like that in real life. They aren't making fun of the actors.

And besides, Carl was 55 at the time of Arrested Development. He's been in plenty of high-grossing films and he chose to play the character. Probably because it would have been a bit of fun. It's not like he couldn't pay the rent and needed the money.

If anything, the role showed that Carl has character and a good sense of humour, not a lack of dignity.

[–] powerfulkatrinka 17 years ago

Amen! Well said, crystal clear, and so so true! Thanks for posting your opinion.