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Date Posted: 16:17:52 05/19/09 Tue
Author: Barbie
Subject: I've noticed a pattern forming regarding David's choice of roles since leaving JAG, which is fast becoming a hot topic of discussion as he takes on new roles. As time has passed, fans have become more vocal in their negative opinion of the choices he's made as he continues on with his acting career. I'd like to take a more in-depth look at this subject.



Fans have all kinds of reasons for being fans, but the one thing we can all agree on is that David is a fine actor. We all know that his role as Harm in JAG set the bar impossibly high, and that he is more than likely seeking to distance himself from the role in order to avoid being typecast, not to mention the want to branch out and try new things after playing the same role for 10 years. It's been 4 years since JAG ended, and let's face it: David's role as Harm is a tough act to follow - as we knew it would be - and in the post-Harm era, we have all developed a set of expectations as to what types of roles we think David should play. He has certainly chosen parts that are outside the comfort zone of some fans, and it seems that many are struggling, in my opinion, to understand why he's made certain choices.

In this internet age where information is just about instantaneous, where I used to think it was a benefit, I'm beginning to think that maybe instant gratification is not such a great thing. Here's why:

With the ability to get news as it happens, and the ability to garner information we would not normally be privy to so early in the process, I believe we set our expectations to a level that's just not practical. In other words, we're spoiled: the moment we learn that David is going to be in a project, we find out rather quickly the minute details that years ago we wouldn't have had access to, including sides from scripts, synopses, and bits of information from various sources, however trivial. Some may view this as an advantage, but I'm beginning to see it as a disadvantage: maybe we know too much too soon, and it sets us up for disappointment. For with this limited knowledge, we often pre-judge a project and deem it worthy or unworthy without having any intimate knowledge or having seen the project in its completed form.

It seems to me that lately, we are so thirsty for any information concerning David - whether rumor or fact - that we do him a great disservice by judging his projects, often without knowing anything about them besides a blurb in a publication. I've seen more and more, fans reading a synopsis or taking a couple of lines of script and instantly determining the worth of the project without having seen the finished product. More recently, with his new movie, 'Bed and Breakfast,' already fans have been turned off solely by the knowledge that the director is known for making horror movies.

My question is, how is that fair to David? As he plies his craft, we bear witness to his diverse talent. Fans are so quick to rush to judgment these days. I know it's easy to try to fit David into this little box where he only plays the hero or something that is considered "worthy" of him. I'd sure like to know what that is, honestly. Other fans are beginning to think that this is all David is being offered when we know no such thing. There is an awful lot of speculation and jumping to conclusions going on, and it's happening more and more as time goes by. I understand that when it comes to different genres, we all have our opinions, likes and dislikes. That's a given. But to predetermine a project's worth solely on the limited information we're given for a project we know almost nothing about is a disservice to David in my opinion.

David has been in the business for many years and has been very successful as an actor. Fans love the man, yet they constantly question his decisions; in my opinion, the tenor of posts in recent months tells me that the fans don't trust his ability to determine what is right for him. I imagine that he's been around long enough to know what he's doing and has made enough money in his career, so is not desperate for work. I wonder why the fans don't look at David's career with an open mind, trust that he knows what he's doing, and look at each project knowing that he chose it because he saw something of worth in it that we're not seeing.

I'd like to discuss this because my opinion isn't all there is. I'd really love to see fans come out and give their feedback so we can get a better understanding of what other fans think. Can fans not get beyond Harm? Is DJE just a mediocre actor taking mediocre parts? Should he take his career behind the camera? Should he hold out for better, more prominent roles? I value your opinion and would love to hear your feelings on the subject.

All opinions are welcome

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Replies:

[> I never knew DJE in anything else but JAG as I've lived out of the states for 25 years. After realizing that, yes, he's been in ALOT of shows and has impressive theatre experience and training, I think that he can do whatever he darn well pleases at this point in his career. Like all actors, he has to read scripts and make decisions and sometimes it's just hit and miss in that game. Rarely does an actor get it right all the time. And the higher the calibre of role and program they had, the more difficult it is to live up to that standard in subsequent roles...more inside -- mj, 10:50:39 05/20/09 Wed [1]

David is quite consistent in that he brings nuance and true believability to all his roles. I also admire tremendously how he does what he has to to keep balanced,fit and looking so handsome. He could EASILY let himself go or get all kinds of crazy into addictions and just rest on his laurels and live off his past achievements. Instead, he's out there, experimenting with different roles, giving newcomer and/or not 'blockbuster' producers, directors, and actors a chance to work with him WHILE he just stays such a nice guy, proud father, and decent person. So, hey, if he wants to take on something totally bizarre -- I applaud him. At first, I WAS skeptical, but now I've kind of put it all in perspective and am happy to see him do stuff he wants to try doing. Also, I've noticed he takes more roles where he doesn't have to carry the WHOLE show, which, of course, gives him alot more flexibility and alot less pressure. At this point in his career, man, he deserves this!!!! And he's not a big 'divo' about himself, like he HAS to be 'numero uno'. I like it and I like him!!! Maybe, in the future, he'll feel drawn to something more demanding and time-consuming. I STILL would love to see him in some sort of comedic role, but one that does give us his dramatic side, too.


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[> I first discovered David James Elliott's acting talents after JAG was already over. Inside -- Joan D, 15:37:31 05/20/09 Wed [1]

For the past 4 years, I have been watching the Canadian and USA projects and seeing his growth as an actor that brought him to where he is today. Certainly JAG put him on the map and the Harm character is a hard act to follow. But after 10 years of playing that character, I can understand why David would be anxious to do projects different and outside his comfort zone. After all, that is how an actor grows in his craft. To many times actors have been typecast and I think that would be an actor's worst nightmare. I applaud David for taking on different types of roles. Yes, I have enjoyed some better than others, but I watch with an open mind and enjoy nonetheless, each for their own qualities. "There are no small parts, just small actors." I, like many other people, am anxious to have him on television weekely, but I can appreciate David not wanting to do a weekly series due to the total time commitment that a series requires. I think that it is to his credit that he wants to devote more time to his family and have more balance in his life, and I for one, applaud him for that choice. That being said, I do hope that he will at some point decided to do a weekly series again. For now, I am content to see new projects throughout the year, of all various roles, either in the theater, on television or on dvd. I have become a fan of David James Elliott, the actor, and not just the character(s) that he portrays, and will continue to be a loyal fan.


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[> I too have noticed it Barbie, don't they think, after the gruelling hours a day filming JAG, he wanted to spend more time with his wife and family whether he plays Harm John Jimmy etc etc there all DJE, At this moment in time, he may not want to do a series, i would imagine he can pick and choose what parts he plays. JMHO! -- Michelle UK, 15:55:37 05/20/09 Wed [1]


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[> Since I have expressed strong opinions, pro and con about DJE's recent projects, I'll jump in here. I am usually willing to give him the beneift of the doubt and am willing to wait until I can judge for myself. I got furious with that Ausiello for the smarmy things he said about KoB before it aired. I wasnt really impressed with the show when I saw it, but it makes no difference to me if he does Sci fi, its an acquired taste, I think. I've enjoyed seeing him in a number of different roles...,. -- mkim, 15:33:51 05/21/09 Thu [1]

BUT as a fan, I have every right to express my opinion after I've seen clip of him in a role that turns my stomach, as it does with Gen Braxton. David is a fine actor,one of the best looking men I've ever seen, but he's not Jesus Christ. I can disagree with him. He's got a good head on those incredble shoulders and he knows exactly what he's doing and he doesnt need my approaval to do it.

Am I going to write him off as an actor, absolutely not, that would be stupid and unfair, but am I going to express my opinion when I feel strongly about something, you bet your a**.

As far as getting too much information before the airing of a movie, you are probably right, it stirs alot of speculation about things we arent even sure of. I think it affects the fandom like spoilers did, alot of anxiety about some things that turned out to be nothing.


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[> I plan on seeing any show and every show that I can that DJE does. Once I've seen it, then I'll make my decision. I am not fond of horror movies, but maybe it is more thriller than horror. I'll still go to see it and make my decision afterword. I have seen other actors that I enjoy do various projects and while I haven't loved them all, I still saw them. I am willing to trust that David knows what he is doing and I wish him much success. -- Dani R, 18:01:34 05/22/09 Fri [1]


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[> Did I start this? *sigh* Okay, inside for my response. -- nancyeddy, 03:09:26 05/23/09 Sat [1]

I love DJE as an actor. And I'm not looking for Harm in his future roles. I know from having spent years watching other actors that he needs to move on from that role and do other things.

Do I have to like his choices? No. Do I have to watch everything he's in? No, I can wait and hope to find the bits with only him if the part isn't very big or if they movie isn't my usual cup of tea. While I used to be able to watch 'horror' movies, it's been been a few years since then, and I'm not sure I can do it now.

I hope that "Bed and Breakfast" isn't a "b" type horror movie, or a slasher pic - I'm sorry, but I can't watch one of those even for David, as much a I like him. If that makes me a bad fan, then so be it, but I know my limitations.

I don't know for sure what kind of movie it is going to be, all I can go by is the past productions of the cmpany that's making it - and the director. Neither of those give me any reason to think this movie is going to be one that I'll *want* to see, I'm sorry to say.

I hope I'm wrong. And I hope no one flames me because of my thoughts.

I can handle him as Gen. Braxton - I could even probably handle him playing a serial killer or such - (even though seeing him die as they are wont to do in those movies would be tough), I'm not sure why I have such bad 'vibes' about B&B.

You're probably right, Barbie that we're getting TOO much info, even though we don't seem to think we are, since it's so long between discoveries.

I know I'd probably be a lot happier if I weren't aware of the history of the director of this new movie and the production company behind it.


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[> [> please see my post below commenting to you, nancyeddy -- I meant to post it here -- whoops!!! -- mj, 08:31:06 05/23/09 Sat [1]


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[> [> I'd like to think I'm opening up a line of discussion rather than accusing anyone of 'starting' anything. I'd much rather hear differeing opinions than hear that everyone loves everything he's ever been in, because that would be completely unrealistic. -- Barbie, 16:44:21 05/23/09 Sat [1]


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[> [> [> I was only kidding about 'starting' it, Barbie. Sorry I forget sometimes to put my ::G:: in here. Thanks for the info about the new picture, btw. We'll just have to wait and see if that's the one he's working on. -- nancyeddy, 01:54:36 05/24/09 Sun [1]


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[> I wanted to add my thoughts to this. I love DJE ever since discovery JAG last year. However my heart sank when I saw that David was appearing in a film with Michael Madsen. Why? Well I am personally a big fan of Michael's have loads of films but over the last few years he has mainly been cast in very low budget quickly shot movies if you look at his imdb page you will see he has a lot of films listed either just finished, filming or in pre-production. However, I also will be ready to give it a chance when it is released and really hope that my misgivings are unfounded. I will be very happy to see that I am wrong. -- Samantha, 16:05:03 06/02/09 Tue [1]


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