Mee, Laura

English

University of Hertfordshire Research Archive

9/13/2018 Cockney cool Bob Hoskins eschewed Hollywood glamourhttps://theconversation.com/cockney-cool-bob-hoskins-eschewed-hollywood-glamour-26251 1/3AuthorLaura MeePhD Candidate, De Montfort UniversityAcademic rigour, journalistic flairCockney cool Bob Hoskins eschewed Hollywood glamourMay 2, 2014 12.04pm BSTBob Hoskins, who died on April 29, was a distinct presence in every film in which he featured.Extraordinarily versatile, he excelled as charming everyman, murderous gangster, sympathetic loseror manipulative predator, alcoholic detective and the first Director of the FBI.He was often described by those who interviewed him as a salt-of-the-earth type, an unpretentious,straight-talking Londoner who shunned cinematic glamour and refused to move his family to LosAngeles. Hoskins was candid about his experiences in the film industry and his approach to acting.He declared the Stanislavski method “obvious” and saw himself as an entertainer rather than anartist. Not remotely vain (he compared himself to both a hippopotamus and Danny De Vito) he alsocared little for others’ opinions, following his mother’s wisdom: “If somebody doesn’t like you, fuck‘em, they’ve got bad taste.” This sage advice was something he passed on to his own children.As is well documented, Hoskins’s introduction to acting came in the late 1960s – a chance stageaudition whilst drunk and waiting for a friend at Unity Theatre.‘If somebody doesn’t like you, fuck 'em, they’ve got bad taste’. EPA/Juan Herrero9/13/2018 Cockney cool Bob Hoskins eschewed Hollywood glamourhttps://theconversation.com/cockney-cool-bob-hoskins-eschewed-hollywood-glamour-26251 2/3A quick rise to prominence in films such as The Long Good Friday and Mona Lisa meant that Hoskinswas fast-tracked to Hollywood, where Who Framed Roger Rabbit? elevated his international status.Subsequent performances shone in films good, bad and largely forgotten.He continued to appear in American films throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and made his final screenappearance in 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman.His Hollywood success reached a point where executives told him: “You may as well live here, Bob.It’s where the work is. Where the money is. Get yourself a nice house with a swimming pool.” Hoskinsrefused to buy in. “It was an attractive offer,” he said, “but I couldn’t possibly have brought my kids upthere.” The actor never abandoned his roots, and reserved his most memorable performances forBritish films and television.While often remembered for his roles as geezers and gangsters, Hoskins’s work can be seen across thescope of British cinema. He appeared in adaptations of Othello, Vanity Fair and David Copperfield.His working class background meant roles as trade union supporters in Made in Dagenham and Outside Bet appealed.And in addition to his celebrated turns in gritty 1980s crime films, he featured in (admittedly poorlyreceived) vigilante dramas Parting Shots and Outlaw. He worked with significant British filmmakersfrom Neil Jordan to Shane Meadows via Stephen Frears and Michael Winner. He proved his comicability in Terry Gilliam’s eccentric Brazil and even advocated mid-90s girl power in a Spice Worldcameo.The Long Good Friday.9/13/2018 Cockney cool Bob Hoskins eschewed Hollywood glamourhttps://theconversation.com/cockney-cool-bob-hoskins-eschewed-hollywood-glamour-26251 3/3Film ObituaryHoskins was a figure who will be ever associated with British pop culture. He was an icon of cockneycool, as relevant and recognisable in a contemporary pop video (Jamie T’s Stella), as he was as TheLong Good Friday’s psychopathic Harold Shand. He will be remembered as an interesting andversatile performer, and as a man who found international success.Yet, he viewed his Hollywood roles as an opportunity to make “fuck-you money” so he could continuedoing what he loved on his home turf. This rings, perhaps, with what Shand spits at a pair of NYCmobsters in Friday’s conclusion:Us British, we’re used to a bit more vitality, imagination … someone who can contribute towhat England has given the world. Culture, sophistication, genius … a little bit more than an‘ot dog, know what I mean?Found this article useful? A gift of £20/month helps deliver knowledge-based, ethical journalism.Make a donationJamie T’s Stella. 

Cockney cool Bob Hoskins eschewed Hollywood glamour

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Cockney cool Bob Hoskins eschewed Hollywood glamour

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