Title: Let's Speak Bloom
Description: interview taken from the obfiles
sxc_stylez - January 3, 2004 12:42 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
Let Bloom speak: Yes, if he would actually talk … Allegra met the most sought-after but maybe most insecure new star in Hollywood. It wasn’t an easy assignment, but a beautiful one.
If you ever meet Mr. Bloom don’t you ever call him “Orly”.
Orlando Bloom is without a doubt a very nice young man. Most of the time anyway. The one who wants to feel his wrath just has to ask for his nickname: Orly. Don’t make it worse now and start laughing. It is enough that the host of his admirers calls him that and even blushingly requests him to sign autographs with the nickname. But also the teenage-press insists to call him Orly, as if to save syllables.
And Orlando is such a beautiful name for a beautiful actor, who just finds one thing less beautiful: the minimization of his person and his intentions. Orlando Bloom furrows his brow in a sad James-Dean-frown, rolls his brown eyes and makes an effort, probably for the thousandth time, to put the bizarre cult about his person into perspective.
Of course he is aware of the sprouting of fan-sites on the net or that Hollywood says his name in the same breath with Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp, since he worked with both recently. But being „the pin up for teenagers“ (he says it almost whispering)… New frown.
“A friend,” Orlando composes himself, “explained to me quite pragmatically that there will always be new idols or pop stars upon which young girls set their ideals. It is just totally unreal for me to think about it. Why me? Just a while ago I was happy to have a job after drama school. Now even friends ask me with whom I am sleeping, as if they were asking me what time it is.”
Not that he is complaining. It is just that he is truly upset about being hunted by ghosts he didn’t call upon himself. Even in today’s media-society, where every clown can be made into a superstar, Bloom’s boom is a phenomenon. Of course, when he played the jauntiest moustache-wearer since Errol Flynn in “Pirates of the Caribbean”, he immediately fulfilled every requisite for an universally usable leading man. Highly visible talent, a soft face, androgynous body build-- there are reasons that everybody wants to see him. But Orlando was already an “Orly” even before he played a character to be admired. When I met him a couple of years ago in Rabat (Marocco), where he fell with an almost bold-shaved head from a chopper for the film “Black Hawk Down”, there were already a couple of British kids waiting for him in the hotel. Not even a glance for co-star Ewan McGregor: in England, Orlandomania had begun early. And that wasn’t just because of his first TV films, but mainly because the propaganda via the web. My daughter loved Orly early, when it would have been my professional duty to know about him already.
This was the way that girls discovered him for themselves and then transmitted the secret treasure whispering to other friends, and supported his career through petitions and polls. Had this democratic movement of the masses admiring him any influence in securing his casting in Lord of the Rings?
With his official breakthrough role, as the 2931-year-old blond elf Legolas in the successful trilogy, Bloom didn’t aim for the spotlight . Maybe he was afraid of the “Leo-curse”, which drove a good actor like Leonardo Di Caprio into isolation after Titanic and makes him look weak in manly roles. Anyway, Bloom’s publicity-display isn’t the best. And this isn’t easily solved through his explanation that during his lengthy filming of “Pirates of The Caribbean” or “Ned Kelly” he hadn’t time to make publicity for himself. Earlier interviews already hint that Orlando Bloom is not a friend of any free-flowing information display. When he accidentally let it slip that he was 13 years old when he learned that a good friend of the family and not his mother’s husband was his real father, he almost bit his own tongue. And he tried to cover it up quoting that most actors came from dysfunctional families. About the fact that a year before filming Lord of the Rings he broke his back from a fall and had to consider spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair, he just waves it away. Dark thoughts don’t belong to creatures of light.
Generally, Orlando Bloom couldn’t be more noncommittal during our chat in New York. “Success hasn’t changed me”. These are some of the phrases he uses. Or: “I hope that my work speaks for myself.” Yes, and where the road into the future might lead him, he cannot even make a guess. “I am just 26 year old!” That he is 26 year old is something he repeats about 26 times in the half hour we talk, as if he couldn’t or shouldn’t be taken seriously. But just because when talking about any risky issue, he flashes a disarming smile and one doesn’t want him to have permanent damage from constant shrugging, one gets used to his defense-mechanisms.
Exactly why he insists on denying himself is something we’d really like to know. There are two possibilities: either has the young star, raised in Canterbury and London, let his American colleagues rub off on him, coaching him never to tell much. In this regard, you will never hear anything from him about being known as Kate Bosworth’s “darling”.
Possibility number two: Bloom hasn’t really realized the size of his exposure and image and is still standing by. He prefers to be silent than to say things that might be wrong. He answers too many of the questions according to the advice of fellow stars. Brad Pitt taught him during the shooting of “Troy” how to walk through Paparazzi-masses. And from Johnny Depp he learnt to deal with stage-fright. Especially Depp. There aren’t better mentors, for sure, but that Bloom now also wears heavy rings, necklaces and wallowing shirts is almost too much of an adaptation.
Under his current unruly curls, Bloom seems agitated, surprised, shy, cunning, sensible, conspiratorial and at the same time innocent, just the way only a nice guy can be. Demonstrative self-confidence: not a hint. It is the same concerning his ambitions. To the question if he would like to do something more than acting in the movie-business, he lets you explain what you mean, related to directing or screenwriting. “Ah, yeah. Why not?”
Once again you can see this man is open to influences from the outside. He entered theater-training because his mother thought it was a good idea, he used to let his sister pick his clothes: “So that I could live out my short party phase in London clubs”. But only as long as he has the last word. Before we get the impression of a day-dreamer: Someone who earns up to eight million dollars for a movie and causes a mass panic while walking across a street, has to develop an instinct about what is good or bad for him. “Hi Orly” the next journalist greets him.“My name is Orlando” says Orlando Bloom. |
I know you can never fuly trust this sort of thing, but don't you think 'Orlando' is turning into a real prick lately?
That damn Kate is changing him... when I get my hands on her...
Ryvyan - January 3, 2004 12:51 PM (GMT)
I don't really think he's being a prick there; I dunno *shrugs*
And oh no, the Kate rant! Heh...
sxc_stylez - January 4, 2004 03:57 AM (GMT)
Maybe it was just the way it was written, but I got the distinct impression that he doesnt appreciate his fans, it's probably just me. I tend to misread signs a lot.
Aurora - January 6, 2004 11:46 AM (GMT)
Hm. Orlando is def. not a prick :no:
maybe he just had a bad day? I've recently read an interveiw in which he said that all the attention he got was unnerving at first, but that he appreciates his fans a lot now. So. yeah. Didn't know he dislikes being called Orli. Yes, with an -i. :P
Hmm.. weird interview. *furrows brows*
Miss Cicero - January 6, 2004 01:54 PM (GMT)
I think the interview is quite a good one actually. I mean, what would you feel like if the whole world was stalking you? I know that stardom seems to be something desireable at first, but the more I think about it I guess it would be mad to wanna be famous. I don't thik he doesn't appreciate his fans, probably he's just a bit unnerved by the countless spot-faced, brace-wearing teenagers (no offence meant, I'm only 17 myself *grin*) who scream hysterically whenever they see him.
Ryvyan - January 6, 2004 03:49 PM (GMT)
I was having this conversation with my friend today over coffee (I don't sound as old as that sentence implies) and we were discussing why some girls cry and scream when they saw their idols, or rather she was asking me.
I said I have no idea and gave a nonchalent shrug. Then I commented that I'd be too stunned and they'd walk past me without me doing anything anyway, though I'd probably run and scream after them without the stunning thingy... *shrugs once more*
I don't see lots of actors/actresses I idolize in Singapore at all
Bloomiecurse - January 6, 2004 05:33 PM (GMT)
Okay, I might sound unpopular now.
But I don't find Orlando offensive towards his fans in his interview at all.
I actually understand him and I believe he might be more irritated with a certain type of fans and, especially, press.
Let's just analyse the whole situation attentively (and in my very bad bad English!).
Orlando Bloom has his first important role after a couple of days he has taken his Drama Diploma (a couple of days is just figurative! Don't have any clue about how long it passed from one thing to the other!). Just try to figure him out: he has always wanted to be an actor, play gorgeous roles and show everybody around the country (or the world) what an excellent actor he is.
Then all the Lotr Circus puts its gears into motion, and people all around world (especially teenagers, eh!) start asking themselves who is playing the mad elf warrior with blonde braids and lean muscular body.
The world discovers Orlando Bloom.
And the madness begins.
Media start cataloguing handsome Orlando Bloom among those new Teen Idols whose faces they will be going to put in the covers of their magazines in order to sell more.
Teenagers fall in love with Orlando Bloom, and Orlando Bloom lets all the world know the nice guy he is: sweet, affectionate, kind, crazy Orlando Bloom. And he accepts to play in blockbusters movies (such as POTC), expressly addressed to the multitude of young public.
Hence the common belief he is a "product" to be sold to young people, to spot faced and braces wearing teenagers, who can only say about him that he is "hot"!
They wait hours outside theatres only to catch a glimpse of his gorgeous traits, to get an autograph, or to succeed in kissing him or holding his hands.
And they scream, and cry, and scream once again, and ask him for photographs, even when he would say no.
Let's try and see it the other way round. Let's try to imagine one of us in his shoes. I'd try: I am always fighting against my appearance. I don't care if people tell me how pretty I am. If I see an ugly person in the mirror when I look at my reflection, I don't really care about what people around me tell me. I feel horrible, and horrible I am.
Now, let's imagine that I go out in the streets and people start stopping me, asking for pictures or forcing me into talks, and I am not in the mood for it... how would I feel? Would I always be kind and nice? Not to mention the fact that people bet on whom I am sleeping with, and ask me about it, or flame this person around the net.
Would I always be so nice and friendly?
But back to Orlando Bloom.
My former boyfriend is an actor. To him there was nothing in the world more important than acting and let the world see what kind of committed actor he was. Producers, agents, directors (most of them) see actors as "products" and not human beings. Agents place their "products" on the market, in order to "sell them", make money with them, and let them make money as well.
I think that I sort of understand what Orlando might be going through (although I usually don't trust interviews very much, journalists tend to add their sides of the stories - Soof I beg your pardon!), and in a way I believe he's sort of annoyed by those people who only see him as a simple "piece of flesh" to drool over.
And I am also sure he is sort of upset with a certain kind of " scandalistic press" that keep on talking about him as "the teen mobs mover", without even considering his acting skills.
Let's face it! We’d probably be annoyed as well! We want people find out how good at our job we are! I wouldn't really be happy with my boss if she praised me only because I am cute, and would never mention my professional skills!
But, it is just a phase. Orlando will grow up, he'll be doing other kinds of movies, and people will adore him only because of his acting skills and not only because he is a pretty face.
And, yes! I'd hate being called Orli (with an "I") all the time! Orlando is such a beautiful original name! ;-)
I'll stop bothering you with my long rant! :surrender:
Laila - January 6, 2004 06:40 PM (GMT)
Oh I need to comment on this :)
I have to say as well that I abolutely can't understand comments like "He doesn't appreciate his fans"...
I really don't want to appear offensive against anyone... but what is there to appreciate? He is an actor for gods sake, a human, not a computer animated for our display!
| QUOTE |
| “A friend,” Orlando composes himself, “explained to me quite pragmatically that there will always be new idols or pop stars upon which young girls set their ideals. It is just totally unreal for me to think about it. Why me? Just a while ago I was happy to have a job after drama school. Now even friends ask me with whom I am sleeping, as if they were asking me what time it is.” |
Hm... he is right there, it's not really about him - is it?
It might be for some... but really I sooo doubt, and I don't exclude myself... that this lusting and swooning... is so frail, so... unreal - Fandom it self is weird, isn't it?
| QUOTE |
| This was the way that girls discovered him for themselves and then transmitted the secret treasure whispering to other friends, and supported his career through petitions and polls. Had this democratic movement of the masses admiring him any influence in securing his casting in Lord of the Rings? |
Well, is it just me or is this really really a weird assumption?!
I mean, LotR is not really casted for poularity...
With the exception of Elijah I knew no one of the cast... well heard the names Christopher Lee and John Rhys-Davies somewhere but without being able to put a face to that...
I actually think it is the opposite... trying to cast faces that you don't know from somewhere else to make middle earth credible...
| QUOTE |
| Anyway, Bloom’s publicity-display isn’t the best. |
*frowns* well... and?!
| QUOTE |
| When he accidentally let it slip that he was 13 years old when he learned that a good friend of the family and not his mother’s husband was his real father, he almost bit his own tongue. And he tried to cover it up quoting that most actors came from dysfunctional families. About the fact that a year before filming Lord of the Rings he broke his back from a fall and had to consider spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair, he just waves it away. Dark thoughts don’t belong to creatures of light. |
Hell, that made me really angry!
Isn't it just completely natural that you don't want the whole world to now about THAT?!
I mean this is not just him involved it puts his family into spotlight, and isn't it just too understandable that he wants to protect them?
And the accident thing, well how else do they expect him to react... whine about something in his past that he is overcome?like... uhhh I was sooo in pain and was sooooo afrait... I cried for days! Yeah sure... hello?!
| QUOTE |
| But just because when talking about any risky issue, he flashes a disarming smile and one doesn’t want him to have permanent damage from constant shrugging, one gets used to his defense-mechanisms. |
I actually think that these ways of his provide him with more congeniality then that open, hello here I am listen to what I say because it's what the wotrld revolves around attitude of most stars...
| QUOTE |
| Exactly why he insists on denying himself is something we’d really like to know. |
Well maybe because himself is the last thing he has influence on, and can actually stop ppl from turning it upside down and tearing apart in order to provide his so appreciated fans with information?
| QUOTE |
| There aren’t better mentors, for sure, but that Bloom now also wears heavy rings, necklaces and wallowing shirts is almost too much of an adaptation. |
Is it just me or do they kinda expect from hinm to be better then the rest of us?!
I mean isn'*t it just th emost natural thing to adapt maybe behaviour, way of talking, or even clothing style, from older, wiser more experienced ppl we admire?
Come on that's human!
| QUOTE |
| “Hi Orly” the next journalist greets him.“My name is Orlando” says Orlando Bloom. |
*smile*
I am not an Orli fan...
But through all what I heard of him lately, all these interviews... comments like these drove me to really respect him for what he does and who he is, and this just added to that effect...
seriously... he's only human... thank god, and how could he not be overwhelmed by his success, which came so sudden and so way to fast...
elfardown - January 6, 2004 06:42 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Bloomiecurse @ Jan 6 2004, 05:33 PM) |
| (although I usually don't trust interviews very much, journalists tend to add their sides of the stories - Soof I beg your pardon!) |
you are forgiven! but please let me tell you my opinion
yes some journalists do tend to mix their own ideas into what they write but sometimes that is what is asked of them... you know not every piece of writing is supposed to be objective. There are collums and, those kind of articles I don't know the english word for. I don't know what kind of article this is but I doubt it's just an objective interview. If so the interview would have been written Q and A style. here obviously not the case. so don't always go blame the journalist...
I think this is actually a quite nice interview. Orlando is honest and the journalst seems to appreciate it. Although he seems somewhat reserved. (the journalist) But honestly, that is his job! and if he were to swallow everything Orlando said he would be a bad reporter!
...
Okay now I read this article again... and quiet frankly I like it! Whoever wrote this is a good journalist! He doesn't really push his opinion forward. He lets the reader decide he just gives his impression of the interview. like for instance:
| QUOTE |
Exactly why he insists on denying himself is something we’d really like to know. There are two possibilities: either has the young star, raised in Canterbury and London, let his American colleagues rub off on him, coaching him never to tell much. In this regard, you will never hear anything from him about being known as Kate Bosworth’s “darling”.
Possibility number two: Bloom hasn’t really realized the size of his exposure and image and is still standing by. He prefers to be silent than to say things that might be wrong |
that is good stuff! I hope I will be a good reporter too and do what's most important: have the audience decide!
Oh and Ursi... My name is Sophie ;)2 :lmao:
Laila - January 6, 2004 06:46 PM (GMT)
I think soof is right...
Oh excuse me miss, Sophie!
The interview is not badly done... but some of the attitudes that reflext the public opinion about how a celebrity should behave and should display himself and stuff aggravates me...
But if it tried to make him appear congenial and smug then hey it succeeded... at least for me...
Bloomiecurse - January 6, 2004 06:59 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (elfardown @ Jan 6 2004, 06:42 PM) |
Oh and Ursi... My name is Sophie ;)2 :lmao: |
:neene:
*bows to Sophie*
and mine is Ursula... :lmao: ;-)
Lawd! I have just reread the whole thing and asked myself what he would reckon if he read this thread...
He's just a boy, for heaven's sake! Let him do or think what he wants!
And I agree with Laila:
| QUOTE |
Is it just me or do they kinda expect from hinm to be better then the rest of us?!
I mean isn'*t it just th emost natural thing to adapt maybe behaviour, way of talking, or even clothing style, from older, wiser more experienced ppl we admire?
Come on that's human!
|
Indeed, girl! He is just as human as the rest of us! Let him live the way he wants!
*sounds a bit motherish here, but... oh well!
shrugs*
:love:
sxc_stylez - January 7, 2004 03:44 AM (GMT)
*whistles* Woah.. didn't expect all that. :eek:
Ryvyan - January 7, 2004 03:50 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Bloomiecurse @ Jan 7 2004, 02:59 AM) |
| QUOTE (elfardown @ Jan 6 2004, 06:42 PM) |
Oh and Ursi... My name is Sophie ;)2 :lmao: |
:neene:
*bows to Sophie*
and mine is Ursula... :lmao: ;-)
|
...
Anyway ^^ as per above of course lol... Didn't expect Ursi... URSULA to come up with such a long reply, gee...
| QUOTE |
I am not an Orli fan...
But through all what I heard of him lately, all these interviews... comments like these drove me to really respect him for what he does and who he is, and this just added to that effect... |
Someone is converting, kind of... lol
Actually I once think that I'd die if I were caught screaming and running after someone I idolize at the airport like those I saw a year ago... They scare me, even *shudders*
Now I'm not so sure :neene: Just kidding, just kidding...
He sounds very awkward and shy sometimes in interviews, like in Jay Leno... Feels like hugging him giving him moral support at those times with the other fans, if you know what I mean...
Actually I'm just going to soak in the current atmosphere of his shown in interviews in both print and screen, because eventually he'd be so used to them that he'd just fade to become another random 'star' who answers boringly to standard questions like Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and the sort *shrugs*
I can't say I like him fully for his looks so... I don't know, he influenced me more than I thought possible :blink:
[/random]
Cleopatra (queen of kitsch) - January 9, 2004 04:45 PM (GMT)
oooooooooooooooooooh sooooooooooooooo cute
may be a caracter flaw but I just like sweet, nice and insecure guys. They make me melt inside
I would get pretty angry if one person looked at me as a lustobject, so how awful must it be as half a billion girls do so and there is nothing you can do about it? Don't think he is disrespectful towards fans, understand that it is quiet frustrating if everybody sees you as goodlooking but nothing more (and a lot of people will) when all you want to do is your job.
Mental hug to this sweetie (or grrrreebo if you like ^_^ )
promis on my spotless soul I'll never scream/faint/drop clothes on the floor
when I ever see him. (even if I'd ever get into his neighbourhood, I wouldn't recognise him, so I can't be too hard ^_^ )
I have a difficult an rather long name as well and hate it (grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr) when people mispronounce it. And nobody (except of one friend who did that for more than 10 years) shortens it, and nobody should give it a try, cause I wouldn't be able to appreciate it. His parents gave him a really nice name, he's happy with it so respect that.
Like the interview as well. Over a couple of years one from Sophie :yes:
.JuLEs. - January 10, 2004 04:14 AM (GMT)
I agree with a lot of what people said here.
I personally think Orlando is just in shock about suddenly becoming bombarded by crazed female fans (I hate that I'm just another one of them!), and is still trying to figure out how to react. I think its endearing that hes so honest, and doesn't simply say "I love my fans". I think that line is way overused, and never completely true. What person in their right mind would love having people recognize them and come at them screaming? Quite unnerving, if you ask me.
Kat - January 12, 2004 03:00 AM (GMT)
I feel bad for the guy. The press is totally hounding him. It's just a ton of publicity all in one flash. I'd probably react the same way. I got the impression that he just wants to keep to himself. He gained TONS of success in the blink of an eye, and now he doesn't know what to do with all of it.
Also, about the nickname thing. I didn't know he didn't like it. I'm thinking it could be that he only wants people close to him to call him that. I mean, when someone calls you by your nickname, its like saying you know them well and are on good, friendly terms with them. I don't think he wants people to think they know him before they've even met. I think that's the same with everybody. I hate it when people that I don't know well call me by my nickname. It's supposed to be an endearing term that only the people you love call you, but if the whole world calls you that...I can imagine that it would get annoying.
WhiteAndie - January 15, 2004 11:07 PM (GMT)
You know? I'm not the kind of fan that screams and cries and everything... (actually, the couple of famous mexican people that i've known the moment i saw them... i was frozen,.... back to the point) But i guess i'd be quite annoying... i mean, you are walking down the street because you had a bad day and you want to be alone and boom! suddenly you see a flash and then the next day someone wrote that you broke with your gf, or something about your father, or i don't know waht ...
I'd be crazy ...
Or imagine that you like this boy (in his case a girl) and you want to try something so you two go out to some place to know each other... in a friendly date... boom! the next day you're that boy girlfriend ... and you didn't even had the chance to know him much better!
I'd be mad ...
Or ... supposed that you've worked on your drama college so hard, and you've tried to be one of the best of your classes 'cause you love acting and it's your life... you have your first job and suddenly everyone else just talk about your hot body, amazing face ... and in the last part they talk about your acting ... really annoying huh?
SO, i guess i'm with Orlando... i don't think that he is an annoying jerk who thinks he is best than everyone ... i guess he is just getting use to something he'd never seen before...
So Orlando i'm with you...
And i promise i won't tell you orli never again :) cross on my heart! :) i hate been called with my second name so i understand him ... Lol
luvly
andie!
Valerie - January 16, 2004 12:48 AM (GMT)
I found the interview very interesting actually, I never noticed him being stuck up, or anything like that reading the article...or did i miss something :unsure:
Katt5004 - April 5, 2004 12:39 PM (GMT)
I actually liked the interview. It gave me new light on Orlando. And I've never really thought about it before, but yeah, for someone who's just fresh out of school and already has fans and media after him, then yeah, it'd be way overwhelming. I don't know what I'd do if suddenly my life changed overnight. And that's pretty much what has happened to him. Nobody knows who you are one day and then the next your all over the place; whether it be by magazine, television or the net. I'd definitely be annoyed, agrivated, frustrated...etc... I understand him completely. I'd hate for my life to take a drastric change such as that. In fact, I'd probably miss my old life, if I were him and fall into deep, deep depression because of it.
Cleopatra (queen of kitsch) - April 10, 2004 04:01 PM (GMT)
:blush: luckily I'll always be my nice unknow self, cause I'd figured out I'd probably be one of those paparazi-hitting-and-chasing stars. Rather attached to my privacy. :unsure:
-I probably wouldn't be nice to fans either-