The Greatest Showman #1140 - Low-Key Screening

It's undeniable that both Hugh Jackman and Renly Hall are highly regarded actors in the industry.

In some ways, Jackman has the upper hand with a wider network, greater fame, and a more polished public image. Meanwhile, Renly's circle remains smaller, mostly consisting of younger people, which naturally means he doesn't enjoy the same level of widespread recognition.

In terms of popularity, Jackman naturally holds the advantage. However, following the London premiere of Les Misérables, Renly's performance was almost universally praised.

Jackman did his part admirably, delivering a solid performance. But Renly, on the other hand, went beyond expectations, offering a performance that not only impressed but also redefined his portrayal of Jean Valjean, making it a truly distinct and memorable interpretation of Les Misérables.

This is the key difference.

At the Oscars earlier that year, Renly's unexpected rise caused a considerable stir, especially among industry insiders. The reason was simple: Renly was only 22 years old, making him one of the youngest to ever win the Oscar for Best Actor. His victory broke Adrien Brody's record, who previously held the title at 29, by a full seven years.

Prior to this, Renly had also become the second-youngest Best Actor at the Berlin Film Festival, a feat that only added to the industry's mixed reactions. For more established actors, especially those in their mid-30s, Renly's rapid ascent seemed premature. Many were either jealous or resentful, struggling to accept his success.

Take Adrien Brody, for example. Despite winning the Oscar for The Pianist, Brody has struggled to secure any major nominations since. This backlash is something Renly may face as well as he continues to ascend the ranks of the industry.

If Renly were to turn to more mainstream films, as some actors have done, it might help distance him from the intense competition of the awards season. But even that path is not without its challenges, as demonstrated by Nicole Kidman and others.

Renly's decision to return to the stage after winning the Oscar was seen as a wise one. He took on the six-hour version of Les Misérables, a daring and experimental challenge. His decision to avoid rushing into Hollywood stardom and instead focus on honing his craft was applauded by industry veterans.

However, this is still a long road. If Renly follows a similar trajectory, he may not be reconsidered for major nominations until after 30. The industry's preference for actors with more experience and longevity means Renly faces an uphill battle for the next decade.

In contrast, actors like Marlon Brando achieved recognition at a young age, but even they had to wait for their true breakthrough. Renly's journey will likely follow a similar pattern of delays before widespread acknowledgment of his talent.

Now, following the release of Les Misérables, the comparison between the movie and the Almeida Theatre version has further solidified Renly's standing in the industry. His performance was consistently recognized as superior, showcasing a level of professional maturity beyond his years.

Though Renly's Oscar win for Crazy Love may have seemed like a fluke to some, his continued success in the industry proves that his talent is undeniable. The younger generation, in particular, is embracing his performances, gradually pushing aside any age-related biases.

The West End and Broadway, though losing some of their influence, continue to shape opinions in the film industry. While Renly's age presents challenges in securing future nominations or awards, his raw talent is making a lasting impact, and the industry is beginning to take notice.

Moreover, with the release of his Berlin Film Festival-winning performance in Transcendence, audiences are now able to further evaluate Renly's range and depth as an actor. The work speaks for itself, and as more people experience it, Renly's professional talents will be appreciated even more.

After the London premiere of Les Misérables, Renly's name, although not directly tied to the film, became a focal point of discussion. His ongoing influence, even in a supporting role, made headlines, and his "detachment" has garnered significant attention.

Despite the hype around Les Misérables, Renly quietly released Transcendence in North America. There was little fanfare or publicity. His social media presence remained subdued, and the project itself received minimal promotion. If not for Les Misérables, many would have remained unaware of the film's release.

Despite the low-key approach, true movie buffs and industry insiders knew about the Transcendence screening from the start. The film premiered in just two theaters in New York and one in Los Angeles, with no advertising and little media attention. It seemed like a personal project for Tony Kaye, who wasn't interested in profit or awards, but simply wanted to create something meaningful.

The film's understated release strategy was in line with the approach often used by independent art films, where word-of-mouth plays a vital role. Without flashy promotion, Transcendence garnered attention from film enthusiasts, eventually performing decently at the box office with a $33,000 single-house take and a $99,000 total on its opening weekend.

Though the figures may seem modest in comparison to Renly's previous projects, the success was notable considering the film's niche appeal and lack of mainstream outreach. It is, after all, an art film, not intended to attract a broad audience.

The quiet success of Transcendence speaks volumes about Renly's growing influence and how, even without the backing of massive publicity campaigns, his work continues to resonate with those who truly appreciate the craft of filmmaking.