Over the past few weeks, with Halloween on the horizon, many of the cable stations that play old movies and tv shows have of course been showing their Ghostly themed offerings. While flicking last weekend the idea for this post began to come together. In 1992, Meryl Streep starred in one of the movies that had me begin to worry about her choices, Death Becomes Her which co-starred Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis. (although no movie had me worry as much as the horrid She-Devil).
Now Death Becomes Her is no classic but there is something about the subject matter, the premise that makes me understand why the talented cast signed on. while the execution and final product left a lot to be desired, the search to turn back the aging process and have eternal youth is a subject that at one time or another has intrigued us all.
In the movie, the wonderful Isabella Rossellini (who really has the best role comes off better than her co-stars) is the keeper of a secret potion that when taken ensures eternal youth. Of course this must come with a price tag as Streep, Hawn and Willis very quickly find out.
After watching for about 40 minutes I flicked over to find the Halloween episode (A very fine hour of televison if you have not seen it) of the truly special short lived 1994 series My So Called Life. As always, the face, and oh the eyes of the beautiful Jared Leto as Jordon Catalano drew me in. Jared, as Jordon was the 'good' bad boy, troubled but not rotten, adorable and most importantly, salvageable.
Many are critical of Leto for his weight and habit of taking on roles that go against his beauty. It is pretty clear why. Leto, as you can see from this 1990 photo shoot was beyond a good looking kid. I am sure his looks got him a lot of attention, much of it positive. Although I am sure his looks got him in the door, for a teenage boy, I can imagine there was also a fair share of unwelcome attention. It is one thing to be an 18 year old guy who is considered 'hot'. It is quite another to be that same guy and be considered beautiful. It is understandable then why Leto, since My So Called Life, has taken on ugly, unlikable characters which showcase his considerable acting abilities over his appearance. It is also clear why he may come across as quite unlikable at times in person. Leto is one of those actors who no matter what you think of is incredibly talented and immensely fascinating.
4 shots of Jared above by Joseph Santoro (1990)
Leto is also one of those actor who does not seem to age. Despite his frequent changing and appearance (and weight for roles), despite his attempts at the grunge look for his band, or treatment of his body looks like he might have had a visit himself with Rossellini' Lisle von Rhoman somewhere around the year 2000. Although there are signs of Leto's life style on his face, his body and overall appearance remain similar to his appearance in the earl 1990's. I am not sure I can think of any other actor who has remained so unchanged over a 20 year period. It might be potion, it also might be the blue eyes. They shine in each of his pictures, regardless of age.
Below: Jared a couple of years ago.
Jared has not acted in the last year or two, instead he has focused on his music with his band, 30 Seconds to Mars.
Jared (2010)
Shots by Shamil Tanna.
