Movies: Building Capital

Movies: Building Capital

In my ‘hook’ post, I mention people going to see a movie because of a director, or group of actors. Directors and actors utilize this by building capital. This is very similar to building social capital, except on a much grander scale. Directors, writers and actors can use this capital to make and do things they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.

When starting off, an actor has to prove himself in the movie industry. This can be done in a variety of ways. What an actor will usually do is get a leading role in a small, or poorly written movie, or a small role in a bigger or better movie. This will get the attention of not only the viewers, but also major directors who may want to cast them in future productions.

In 2010, David Fincher released his “Social Network.” The movie opens with a scene between Mark Zukerberg and his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend, Erica Albright, played by an actress by the name of Rooney Mara. Mara's character plays a small role in the film, and only appears on screen three times. One year later, Fincher released his adaption of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. What’s the connection between these two films other than the director? They both have Rooney Mara play roles of a very different caliber. While there is no empirical evidence to suggest that Fincher had planned to Guinea Pig Mara in “The Social Network,” it’s clear that her performance earned a leading role the next year.

Not only did Mara build capital by preforming in two films by the same director, but she also went up for an Academy Award for best leading actress for her 2011 performance. This made her well known not only among the cinema-going demographic, but also in Hollywood. Actors who star in block busters and consistently give award-winning performances are known as A-list actors. 

Directors and actors will build relationships with one another to make better, higher grossing films. A director can use his social capital to make his movies better than they would have been otherwise. For example, “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” is stoner comedy with low brow humor. The movie is a spin-off of “Clerks,” which is also directed by Kevin Smith. The movie, while funny, wouldn’t have attracted many actors if it weren’t for Smith’s capital. He was able to get Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Mark Hamill, Chris Rock, George Carlin, Will Ferrell, Wes Craven and many other Hollywood stars to appear in the film. This cast attracted a huge audience, and allowed it to gross higher than it would have otherwise.  
As actors and directors build capital by making good movies, giving good performances and winning awards, they build capital. By making and appearing in a movie, they transfer that capital into the movie. So despite how good the movie actually is, people will go see it for its cast and director.

While it may be possible to create these bonds in the music and television industry, the connections that are built in Hollywood are extremely absolutely essential for building a good film career.