Do you ever find it eerie or weird watching a film and you know that the main actors or actresses or both in some cases are actually dead?
Or do you not even think about it when watching an old film, or even a film where an actor or actress has recently died.
I was watching a Carry on Film today and it dawned on me that most of the cast are now dead, Sid James, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, the list goes on...
Do you watch old films with this in mind and feel sad that some of the great actors and actresses have now gone to the big silver screen in the skies.
It's like bringing them back to life in a way when we watch them on dvds etc and soon as the film finishes they have gone from this world.
Actors and actresses live on in movies even though they have died, weird eh?
If one of your favourite actors or actresses has died do you find it eerie watching them in films?
[question posted by wolfie34]
responses and comments:
Hi ya wolfie34 How bloomin' weird I was just thinking that myself the other day. I think it might have been yesterday actually as I flipped through the tv chanels and passed a carry on film and thought the very same thing. I think Alan Dale and Barbara Windsor are the two still around aren't they? I often think it about singers. Say a Michael Jackson track comes on, my kids will say oh that's Michael Jackson and he's dead now isn't he mummy? A track of Elvis' came on the radio in my mum's car a short while ago and I explain to them that he too was dead now. It is a bit weird I agree [Humbug25]
When my friend and I went to see Harry Potter she pointed out to me that Marcus Bowlby who had a very small part in the film had been murdered recently, now that is scary and he's only a teenager. I love the Carry on films, they certainly don't make them like that any more, the double entendres and sexual innuendos, brilliant, just my sort of humour! Listening to singers who have died too. I used to feel sad about Karen Carpenter, I mean the songs are pretty sad alone plus what happened to her, so damn young too! [wolfie34]
hmm, maybe it's not weird for me. But if the movies really good, and they were good actress or actor, sometimes I just said they might never be movie as good as this because they died already. The last time I watched that Dark Knight, with late Heath Ledger as Joker. And he was pretty amazing play that role. There's always new stars but to find a good one is hard. [ibuemma]
The same with River Phoenix he was only young when he died, I think Brad Renfro died too didn't he, both great young actors and both sadly missed. [wolfie34]
I do find it difficult to watch films with people in who have died in the last couple of years, particularly if they died young. The same with listening to music. If it is an old film, it's not so bad. I think the reason is that if you have come to terms with someone's death - for instance they might have been very old - then you don't feel so sad watching them. [katsalot1]
I think when the person has died young or they were murdered it hits home because it's such a waste. [wolfie34]
if in the movie itself when the main character dies like the actor the actress, i feel very sad and whole night think that why it happened. why did the story writed him /her.Especially in the movie titanic where the actor LEO dies at the end of the movie, for me it was the most touching and sad part of the story or rather picture. my my heart beat stopped for a sec and tears flowed by my eyes. in real life too, i feel sad for them but most effected are the story of the picture. it would surely be shocking if some famous personality dies and my feeling would depend on the role that person might used to do. [coolcat123]
Leo is my hero and that film does it for me every time, providing I am alone I will reach for the tissues, I guess the film has an impact on me because it was based on a true story and all those people perished, and seeing Jack (Leo) dying makes me sad too. Thankfully Leo is alive in real life! [wolfie34]
Hey little brother! It think that is just part of the wonders of film! So many of the classics that we have are full of the greatest actors and actresses of all times! I don't know any of the those that you were referring to, but I do know that I have so many favorite films that I really enjoy watching from many years ago and it doesn't bother me that they actors and actresses are no longer alive because through the magic of film they are alive! When I do see a film like "Dark Knight" where a young actor like Heath Ledger had just died right before the film was released that did bother me especially because his performance was absolutely incredible and he won an Oscar for it that he would never see. [Opal26]
Hi sis yes that is especially sad when the actors or actresses have died young. [wolfie34]
Yes, I feel sad. We've been watching the Carry On films today, and we said exactly the same. I feel the same whenever I see John Thaw on tv as well. However, although these people are no longer with us, they have left the legacy of their onscreen performance, which affords them a measure of immortality. In today's technological age, nobody need disappear from our screens for ever. I find that comforting, though it may be difficult for the actors families and friends. [Sandra1952]
That is true and who knows they may be watching it from up above! I guess with video cameras even us ordinary people can live on as well as the famous! [wolfie34]
It is always going to happen. O look at the loss when it is a case like Marilyn, so many greats, gone. It is wonderful that their work goes on and can be cherished, film is such a wonderful gift. I like seeing all the old films and so many of the greats. [eaforeman6]
That is true, we can watch them over and over again, it's kind of like bringing them back to life again at our pleasure. [wolfie34]
No not at all. In some way i find it amazing to still see them on films that they have been remembered of. It is some way of looking back at their achievements as actors and actresses and what have made them great ones. Like sort of respect for them especially if they are our idols or favorites. Great day to you, dear friend. [sweetie1026]
You are welcome and thank you too! [sweetie1026]
i never think like that when i am watching old films,i do not think that far ahead.it just a film and i just watch the film and do not think about the actor or actors dead or alive.sorry i just don't. [HOLLYWOODRAJ]
Don't apologize, not everyone does, it's just my furtive, somewhat macabre imagination working over time as usual, thanks for the response! [wolfie34]
I watch a lot of old films, and my husband and I sometimes discuss the actors and actresses who have died. We often watch old Danish films from the 50's, the 60s and the 70's, and most of those actors and actresses have died. Some of our favourite films are called "The Olsen gang", and we have watched those films many, many times. Only a few of the actors are still alive. There are 3 main characters in those films, and two of them have died. When the second one died the last remaining actor cried on tv, and I can't get that picture out of my head. It must be really hard for him to watch those films now, because him and the two other actors worked together for about 13 years. [Porcospino]
I guess it must be hard on all friends and family of the actors and actresses who have starred in films to watch them after they have died. [wolfie34]
Hi wolfie I have felt the same way very often. If there is an old movie in the scedule where in actors and actreesses have been dead long since I always watch the movie.I think what great actors they were. There was only black and white films and inspite of this fact the old movies have own their charm and very good acting. From the old movies I can see the main actors and actors in a different dress setup . Certainly old movies are very nice to watch which bring old times alive Have a nice day [shantha_45]
Exactly, even though some of our favourite actors and actresses may have departed this earth we can still see them through the films which is kind of bringing them back alive again. [wolfie34]
I love to watch agood old movie, but for me the actors and actress (when they really act) are not themselves but the characters they are playing. I have seen several times Gone with the wind. The first time I was a little girl and my mom took me when the movie had several years. The last time I took my eldest grandaughter. For me, it´s not Vivian Leigh but Scarlett O´Hara. And so on. And we are in the civil war, not sitting at a showroom.wink Otherwise, I could not cry every time I watch Casablanca. Take care. [marguicha]
That is a good point when different actors or actresses take over the role of a big part in a film because the previous actor/actress has died, sometimes it's sad because the replacement is not as good as the original. [wolfie34]
No, that does not bother me. The one thing that does bother me is when I see movies with the World Trade Center in it. That is nightmarish to me. I know they are not going to remove those images and I would not want to ever forget what happened. But seeing those pictures .... [Debs_place]
Now that is eerie, I see what you mean, it brings back memories and images of what happened. Some images in films can be triggers and flashbacks which we find discomforting and scary. [wolfie34]
I always have this strange feeling of a mixture of joy and sadness watching the old movies which are always my favorites. To start with I am an ardent Alfred Hitchcock and Agatha Christie fan. Every time I start to watch the movies made by Hitchcock or a movie or TV drama based on Agatha the thought of death comes to my mind and I always delve in the thought that how morbid it is that these two people are dealing with death and are still entertaining us on the subject of death. Regarding actors who are no more I feel sad and really miss them. And this does not prevent me from watching their movies again. Dead or alive these stars really sparkle and live among us through their movies. Their movies have made them immortal alright. My all time favorites are Charlton Heston – Benhur, Steve Mcqueen- Bullit and the Great escape, Burt Lancastr-Train, Paul Newman-Butch cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Rod Steiger-No way to treat a lady, Yul Brynner-Ten commandments, The king and I, The magnificent seven the list can go on and on. These dead veterans are livelier than most of the present actors with that deadpan expression on their faces. [balasri]
West world is one of my favorite.How can I forget the robot cowboy.It was a great science fiction for it's time.Your mum has a great taste Wolfie.My regards to her. Wolfie rocks regardless of whose cub he is.lol [balasri]
Hello wolfie. I used to have some favorite actors and actresses that are now away from us, but I still miss them a lot and would like to watch them in the movies. It is a different feeling when we watch them in the movie screen as we know that they are not with us any longer. I appreciate the movies that have been invented that we can still see them alive...Take care, wolfie. [williamjisir]
Hi William, yes it's good to bring our favourite actors and actresses back to life again [wolfie34]
It doesn't bother me in old movies, or if it was an older actor. What really gets me is when actors die during the filming, or before the release, like Heath Ledger or Brandon Lee (from The Crow). Then I get kind of sad seeing their movies. I also get sad when I see reruns of the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. One of my uncle's friend's met him, and always talks about how friendly and happy Steve was. [celestemichelle]
Especially if the actor or actress has died in sad circumstances or even been killed. A boy who starred in Harry Potter, only a small part was murdered before the film Half Blood came out, now that is terrible he was only in his teens. Steve Irwin was a great loss and that was so damn tragic how he died. [wolfie34]
We were also watching Carry Ons last night and it didn't bother me about the cast almost all having passed. I can't say I thought about it. Although there have been other things where my mind has "noted" that certain cast members were no longer with us however, films I noticed about the whole actor being dead thing have mostly been the later Harry Potter films. The actors aren't dead who are in them but the actor Richard Harris, who, for those who have spent the last 6 years in space, played Professor Dumbledore in the first couple of films, is dead and I think about that when watching the films with the other bloke in. Partly because I much preferred Richard Harris' Dumbledore but also because he was so much taller and had less of an accent than the other bloke. It's not eerie as such, I just think it's a shame. Saying all that though, I do occasionally think about the actor being dead when I watch programmes which featured Ronnie Barker. I don't think most other actors would bother me but I kind of grew up with Ronnie and he gets everywhere so you kind of notice when people like that are gone. And I guess some people might notice it more if it's a younger actor who died such as in Dad's Army when, I think, the youngest actor died first. [pumpkinjam]
Yes, I heard about that. It was very sad. I didn't know who he was though so it didn't seem to bother me so much. I don't remember the first time I knew of an actor dying but my Mum keeps killing them. Whenever someone who hasn't been on telly for a bit turns up, she's says "I thought he/she was dead" and, often, not long later, they are! [pumpkinjam]
Hi wolfie34, Feel a bit sad yes I really like all those you mention specially Charles Hawtrey when he used that catch phrase "oh hellooo" lol. Loved Hattie Jaques too she was really funny and Patricia Hayes who worked right up to her passing I believe she was a lady of great courage. Have seen photos of Diana Rigg and I think she wears well too. Patrick McGoohan with that performance in Braveheart you would have thought he would have gone on for ever. Steptoe and Son evokes that feeling too mainly because everything here is in Spanish and I miss English television specially Eurosport oops getting too sentimental now. [lovinangelsinstead21]
Wow, Diana Rigg when she was wearing her leather outfit in Avengers! Then Linda Thorson took over didn't she as Tara King. I miss those old shows, they are showing reruns of Steptoe on Sky, you dirty old man! Brilliant. Kenneth Williams was brilliant and who can forget that infamous laugh of Sid James! [wolfie34]
Hi wolfie! It's true they live forever through their movies. I think it is a bit eerie when you think of it. [JenInTN]
And the fact that you can bring them back at a touch of a button [wolfie34]
I find that if it's an old black and white film then I don't think about if any of the actors are no longer with us. That's purely due to it being black and white and obviously made such a long time ago that it's more than likely that they have passed on. If it's a newer film/TV series then it does cross my mind like Heath Ledger as The Joker. It makes me realise that we will never know what their future held, what films they could have been in, how their career went and that they died too soon. I had completely forgotten about Hattie Jacques and the rest of the Carry On crew and while I can remember some of those films from my younger days I would have to stop and think who was still here. Plus I think it depends on the age of the person too, my teenage kids would have no idea who Sid James so could watch a Carry On film in ignorance of who had died but if it's their 'era' they would point out who had died. Normally I just go with the flow of the movie and switch off, only later will I realise that that actor or actress had passed away. [sunnysmiles]
Well they certainly don't make em like that any more with regards to the Carry on Films do they, the double entendres and sexual innnuendos. They still show them obviously on Sky so they are least still remembered. I think it hits home more when the actor or actress who has died is young or died in terrible circumstances. Look at River Phoenix and Brad Renfro taken in their prime. So sad. [wolfie34]
I happened to tune into an old Carry On film the other day - maybe the same one as you watched. It was black and white, Carry on Spying I think it was. It was still very amusing, but then I got to thinking that here I was watching images of living breathing people who were dead! And yes, the experience was a little eerie. My mind in the here and now, was aware of the transient nature of all things, whilst simultaneously taking in images that would last as long as the celluloid - but probably longer than that now that they have been digitized. They would last a long as the equipment was around that could manifest them. Then I got to thinking that in digital format they are always there and yet not there in the world of binary maths, which has no physical location! My Zen mind playing with paradox again.. Weird or what! lol- Derek [derek_a]
It was Carry On Loving, one of my favourite ones, with the dating agency! They sure don't make em like that any more do they? But who could ever forget Sid James impressive cackle! And the names of the characters, Dr Nookie and Mrs Prodworthy! I love the innocent double entendres and sexual innuendos, classic, pure classic. [wolfie34]
Most of the time, no, especially if they got to live a long full life. However, there is one such actress that has given me that eerie feeling when watching one of her movies. It's the little girl, Carol Anne, from Poltergeist (played by Heather O'Rourke). But it is Poltergeist 3 that actually gives me this strange feeling. Maybe it is because she died right before the movie was finished and a stand-in took her place. They don't even show the stand-in's face in the movie which only makes it that much more eerie to me. Poor Heather. She was only a few months younger than I am. She died back in 1988 when she was just 12 years old. sad [sacmom]
I agree it is tragic when actors and actresses die young, I was upset when River Pheonix and Brad Renfro died, such a terrible loss, the only compensation is that you can still see them on film. [wolfie34]
I am a movie buff. I love all types of films. Because o my age , most of the films I love , most of the cast is already dead by the time I see the film the first time.In fact the first when we lose a movie star, the first thing I want to do is watch allof his / her films. it is my way of celebrating their work. It doesn't effect me. I just enjoy the movie. [sarahruthbeth22]
Yes, that is a good way of looking at it thank you! [wolfie34]
I really won't like a film which ends in tragedy. The story, direction & acting would have been excellent, but I think if a movie does not have a nice ending, then the story is not over yet. If both the hero & heroin dies, then their is no more. Its like a sad ending & many of us prefers to see a happy ending. I think you must feel good after watching the movie & if its a tragic end, we wont feel satisfied or we feel unhappy about the film. Hence for a good movie,according to me, should have a good ending! [taztheone]
I never really thought about it too much, but I guess it is eerie to watch them knowing that they past away. I think one of the biggest ones I noticed was Heath Ledger in the last batman movie. That was a bit eerie because he never even lived to see premeire. Just the other day we were watching Cannon ball run 2 on TV. The number of dead actors on there was mind boggling. Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Don Delawese, Frank Senatra. I was watching thinking either, well he's dead or man he/she was young there! [jimntam]
I think it's sad watching someone who has died young or in tragic circumstances, even worse if they never got to see the film they were actually starring in. [wolfie34]
If the actor or actress in the movie are people of my generation where I have either followed their stories or seen them on movies or heard them singing, I definitely feel sad. When I see Michael Jackson I feel terribly sad and the same goes for Princess Diana although she was not in the movies. But apart from that I don't really think about it. [suesan35]
I guess when their death is so tragic, like Diana's she was loved all over the world and she was taken from us in mysterious circumstances and so young, we lost a wonderful irreplaceable person when Diana died. [wolfie34]
Hi wolfie, i don't find it eerie at all watching films in which the main protagonists are dead, but I did get hooked early on on old black and white films where most of the lead roles were already dead when I started to watch them. One should just think of their celluloid image living on as a lasting thing. I was probably more suprised to find that one of the old greats was actually still alive when I watched them. [thea09]
i was thinking more along the lines of Greta Garbo and Humphrey Bogart, the real old stuff. [thea09]
This really spooks me. I've been watching films and actors for 50 years and never know how old they really are untill I see them live in a show or on TV. They seem ageless, suddenly realise they've not only got older but have actually died. The Carry on films are a classic.How many main actors are left? Barbara Windsor I know (cool chick) who else. How many. We all watch films old and new, which of the actors are still with us , what are they like now ?. I saw Dick Van Dyke in a recent documentry - nothing like in Mary Poppins.. Actors... Should we remember them as they were in their heyday films or as they are now.. We're all getting older Terry tc05tlc [nicad2285]