Just a question

[sgorny]

I've been away from LJ for a while, except on an extremely limited basis, so I really have no idea what's going on in the fandom. It could be all roses & chocolate, or imploding stars, and I'd be none the wiser.

But I had a question, one that I discussed with qafbliss, and I wanted to see what everyone else thought (assuming anyone still reads this LJ).

What do you think Gale will do now that QaF is over?

He seems drawn to independent films, but none of them have been well received commercially. He does movies that are interesting to a small market only. In "The Unseen" (which I haven't seen, just the trailer), he portrays someone I really don't think I'd like much (although I could be wrong). I'll watch it because he's in it, but only because of that. Rhino Eyes has not been released, and Wake is the only one you can buy commercially (and you'll get a burned DVD-R with a printed label on the front for your money). Whatever happened to the movie with Margaret Cho? Society Girl, or something like it? I really like her, and would like to see that. And what about "Fathers & Sons"? I know he has a movie coming to Tribeca (I forget the title now). Does he have other projects in the works?

I'm now going to prove what a bad fan I am by forgetting the name of the TV show he played the doctor on (L&O:SVU?), but I was only a marginal fan of him in that. However, I loved him as the drugged out rocker in Street Time.

Do you think that he'll continue to shun more commercial ventures, concentrating on independent films, and sort of slide out of the public eye? Fade away into obscurity? Except for us rabid fans, of course? Or what?

Comments

[dawnybee.livejournal.com]

I think Gale will stay the independent route. He seems very "actor-y" to me instead of celebrity. I'm sure to him it's all about the art and the craft of acting rather than box office success and all the things that goes with it.

I'm sure he gets the typical script offers for derivative romantic comedies and what not, but he has this infinity for tortured souls or indie flicks. It's just his thing.

[mi-nion.livejournal.com]

I've been limited too. (Which, from what I gather is a good thing. Seems there was another kerfluffle over the spoilers.)

Anyway.....
I see Gale as pursuing big screen stardom. Indies are a good way to develop some decent film creed. The Margret Cho film (Social Grace), might be the attention getter he needs. He may become like Parker Posey, alternating between indie film and studio release.

Randy I see as a stage actor who take tv & movie roles for the bigger paycheck and maybe does an occasional indie if the part attracts him.

[joesther.livejournal.com]

I don't think he's ever really been in the public eye. Well, other than to us, as QAF fans. But if you ask the average non-QAF television or movie viewer (in North America, for argument's sake), I'd lay you good odds that most of them won't recognize the name Gale Harold. And I'd lay you better odds that that's how he wants it.

He has the looks, and he has the talent. But what I think he doesn't want is the fame. At least, that's how I see it. I think he intentionally sticks to indies and guest roles because he can get the work he enjoys but not too much of the craziness that's usually associated with a showbiz career (I think both he and Randy have had enough craziness through QAF to last them a lifetime). Randy's found another way to deal with that same issue - stage productions.

That's how I see it. And I respect him for it. Both of them, frankly.

But hey, I could be wrong. *shrug*

[frooshoo.livejournal.com]

Maybe independents maybe not, depending on the script, but I feel he will definitely definitely keep working. With no real time constraints now (filming the show) he just may have time to do the projects he really wants to but didn't have the chance. It's his decision to make, and you have to respect what ever he really decides to do.

[qafhappy.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'll respect whatever he decides to do. I just hope he doesn't fall out of sight due to his choices... unless he really wants to, I suppose.

[damietta.livejournal.com]

I think Gale took the independent route to gain experience. QAF was his first real role and he knew (perhaps with advice from his agent/manager) that he needed to build a resume. He seems to have an ability to meet people (i.e. a week's worth of work on Law and Order probably led to the "Social Grace" part). He should be careful though, he just might get himself cast in a big hit and then, gosh, there he will be! I'd love "Social Grace" to seque into a series on HBO, wouldn't that be fun?

[matlanticus.livejournal.com]

I think he will continue to do indie films, hopefully moving into ones that get some commercial acknowlegement. I think both Garden State and Finding Neverland started as indie projects. They had biggen names associated with them, but still didn't have commercial backing to start. Social Grace sounds like it may be one of those types, and the cast is amazing.
I agree that the character in "The Unseen" looks extremely unlikeable, but the role should show off his acting abilities. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
I saw Fathers & Sons at the Sarasota Film Festival. I probably wouldn't have been interested in it without Gale being in it, but I'm glad I saw it. I can't see that one being commercially successful.
I saw Rhinocerous Eyes at a Madstone Films Theater (before it closed) in Tampa. Great quirky movie made better because Gale was in it. I was lucky to see it before Madstone shut down. Because of Madstone's financial problems and the wierdness of RhinoEyes, I'd be suprised if it is ever released.
I have the Wake DVD but haven't watched it yet, and have watched Paticles of Truth multiple times on Sundance.
Isn't the Tribeca movie--I can't remember the title either--another Jennifer Elster written project?

[babylonbabe.livejournal.com]

Holler to another Floridian...unless you were just visiting the Tampa area lol :)

[loud99.livejournal.com]

I remember reading an interview that someone did of him last year during the QAF screening premiere and they asked him this very thing...he said he'd like to open his own production company and when asked when he would he said when he felt like it (lol), also that he's isn't adverse to being in a major Hollywood film if the right one presented itself.

I wish I could remember where I read this and who did the interview, I don't think it was a known reporter, so I can't give you a link.

[nightsister.livejournal.com]

Ah, I think he'd be PERFECT playing Remy Lebeau/Gambit in the new X-Men movie, if there is such a role. He's got the sex appeal, the legs, he could do the accent (incidentally, Chris Potter did Gambit's voice for the X-Men cartoons from the Eighties), and he could certainly get away with wearing skintight Kevlar armor.

A girl can always dream, I suppose... ;)

[babylonbabe.livejournal.com]

OMG X-men film nut here and if Gale plays Gambit I would f'n die of joy!

[stevenghost.livejournal.com]

I think he'll probably continue to do projects that are interesting to him, even if they aren't to the general consensus. I think he's fabulous in anything he does, he's just such a great actor. I loved Wake, L&O:SVU, Particles of Truth. I haven't seen much else of what he's done (I'm desperate to see Street Time!) but I know it won't matter much because he's great! [/gush]

As for you, I miss you terrible and I want to call you but I'm always afraid I'll catch you at an inconvienent time or you'll be super busy or won't want to talk to me. How is life treating you?!

[qafhappy.livejournal.com]

Life has been crazy. I have to turn my phone off most times at work, and often can't return calls until after work (around 6-8 pm, depending on the day). But it might be slowing down a little soon. I'm off next Monday, and then Tues & Wed of the following week. So call then! I'd love to hear from you!

I might have Street Time on DVD - I don't remember. I know I have it on VHS. If I do, I'll burn it for you. If I don't... well, maybe someone else will have it, and we can both get copies!

[stevenghost.livejournal.com]

I'll make sure to mark on my calender to give you a call okay? :) I can't wait!

I'd really appreciate if you could check for it. If you dont' have it we'll search the internet in search of someone that does have it.

[westleyo.livejournal.com]

I am going to see Life on the Ledge at Tribeca next week. I don't think that he has a big part in the movie, but it will be interesting to see him in a different role. I think that he plays a gangster. I would love to see him do character roles and I think that he could do comedy as well. My favorite Indy that I saw him in was Rhino Eyes.

Of course call it wishful thinking but I would love to see him do another play in NYC. Whatever he does I am sure that it will be fun to follow his career.

[sandid.livejournal.com]

I think his age is working against him. Yeah, don't throw things at me. But, he hides from the press. Acts like he doesn't like his fans. Hesitates to do interviews.

How in the hell are the average folk going to get to know him?

If his indie films were more well received I could see him making it into the big screen.

He has comic timing. I'd love to see him in a comedy. I don't even like comedies. But, I think he would be funny. A romantic comedy, maybe?

SVU didn't do it for me either. He just wasn't very good. However, he was exceptional on Street Time. He has talent. No doubting that.

My prediction : Five years and it will be Gale who?

Sorry.....

[allisgood.livejournal.com]

I've never known Gale to act as if he didnt like his fans. He doesnt like the ones who leap over tables to kiss him or try to tackle him, or pinch him in various sensitive places.
Otherwise the only thing I have heard from anyone who has met him including moi, is that he's very friendly, attentive to a fault, funny and goes way out of his way to accomodate us if he can.
I guess he's had his bad days unlike the rest of us though:)

I'll give you good odds on the 5 year bit.....

He did a play that you would probably love if you want to see him to comedy. It was called Me and My Friend by Gillian Plowman. I didnt see it but I've read it and it fits right in with his oddball sense of humor.

I think that if most of his scenes hadnt hit the cutting room floor of Rhino Eyes we'd have been treated to more of his humor.

I hope he does one soon.

[luciblue.livejournal.com]

OMFG I HEART MARGARET CHO SO MUCH.
Especially when she says fuck a lot on sex and the city. Andd lots of other times.

[allisgood.livejournal.com]

I think Gale will go where the work is - t he no longer has time constraints and can consider more options than before.
My God, he hasnt stopped working since he decided to be an actor, he doesnt seem to take vacations, every hiatus has been filled with projects including the last one during which he made 3 films. .

>>He seems drawn to independent films, but none of them have been well received commercially. He does movies that are interesting to a small market only<<

POT did the festival route and a couple of premieres only, and is being shown on Sundance as we speak. I'll post the schedule if anyone wants it.
There was talk of it opening in theaters country wide this fall but I dont know how true it is as they are also talking about putting out the DVD in the fall.

I dont much like the big budget Hollywood films.
They have to appeal to a very wide audience, the lowest common denominator, , formulaic, predictable , they spend so much money making them that decisions have to be made by business people, not creative ones.

I like Indies, they do appeal to a niche audience-- a small market as you say. they have a narrow focus. they have to.
because they color outside of the lines they take chances.., shake up the status quo. .they often make me think, rethink, sometimes in a way and/or direction I'd never have believed in my wildest nightmares I'd ever revisit. [as Wake did].

But I dont think Gale's wed to Indies at all.

He has said that he likes to take on roles that challenge him and I would bet on it that if a big budget Hollywood film came his way that stirred his interest, he'd gladly do it.
The more he gets his name out there, the more options he's going to have. {{{{{{duh}}}}}

With the Unseen, for me there's an added plus. I loved the directors last film ( Annie B. Real) The fact that she and Gale found each other kind of blew me out. but I dont like the looks of the character he's playing either.

(continued)

[allisgood.livejournal.com]

continuation:

The Wake DVD, is the official one produced by Echelon Entertainment. They were a**holes and didnt bother to work with Wildwell to put any extras on it. or package it well.
But the quality of the film itself, is fine.

A new one with extras, is coming out early June . They're bound to include behind the scenes stuff.
I dont think we've ever really seen Gale as he is when he's not *on*. except for a few pitiful sound bites on the season DVD's bloopers. I cant wait to see it.

the other oneyou're referring to is
Social Grace. with Faye Ann Lee who wrote it and Margaret Cho, Christine Baranski, directed by BD Wong [ L&Order SVU , Oz, and M. Butterfly on Broadway) .
they just filmed it this summer and I think they did some reshoots in November so it's going to be awhile.until it's released.

check out the still photographers site: www.jimcox.com , it's got this fabulous pic of Gale as the most eligible bachelor in New York - very -Gatsby-esque.

>> And what about "Fathers & Sons"?<<

F and Sons hit the Sarasota Film Festival and Showtime seems to be sitting on it now, which I dont understand. The people who saw it raved about it even the unbiased ones:)


>>I know he has a movie coming to Tribeca (I forget the title now). <<

Life on the Ledge, produced by Jennifer Elster (POT) , written/directed/acted by Lewis Helfer her husband
there's a trailer on the site.

Projects:
I heard that he's in the movie Cybil Shepard just did, the one of Martha Stewart.( updated)
I dont know if it's true, but it he is, it makes sense, it was filmed fast in Toronto very recentlyk,
..Accordingf to an article floating around, It's is supposed to come out as The Movie of the Week on CBS. in May.[he's not mentioned in the article however].

SVU:
awful, awful, bloody awful. Gale's so much better than that, I can only imagine that he got a lousy director.
Street Time: -I could never connect the character to the music. I think they just didnt have the time to flesh it out.
But I liked the episodes and I like what he did with his character.
The song"Gone" btw, sung by Lindy,a Canadian singer is on a few sites. thanks to a poster named redrose IIRC who wangled it through his manager.

>>Do you think that he'll continue to shun more commercial ventures, concentrating on independent films, and sort of slide out of the public eye?<<

nope,
. I think if nothing else gets his name out there outside of the QAF world, Social Grace will do it. It's a romantic comedy but with social significance..
I think Margaret Cho has a pretty big following she'll bring with her if nothing else.

>>Fade away into obscurity? Except for us rabid fans, of course? Or what?<<

I think he will always find work and will never fade away into any type of obscurity unless he chooses to do so in which case us rabid fans will have to be satisfied with foaming at the mouth:))
I guess a lot depends on how much of the attendant hoopla he's prepared to deal with.


The End

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