Christian Bale won an oscar for his role in the The Fighter, playing Dicky Eklund, the over the top addict and brother of aspiring boxer Micky Ward. In Bale’s acceptance speech he acknowledged the work of Mark Wahlberg (who was actually the star), for playing his lead role in a quiet and reserved way. What’s the fuss about that?
Tips From The Coalface, October 2016
Christian Bale won an oscar for his role in the The Fighter, playing Dicky Eklund, the over the top addict and brother of aspiring boxer Micky Ward.
In Bale’s acceptance speech he acknowledged the work of Mark Wahlberg (who was actually the star), for playing his lead role in a quiet and reserved way.
What’s the fuss about that?
In acting, if the person playing the quiet role or the straight role overplays their hand, the crazy person needs to become even crazier to stand out, and it doesn’t work. They look like they’re hamming it up.
Bale acknowledged Wahlberg because what he did is hard to do.
This reminded me of advisers who sometimes overplay their hand in client meetings.
How?
By talking too much, telling too much, sharing too much, showing off their technical knowledge; generally doing more than is necessary.
It’s actually a sign of weakness and stems from a fear of not being enough; needing to prove to yourself or others that you’re good enough, or know your stuff.
It takes a real professional to play it low key. In our profession that’s done by asking great questions and then staying quiet and listening.
There is a time and a place for talking and demonstrating knowledge, but the pros do just enough to be great. Not a bit more.