What does Eddie Murphy make you think of? - 12.22.2006.1

As Christmas and the new year approach, and I watch Mr. Eddie Murphy on Inside the Actors Studio I come upon several thoughts. First I am caught by the poise that Mr. Murphy presents in the program, and how quiet and reserved he his. It’s not quite the same as the mental image I have for the man though he obviously is not the same as the 20-something that burst into movies and stand-up and national attention.

I am also drawn to the movie Dreamgirls, the play of which I saw back during high school. I’ll speak on the movie later, but the clips of Mr. Murphy singing (yes it’s his voice) and doing his Motown-esque routine are captivating and well done. The movie allows a great range to be displayed and from what can be seen of the non-performance clips it delivers.

But I am also drawn to another thought. I believe that no actor (with the exception of perhaps Mr. Frank Oz and Mr. Jim Henson – though muppets are not quite actors) has ever played so many roles in one film, or has been in as many movies portraying separate characters. I’m not talking about playing a twin, like Mr. Jeremy Irons did so well, but completely separate and realistic characters. In 5 films he has played a total of 24 characters, I don’t think anyone else has ever played more multiple characters. To his credit, these were not knock off characters or bad acting roles. Each of the Klumps, or the old men in Coming to America, or any other character was a real and well done role. Some done so well as to seem like a completely different person was that actor.

While there are those who have asked about the potential of Mr. Murphy to go into dramatic roles, I think his portrayal in Dreamgirls will answer that. Some have questioned his efforts to help break African Americans into the Hollywood machine. I think he has, though not in the way that was requested. Mr. Murphy has inspired many who are stars today including Mr. Martin Lawrence and Mr. Chris Rock. The cumulative effect of his presence and ability should not be overlooked. Inspiration is a powerful tool for those that wish to achieve a thing.

The inspiration that he provides is not limited to his stand-up or comedic roles. Mr. Murphy has directed (Harlem Nights), produced (13 films including Life and the upcoming Johnny Blaze), written (10 productions not including the various skits for Saturday Night Live), and sang (10 including Shrek and Dreamgirls) as well as being a recording artist. He was the first novice movie star to receive 1 million dollars in his first film and he is perhaps the most successful SNL star (Mr. John Belushi may have been if he lived, Mr. Dan Ackroyd has not been as successful, and Mr. Will Ferrell may get there in time but is not currently). That is quite inspiring from any actor.

I have to say I just never thought about it till I saw this episode of Inside the Actor’s Studio. Reflection brings interesting revelations sometimes.

This is what I think, what do you think?