He doesn't have a filmography that compares to any of the greats (even just good actors) when you think of it. Tom Hanks, Denzel, Mel Gibson, Leo, Edward Norton, Bale, Cruise, Crowe... pretty much every other half decent actor smokes him when it comes to the final product of their filmography.
His movies don't bring in box office draw, no cult classic status, no pop culture status, very very little rewatchability, almost no memorable quotes. The only thing he excels in is putting on a very talented performance. Which is great, but it's not the only thing that makes a great movie.
So I don't know, is he just a brilliant actor with terrible decision making abilities?? Does he simply not care about making badass movies?
Also, one thing about him that I think is a negative (while also being a true ability), is that the dude is a chameleon. But he's ALWAYS a chameleon. Meaning every single role, he changes his looks, his mannuerisms, his voice, he's always heavily costumed. It's to the point that I'm not sure I even know what the actual DDL looks like. It's almost as if he can't do a movie as his regular look, either because he doesn't like to, or even worse, producers don't actually like his regular look haha.
Of course there are other very successful chameleons, Gary Oldman comes to mind immediately, who I would actually compare DDL to when it comes to style and type of actor. But Gary Oldman can smash a role in costume, and just as himself. And his filmography is MILES ahead of DDL as far as awesome movies.
I don't know, I know I sound like a hater. But the dude just isn't up there on my list of great actors. I know his skill is next level, I get it. But isnt the whole point of becoming a great actor, to make great movies? Awesome movies, badass, funny, amazing, heartfelt, awe inspiring, rewatchable, highly entertaining, wholesome, inspirational... pick your adjective. He can be the "most brilliant actor of all time", but if his movies are all whatever at best, I'm always gonna favor a "lesser" actor who puts out awesome movies instead. Give me Bruce Willis over DDL any day.
