Right away, if we say “Jude Law effect,” we could easily assume it is a compliment since the English actor has been one of the most versatile and beloved actors in cinema over the last two decades. But the context can change and is not always so positive.

Twenty years ago, at the 2005 Oscar ceremony, Law became the butt of a joke by host Chris Rock, irritating his friend and actor Sean Penn, who did not see the joke as funny. That year, in a stroke of bad luck over which he had no control, Jude Law was in six films released one after the other. It was virtually impossible to go to the movies without running into him somewhere. His name seemed to appear on every poster, from major productions to minor dramas.

Thus was born what everyone fears they will one day experience, a kind of “Jude Law effect” that signals overexposure in a market where one cannot be obscure, but not excessive either. This is because in publicity work it means that an actor or actress, known or not, becomes an almost omnipresent presence in the media and on the screens. A mystery is essential to maintain a star.

Going into 2025, we have two candidates for “Jude Law” of the year: Nicole Kidman and Nicholas Hoult. Kidman, who in 41 years has appeared in more than 50 films and several other series, is an undeniable workaholic and in 2024 could take the “JL Crown.” Hoult, who has also had a long career (he started as a child star in England), will certainly be the Jude Law of the moment. Will it help him?

Of course, Jude Law was not the first to go through this, but he did it spectacularly. In 2005, he appeared in films such as The Aviator, Closer, and Alfie, as well as roles in Cold Mountain and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. The year became a classic example of how an actor can “invade” the screens of all genres, from intimate dramas to blockbusters. And in this case, the phenomenon was not only about his acting ability but also about the perception that he was everywhere. The name Jude Law was a “seal of quality” until Chris Rock joked that he was trying too hard to establish himself as a star.

Kidman, who was with Law in Cold Mountain, went through this almost simultaneously. In 2001, for example, she starred in Moulin Rouge, The Others, and The Hours, as well as appearing in supporting roles in other films. She became an icon of her generation, and her versatility in different roles made her a beloved actress, but always evident.

In 2024 and 2025, she will not only be in theaters, but literally on almost every streaming platform. From The Perfect Couple, Lioness, All in the Family, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom to Babygirl, which many believe will guarantee her second Oscar. Knowing that she has already announced that she wants to act in more intense horror films, indicating her willingness to explore new genres and challenges in her career, it doesn’t seem like we’ll stop seeing her everywhere anytime soon! That’s why some say that instead of showing versatility, many voters will see a tiring image of the actress, damaging her iconic career.

But Nicole Kidman must be defended, not just because she is gigantic. She was already known and respected when she stepped up the number of projects she was involved in. A little more? Only in 2024 did this type of comment appear, even if only in passing. The problem “gets” when the actor or actress is not yet effectively a “star”.

Like Jessica Chastain and Florence Pugh, who, at different times, also embodied the Jude Law effect.

In 2011, Jessica Chastain had a remarkable year, starring in no less than seven films released in the same period. This sequence of simultaneous releases caught the attention of the film industry and the public, consolidating her position as one of the most promising actresses of her generation. But also a Jude Law in a skirt.

Florence did not reach this milestone, but in 2019, she participated in three highly acclaimed films: Fighting with My Family, Midsommar, and Little Women. She then joined the Marvel franchise, in which she has been gaining prominence.

In my opinion, even because he is from the same country, Nicholas Hoult is the “new” Jude Law. He is in the X-Men franchise and starred in The Menu, Renfield, and the series The Great. And he doesn’t stop! He auditioned to play Batman and will enter 2025 with three notable films.

Despite his fame, Hoult is not seen as a global superstar like Jude Law, but his growing notoriety and the variety of roles he has appeared in make him virtually impossible to ignore. I love him, so I’m not criticizing him!

In addition to Juror No. 2, Hoult is in Nosferatu, voiced The Garfield Movie, and is in The Order (alongside, yes, Jude Law!) and is the new Lex Luthor in Superman.

Of these films, three have Oscar potential: Juror Nº2 (which is likely to be Clint Eastwood‘s last film) and The Order, a historical drama in which he plays Robert Jay Mathews, a member of the Aryan Order, an extremist organization in the 1980s. All of these experiences reflect Hoult’s versatility and his ability to adapt to a variety of challenging roles in contemporary cinema.

Ultimately, the “Jude Law effect” is a double-edged sword. It can be synonymous with quality and a striking presence or a sign of saturation and wear and tear. But, regardless of the perspective, it is undeniable that those who experience this phenomenon are, at the very least, guaranteed relevance, and for the public, this is always a reason for enthusiasm.

Pesquisar

Pesquisar