This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on September 9, 2005). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
Seeing as how they’re both horribly typecast these days and just seem to play the same characters over and over in every movie…I think Sam Jackson and Morgan Freeman should switch agents for a few years. Shake things up a little bit. Let Freeman play the “permanantly pissed badass with whom you do not want to fuck”, and give Jackson a few of the “heartwarming kindly older wise man” roles.
Put Jackson in the Miss Daisy’s driver’s seat. Partner Freeman up with John Travolta, guns a-blazin’ and Bible a-quotin’. Let Jackson battle institutionalization at Shawshank. Drop a bright purple lightsaber in Freeman’s hands.
They’re both great actors, and I love seeing each of them do their thing, but…just do something different for once.
Sorry but I disagree. I like Samuel L Jackson and the roles that come to my mind are.
1, Jungle fever
2. Pulp Fiction
3. The long kiss goodnight
4. Die Hard # whatever
5. Unbreakable
Five very different roles, and outstanding in each. I think you see him in action adventures and its burned in your brain that this is what SLJ does but the reality is he does so much more. Even his bit in star Wars and Kill Bill, two more very different rolls. I have SLJ down as an extremely versatile actor and one of the best at that. He has earned everything he has and I have nothing but respect for his abilities.
Your a bit closer with Morgan Freeman, but I wouldn’t blame his agent. He’s an adult and can play the roles he wants to play and can pass on those he doesn’t. My guess is there isn’t a broad range of openings for old black actors and the movie industry tries real had to put people in one type of role. It appears that Morgan is very comfortable with that role and is thankful for a steady paycheck. As a member of the old man club my guess would be that he really doesn’t care at this point and every movie he makes is just another deposit in his retirement fund. And I don’t blame him one bit.