Robert de Niro , hero or zero

[punk*rocker*chick]

The reason i ask this because of all the people i talk to all mention Robert de Niro as an absolute legend, but what do you think about Robert de Niro as an actor, all pros and cons are welcome. Thanks

 

[lVloonLite]

I'd say neither. He's had some cracking performances and some dire ones. I think him and Pacino have made some bad choices in the last 15 years, but the same as many other actors.

It's a bit cruel to say if he only made about 5 films in his life he would be the greatest actor of all time but then he ruined it in later life. You need to judge it on the whole.

 

[Tyler]

He's made some utterly fantastic films that will be remembered forever. Every single actor on the planet has made some shite, judge them on their good works. And his good was fantastic.

 

[Currency]

I must admit, i'm a big Robert de Niro fan and he has made some of the most iconic films of his genre, but he also been in some films that are crap. That is why i asked the question. I just want honest opinions please.

 

[bearfox_traders]

He was good in most stuff until the early 90's then not so good.

I do think he's always been a bit over-rated though.

 

[loaded_n_ready]

What about casino?

 

[Jack Nesky]

I've really tailed off on the film watching on the past decade or so. I haven't seen Casino! Will get it on DVD and let you know.

 

[smartixoxo]

Absolute legend in my opinion

 

[A New Leaf]

In all aspects of entertainment, hype has been increasing inexorably over the course of the last 30 years or so on which I can legitimately comment. I think he's an actor well capable of delivering and who has delivered top class performances...but he's not that much better than far less celebrated actors...any more than Hugh Grant, for example, is that much worse than far more celebrated actors. There's a tendency from those selling their opinions to simplify and compartmentalise and paint things too much in black and white...because it's easier and an easier sell...and this filters through into 'received wisdom'.

It's a general point...I'm not picking on De Niro. It's also only fair to point out that this is one of the main causes of backlashes and negative revisionism which the over-rated may suffer from.

Also I think he's diluted his 'legacy' a bit in the last 10 or 15 years...but I have a hunch that may be a deliberate move a) to cash in and b) because he doesn't feel comfortable being over-revered.