Michael Keaton’s Career Philosophy: Staying Grounded in Hollywood
A Hollywood fixture for several decades, Michael Keaton has seemingly figured out the secret ingredients to staying relevant.
The recipe calls for not entirely caring and not totally buying into his own hype.
“If you get desperate, you’re f—ed,” he shared in a profile piece for GQ magazine. This phrase succinctly encapsulates his philosophy on success and longevity in the entertainment industry. Keaton understands the vulnerability that accompanies fame and how easily one can spiral into desperation. “You can get insecure and nervous, and go, ‘Wow, boy, I’m not doing so great right now.’ But when you get desperate, you’re dead.”
Keaton’s Journey: The Art of Letting Go
Keaton’s laissez-faire attitude is evident in his reflections on his projects. In 2014, he starred in “Birdman,” which many hailed as a pinnacle comeback. However, Keaton found the notion of a ‘resurgence’ limiting. “A really, really, really smart guy, a guy I liked a lot, said, ‘Comeback—that’s the story,’” Keaton explained. “I went, ‘Honestly, it’s kind of bulls—.’” In his view, the narrative of a comeback felt disingenuous, as if it implied that he had ever truly left.
He added, “I thought I could make that story up, but I knew I’m going to be bulls—ting every time I talk about it.” Acknowledging the industry’s business side, he reiterated, “This is a business, man.”
“If you get desperate, you’re f—ed. Don’t ever get desperate.”
Weathering Industry Changes with Poise
In 2022, Warner Bros. made headlines when it scrapped the film “Batgirl,” which featured Keaton reprising his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Rather than lament the missed opportunity, he responded with grace, stating, “I didn’t care one way or another. Big, fun, nice check.” His camaraderie with directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah shone through, as he expressed support for their future endeavors. “I want them to succeed,” he said, emphasizing his unwavering belief in their talent.
Finding Joy in the Absurd
With the impending release of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” a sequel to his iconic 1988 film, Keaton made a conscious choice regarding his screentime. He articulated, “You can’t load it up with Beetlejuice; that’ll kill it.” In an introspective insight, he noted, “The Beetlejuice character doesn’t drive the story as much as he did in the first one,” highlighting a creative decision grounded in the film’s overall narrative rather than star power.
The Reality of Hollywood
Through the lens of a seasoned actor, Keaton sees Hollywood as an increasingly rigid landscape. “I’m a little surprised how many people take it seriously,” he remarked. This observation would resonate with anyone who’s felt the palpable tension in social gatherings that rein in spontaneity.
He shared an amusing moment at a small gathering with a young, talented stand-up comedian. While pointing out amusing tidbits, he observed a lack of mischief in younger talents, remarking on the almost performed seriousness that permeated the interactions.
A Humorous Perspective on Life
As he reflected on his long career, Keaton admitted, “It’s not like I don’t care about it. I care about it to the degree that it’s my job; you shouldn’t be a jerk.” But there’s a liberating humor in his view of the industry. “The whole thing looks sillier every day,” he remarked, serving as a reminder to not take oneself too seriously in an often absurd business.
