Why Do People Love Elliott Gould?
Elliott Gould is an acclaimed American actor with an over 50-year career in film and television. He’s best known for starring roles in classics like MASH, The Long Goodbye, California Split, and more recently in the Ocean’s trilogy and Friends. But what is it exactly that makes Elliott Gould so beloved by fans?
Unique Acting Style Connects with Audiences
Elliott Gould has an unusual acting style that manages to be both subtle and charismatic. He often portrays cynical yet sympathetic characters that audiences find relatable.
Nuanced Performances Full of Depth
Even in ostensibly comedic roles, Gould brings nuance and depth. His mannerisms and delivery subtly convey intricate emotions under the surface. He has a naturalistic way of speaking and carrying himself that makes his characters feel like real people.
Specializes in Smart, Deadpan Humor
While he can do slapstick with the best of them, Gould’s forte is deadpan, ironic humor expressed through wisecracks and swift, understated retorts. His intelligent comedic timing makes his quips land perfectly.
Humanizes Unconventional Leading Men
Gould also became known for playing some unusual and even unlikable protagonists, such as philandering doctors and gambling addicts, yet he manages to humanize them and make audiences care. This ability to inject heart into complicated characters is a Gould specialty.
Epitomized 1970s Counterculture Cool
In the late 1960s through the 1970s, Elliott Gould personified the zeitgeist of hip and laidback counterculture cool. His effortlessly suave style made him a fashion icon and embodiment of the era.
Defined On-Screen 1970s Fashion
In films like MASH and The Long Goodbye, Gould popularized elements of ’70s fashion like loose suits, wide collars, colorful prints, and big sunglasses. His casual ensembles oozed bohemian sophistication that heavily influenced men’s style of the time.
| Decade | Gould’s Signature Style Elements |
|---|---|
| Late 1960s | Turtlenecks, Mod suits, mutton chops |
| Early 1970s | Collared print shirts, blazers, shaggy hair |
| Late 1970s | Open shirts, sunglasses, relaxed trousers |
Epitomized Cool, Masculine Sensibility
With his easygoing swagger and wry, intelligent presence, Gould transmitted the essence of 1970’s post-sixties chill. He took leading man charisma into a looser, more organic space.
Became a Counterculteral Poster Boy
As an embodiment of his generation’s zeitgeist, Gould found himself plastered on the walls of countless college students, symbolizing resistance to conservative values through his progressive persona.
Collaborations with Robert Altman are Acclaimed
Two of Elliott Gould’s best-known performances came from collaborating with director Robert Altman on subversive, anti-establishment films like MASH and The Long Goodbye. These films stretched Gould’s abilities and crystallized his fiery charisma.
Showcased Razor-Sharp Improvisational Skills
Altman’s loose directing style left room for Gould to improvise extensive portions of dialogue. Gould rose to the occasion spectacularly, his knack for quick-witted humor lending even more vibrancy and edge to iconic scenes.
| Film | Iconic Gould Improv Moments |
|---|---|
| MASH | “My father threw me out when I was seven and said he hoped I landed on my feet not my nose because it was too big already.” |
| The Long Goodbye | “It’s OK with me!” |
Captured Rebellious Antihero Spirit
As Trapper John in MASH and Phillip Marlowe in The Long Goodbye, Gould brought the darkly comedic, jaded-but-moral antihero archetype to colorful life. He subverted traditional protagonists with a biting misanthropic edge that encapsulated the angry ethos of the Vietnam era.
Launched New Hollywood’s Sarcastic Style
Gould and Altman’s teamwork produced some the first films reflecting the burgeoning sarcastic and cynical directorial style that characterized American New Wave “New Hollywood.” Together they shaped a seminal era of counterculture cinema.
Entertaining in Any Era
While Gould is forever linked to 1970s cool and cutting wit, his surprising skill set and earnest presence make him engaging and enjoyable for contemporary audiences of any demographic discovered through his recent work.
Displayed Unexpected Dance Talent
Later generations discovered Gould’s song and dance chops when he took on tap dancing and group dance numbers in the 2000s Ocean’s heist trilogy with vigor and skill, winning new fans with his unexpected terpsichorean flair.
Makes Living Icon Out of Aging Playboys
In shows like Friends, Ray Donovan, and Grace & Frankie, Gould has reinvented himself as a new archetype – the aging but spirited lover and lady’s man. He brings dimension, gravitas and laughs to make silver fox lotharios downright lovable.
Keeps Reinventing with Vibrant Energy
Even in his 70s and 80s, Elliott Gould keeps taking on edgy new roles that showcase his undimmed vibrant energy and brilliant comedic timing. After over 50 years in cinema, he continues growing his skillset and fanbase.
Conclusion
In closing, Elliott Gould continues being beloved by fans young and old for some key reasons. His lowkey acting mastery and unusual charismatic presence made him the poster boy of New Hollywood’s game-changing counterculture cool in the 1970s.
Today older fans feel nostalgia for that zeitgeist-defining era while new generations appreciate Gould’s enduring talent, vibrant screen energy and willingness to take risks that keep his career fresh even now.
After over fifty years in the business, the 82 year old’s wit, charm and creative spark show no signs of slowing down. Indeed Elliott Gould’s ability to reinvent himself while maintaining his ironic brand of heartfelt humor is why he remains an engaging and relevant pop culture icon who retains devoted multi-generational fandom over half a century later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Elliott Gould’s big breakout role?
Gould’s breakout role came as Trapper John in Robert Altman’s 1970 Korean War black comedy MASH. His superb improv skills and ability to bring heart and hijinks made the misanthropic, wisecracking army surgeon an iconic character that shot Gould to fame.
What is Elliott Gould best known for?
While he has taken innumerable roles across all genres, Gould is best known for embodying the cool, ironic antihero archetype in multiple seminal New Hollywood films of the late 60s/70s like MASH, The Long Goodbye, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, and California Split.
Why did Elliott Gould decline so many big roles?
At the peak of early career, fresh off MASH, Gould’s name was floated for many big projects which he kept turning down much to Hollywood’s irritation. Gould has said he declined roles like Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate and roles in Network and Close Encounters among others due to depression and anxiety making him retreat from the limelight.
How did Elliott Gould make his recent comeback?
After struggling to find roles in the 80s, Gould made a huge career comeback once he hit his 50s and 60s, reintroducing himself to audiences through funny and edgy appearances in hit shows like Friends while displaying surprising new flair for physical comedy in films like Ocean’s Thirteen. He continues reinventing himself today.
What upcoming Elliott Gould projects can fans look forward to?
Gould remains remarkably prolific in his eighth decade with numerous film and television projects on the horizon. Coming soon are roles in luxury resort comedy Seniors and the meta film Reboot Camp where Gould plays himself among an ensemble of other classic sitcom stars poking fun at Hollywood’s reboot obsession.
