Out of all the actors who are known to “play themself” on screen, Jeff Bridges has to be one of the coolest. I mean that both in terms of attitude and iconography, as the Tron: Ares legend knows how to keep chill in all sorts of situations. A recent interview reminded me of that fact, thanks to the man who played Kevin Flynn mirroring my thoughts on Ares’ perceived box office troubles.
In a chat with EW, Bridges was asked about the unfortunate situation that has labeled the Jared Leto-led threequel as a potential Tron killer. Responding like The Dude would if asked the same question, Jeff Bridges provided this example of why those market reports may not matter in the long run:
That’s not really my wheelhouse. I don’t really know about that. It’s interesting, though, how movies are received at opening weekend. I remember Heaven’s Gate was considered, you know, very disappointing or a flop, but nowadays it’s considered kind of a masterpiece.
That sort of mindset is even wilder to contemplate when you realize that Tron: Legacy was also seen as an “underperformer” during its box office run. That’s not lost on fans who’ve been waiting over a decade for Tron: Ares to arrive, and are already writing “see you in 20 years” when discussing a potential follow-up.
Tron Abides?
While director Michael Cimino’s western epic mentioned above didn’t have that same fortune, its reappraisal over the past 45 years proves Jeff Bridges’ point to a tee. Ever the Zen master of Hollywood, The Big Lebowski icon further tied that particular role to the subject, as only he could. Reflecting on his own relationship with movies, the avid photographer painted this appropriate picture:
…it’s interesting how things can grow on you. Even as an individual, often, I have not liked a movie. And then a couple weeks or months later, I’ll see it again. I’ll say, “What was I thinking?” As the Dude would say, “That’s just like your opinion, man.”
Mr. Bridges’ outlook is even more fitting, considering that The Big Lebowski was considered a “bomb” in its own time. Seeing how history eventually panned out for The Coen Brothers’ neo-noir comedy classic, perhaps Programs and Users alike can take a page out of the man himself.
Maybe viewers and critics who panned Tron: Ares could give it another shot? If you’re one such party willing to take that chance, or are curious enough to go for your first spin, don’t wait for home entertainment. The movie is still showing in theaters, with some locations still showing in 3D. Trust me, you shouldn’t miss this one at the movies.
That Hashtag Show
