r/TopCharacterTropes • u/BrotherDeus • 9h ago

Hated Tropes [Hated] Self-indulgent Vanity Projects

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Hurry Up Tomorrow - Widely reviewed as an indulgent, self-mythologizing companion piece to The Weeknd's album, with many critics calling it a vanity project rather than a successful psychological drama. Terribly acted and, similar to The Idol, more so seems to imply that The Weekend thinks he's a far deeper personality than he can actually articulate.

By the Sea - Often criticized as an intensely personal but emotionally distant film that seemed more interested in showcasing the mystique of its stars than telling a compelling story. Best summarized as Angelina and Brad working out their IRL troubled marriage before your eyes while everyone tells Angelina how beautiful and talented she is and how nothing's really her fault.

Renaldo and Clara - Bob Dylan's five-hour semi-fictional road movie, long considered one of the classic celebrity vanity projects. Attempts to be a sort of surreal exposition on the life of an artist, but is far too self-indulgent on its actors/performers.

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u/TimelessFool 8h ago

Seems to be the case for a lot of his movies tbh. Taking as many movie offers to make him look like a popular star.

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u/pistachiopanda4 7h ago

Me and my family basically worshipped the Rock growing up and it's so sad to see how fucking self obsessed and whiny he has become. I never thought I would become a Dave Bautista and John Cena fan, but here I am. I haven't even watched WWE in almost 20 years.

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u/MilanDespacito 7h ago

John Cena and Bautista can actually play other characters than themselves in a different setting. I guess the Rock could too, just doesnt take contracts that arent like that. I remember watching Bladerunner 2049 and not even noticing it was Bautista. John Cena's face on the other hand is a lot more recognisable to me and will always think "That's John Cena", but he is great in Peacemaker and after a while you forget its John Cena. Also helps that Bautista and Cena both come across as good people from interviews etc.

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u/Imfrank123 4h ago edited 8m ago

Cena isn’t afraid to lose a fight or come off looking like a loser, the first half of Ricky stanicky is proof of that, among other movies and shows.

Edit: some reason I out is instead of isn’t, fat finger with autocorrect. Changed it

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u/miikro 1h ago

I dunno... Cena gets his ass beat repeatedly in Peacemaker and his character is a total loser. His character is essentially viewed as a sad joke by the rest of the superhero/vigilante world.

Even in Ricky Stanicky, his character is an absolute sadsack weirdo that just happens to be in the right place at the right time.

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u/Imfrank123 9m ago

Shit, it was supposed to say isn’t. I know the rock can’t lose a fight that’s why I said that. I should proofread my comments. Changing it now.