Tom Welling = Bad Actor

[Aximlli]

Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better.

Ugh.

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.

[Kalista]

Oh boy. Wait until a certain poster sees this thread....

[Ilovebeinglost]

I thought the effort to cry was too fake.;)

[ClarkNLanaTogether4Eva]

Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better.

Ugh.

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.
Wow. Tom Welling a bad actor? Never!

He shined in Reckoning when Lana died. He showed true emotions & anxiety, pain, anger, sorrow when he saw her bloody face.

In the Arctic's finale, he showed real tears! Can't you give him credit? He actually did a great scene for once, it was very fierce. It definitely captivated my soul & made me shed a few tears as well.

He exhibited awesome emotion - that "Clana" are really over.

[colonyofcells]

Maybe Tom could not hide his joy over Kristin leaving the show. I think at that time, Kristin seemed very serious about leaving the show. Now they even put Kristin's name as part of the regular cast for Season 8. Maybe Tom will do the crying in Season 8 if Kristin shows up.

[Superman of Krypton]

That scene wasnt his worst in the episode.

He played Clark like a BDA in some crucial scenes that come later.


I don't think he's a bad actor, he just overdoes it with Clark. He can handle villian characters alot better (Red K Clark) but Clark always comes off as a wuss.

[Kalista]

Tom is not a bad actor but I think crying convincingly is difficult for him at times.

[colonyofcells]

I would have a hard time crying also if I was making tons of money every episode.

[LoveHurts38]

He did a great job...give TW a break=P

[Yasise]

Tom was amazing in this episode! I loved it!

And it was not his crying, which made me cringe but Lana's. Actually that whole tape thing was so not a good idea of Lana. Come on, she did the same to Whitney and now again?! It's like a real bad habit of hers.

[Mar-El]

Actually that whole tape thing was so not a good idea of Lana. Come on, she did the same to Whitney and now again?! It's like a real bad habit of hers.

She probably would have done the same to Jason, had he survived :p

Seems like her MO.

[Imzadia]

IMHO, I think the confusion here with those of you who cringed when you watched that scene is that you saw Clark/Tom portraying someone who was trying NOT to cry rather than someone who was trying TO cry. There IS a difference with a different perspective. Of course, I happen to think that TW is a very talented actor, especially at portraying Clark Kent at certain ages. Consider also that he has a Script and a Director to follow per episode.

******************************
When I posted the above comment, I hadn't yet seen "Arctic" and the scene in question. Since I have Now seen it, I just want to say that it was an amazingly well done scene. IMHO, all those involved, TW, KK, as well as ED, gave convincing emotionally charged performances. I Felt the grief, pain and loss. Of course, Lois was showing sympathy for Clark as her friend and she wanted to comfort him. It was quite believeable for me. It seems that my confidence in Tom's acting ability and his delivery in most of his recent 'crying' scenes were of him trying NOT to cry. He seems to not want to give in to the free-flowing tears. It's about Control, for Clark not Tom. That's the way it comes across to me, and I saw that it was what was done this time, too.

[petitemimi]

So you don't like him in one scene and that means he's a bad actor?

[Honey45]

Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better.

Ugh.

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.

I don't think one bad crying scene makes someone a bad actor.
His crying in Vengeance was AMAZING.

[TOMophilus]

Oh, he didn´t cry the way you expected him to cry? Therefore he´s a bad actor? A suppressed crying (like many a man would probably go for) is not a crying? Gosh, I´m so sick of those permanent complainers here... :\

[curiosity]

Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better.

Ugh.

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.


I think the problem here is....Clark wasn't supposed to be as some people wished he was, over the end of Clana. He had already done without Lana for a long while, so her leaving probably wasn't as sad. Plus there had been serious rifts between them for a while.

He probably acted the scene exactly right, and maybe some people have the wrong perspective of things, and what should happen. He's always been a good actor.

[Awesomeperson30]

What is wrong with you all. Tom Welling is not a bad actor at all. The producers probably wanted him to do that, you know like to make him look somewhat upset. You all have no righ to call any of them bad actors. Because chances are you all can't act. So leave it alone. What kind of person starts a thread saying Tom Welling=Bad actor. :mad:

[kavalier]

BLASPHEMY!!! He was awesome in that scene.....as always.

[Dark_Superman]

Im a guy, and even i didnt think that scene was bad. I almost felt the pain he was feeling just watching him.

[jimmyolsenblues]

I love tom's acting and directing, he is a great talent.

[J_woman_power]

I thought his acting in that scene was pretty believable... the only problem I have is that his eyes were welled up with tears when he was looking at the tape, and then a second later when Clark turned to look at Lois, there were hardly any

[Twitch]

I thought he showed the perfect amount of emotion in that scene, well done Tom! I felt sorry for Clark... :(

[AndiGirl]

I thought the exact opposite...Tom was amazing!!! He really cried...and was convincing. I was even proud of him! So I dont know why people think it was bad? By far his best emotional scene to date. Not to mention....he had nothing to work off of. Kristin wasnt standing there....and I doubt they even played the tape for him. He just had to start crying. Brilliant...just brillant! :)

[TheLeague]

Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better.

Ugh.

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.

im not female and i completely disagree with you! :mad:

how about i slap you then lets see if you cry well? :mad:*grumbles again*

[Ardiem3]

I thought he did good in that scene. You cry and on cue and see how you do.

[you_smell_terrific]

Really o_o? I love it when he cries. I thought it was nice. Maybe I'll have to watch it again to see what you guys see :O

[madcatlady]

Not everyone can be Michael Landon.

[Polomontana]

It actually wasn't that bad. Tom was just outshined by Kristen. She really brought the tears in that scene. You have to give it to her.

[dru-zod2501]

I actually liked it from him. i like his sad faces

[SteveS]

Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better.

Ugh.

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.

I will play it again as I have it recorded, but up until lois appeared in the picture, I think TW was doing a fine job and the scene was working for me.

[Lexgirl33]

I thought the effort to cry was too fake.;)

I agree, i just laughed. Tom can do better.

TW surely isnt a bad actor, just had a mishap there, it happens

[RepairmanBob]

Afte seven years, can you blame the guy for being tired of crying during Clana scenes? I am damn tired of watching them, so I can only imagine TW's pain.

That said, he did fine in my opinion. Of course, the whole damn scene should have been cut so we could get more of the final Clex scene ever at the FoS. But TW did fine wth what he had.

[Chloe_is_my_Hero]

I usually think his sad/crying scened are contrived, but tonight I actully was right there with him. It felt real. I cried as did all others watching with me. So....I thought that he did a great job and I think he is a GREAT actor.

[Jeri1250]

I didn't think Tom had that many crying scenes. The one after Jonathan died and Martha was watching him on tape, you couldn't get realer than that scene.

But, I can't imagine the hue and cry if Tom didn't have even the glistening eyes he did in that scene.

[TWLOVER03]

I think he did great... but then again I'm a sucker for anything Tom Welling

[ClarkKent30]

Tom Welling isnt a bad actor. That criticism was harsh. First of all, we dont know if he was actually intended to cry in the scene, or whether he was trying to hold back tears. I think he does a good Job playing the reluctant Clark Kent, still unsure of himself, and the impact he is making on the world around him. I think people need to realize that in order to understand his character portrayal.

Clark Kent was never the A-Type go to guy. In that respect, Tom does a great job playing the 'Wuss' and clumsy over seeing type. Its apparent when he plays a Red K Clark, or when he plays Bizarro- what a truly aggressive Clark Kent would be like. The difference here is confidence. Clark has muddled confidence, and he starts to realize that is going to be a way for him to hide himself. Superman is the confidence. I think season 8 will bridge the gap.

[maryjanewatson]

I don't think one bad crying scene makes someone a bad actor.
His crying in Vengeance was AMAZING.

Agreed. His crying in "Vengeance" was top notch, and got me crying.


his crying in todays episode....not so much. It was just....bleh. I hate watching male actors cry. It always looks so fake. I think "Vengeance" was the only time I have been able to watch a male actor cry with out cringing. I think because it seemed genuine and for a good reason, which was NOT the case for "arctic."

[curiosity]

It actually wasn't that bad. Tom was just outshined by Kristen. She really brought the tears in that scene. You have to give it to her.

Really, I think he outshines her completely in every scene. But, you're right, there was abosultely nothing wrong with his acting. Some people are ticked Clark wasn't sad enough over Lana and hugged Lois, but I loved the Lois/ Clark hug.:)

[faz]

Actually both of them made me cringe in that scene, it was way too forced, and that camcorder gave Lana's head a really weird shape (did anyone else notice this? She looked like one of those paper cutouts glued onto popsicle sticks, like the ones they made for Jessica Simpson at Cowboys games).

[~*smallville_tv*~]

I wouldn't say Tom's a bad actor but I do think that he has probably done better with the crying scenes. Like once during that Alicia time when he cried in front of his mum- he shown real tears. Anyway crying on cue is difficult, lol it may have made it much easier if they put some raw onions on the set :P

[ballofsteel]

I thought he done well but funny you should mention his acting. I thought it was quite bad when it should you clips from throughout the season at the start of the episode. In all the clips he seemed very bored and lazy IMO.

[MozartRequiem]

"Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better."

This was not how the scene played to me at all. To me, Clark was ready to cry any moment about what he knew was inevitable (Lana telling him she had to leave), but at the same time, couldn't help but feel little flashes of joy just seeing her face, knowing that she's alive and not being hurt by Braniac anymore. THAT is why he would switch back and forth between seemingly happy and utterly sad. It was a good balance and Tom got the subtleties just right, IMO.

[ClimbingTheLog]

I don't know how to judge TW's acting independent of the crapola scripts he's got to work with and the pansy characterization of Clark Kent he has to portray.

[Kalista]

I don't know how to judge TW's acting independent of the crapola scripts he's got to work with and the pansy characterization of Clark Kent he has to portray.


You have a point.:lol: All of the cast members have their moments when their acting is off but often times the scripts are to blame.

[Thrill_Seeker]

Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better.

Ugh.

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.

DISCUSTING TOM HATER !!!!!!!!!!!
how could you assault his name like that ??????????!!!!
he is one of the MOST FANTASTIC ACTORS ON TV !!!!!!!!!!!!
you must have a heart of stone if that scene didnt even make you feel a little sad,
TOM IS THE BEST ACTOR !!!!

[6-Super-Man -5]

Oh gosh, just give Tom a break for once.

[Thrill_Seeker]

Oh gosh, just give Tom a break for once.

THANK YOU !!
and i Mean seriously that scene was SUCH GOOD ACTING,
smallville has some of the best actors on tv.
allison, michael, john.g, kristin, tom,

the best ones are JG & MR though, they're sooooooooo great !!!!!

[interstellar]

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.
Right, and clearly the only way a woman could disagree with you is if she were "too madly in love" to look at the scene critically.

I didn't find Welling unconvincing in that specific scene -- he has been unconvincing in the past, but not in that instance. I think he has a lot of talent which he doesn't always [get to] use when playing Clark, and consequently we don't always get to see, but we have seen him act well and he has matured as an actor.

[ox007]

Actually the scene when Tom almost cried was very well played IMO. Tom did a great job in this epi. I love his acting. He wasn't supposed to cry, he is, I mean will be, superman! And besides boys don't cry :) at least some..

[StrippedSmile]

LOL I agree completely. I watched it...and I laughed. I'm a bad person, I know. I felt sad for Lana, but when they cut to Tom's "cry cry" face, I was like..."LOL...wtf. o-o"

[ginnyfan]

That was one of Tom's better crying scenes in my opinion. He's done worse in the past and I was embarrassed.

The thing about a character like Clark is... he does a lot of great things with the character that we don't see. Like the fact that he's never tired. He never sweats... The way he stands. His incorrigible innocence. So I appreciate all the things he does great and forgive him the crying.

The Alicia crying scene was much worse.

I would say that he's a bad actor... but he does struggle with crying scenes.

Sometimes he acts with his eyebrows. That REALLY gets on my nerves. But other than that I think he does a fantastic job.

[Dor el]

I agree that Clark was trying not to cry and he certainly didn't want Lois to see him so he cleared it up as quickly as he could while still trying to show the viewing audience that he was really upset. I don't think either TW or KK did a bad job. I bought it. TW has put a lot of time and years into this character for us and I appreciate it.

[Yasise]

. He never sweats... .

o.k. sorry for being off-topic, but he sweated in "Heat" and I remember that because I wondered WHY. He's not supposed to sweat as far as I know, but in that episode he did.



.The way he stands. .

yeah, that is one point, that actually get's on my nerves. He always stands there, hands down, like Barbie's Ken.....maybe the reason for that is, that they think that's supermanly but I think it's so "unnormal". Who stands there like that? It's like he's afraid of lifting his arms and that is more obvious when he's talking, because he moves his hands sometimes WITHOUT lifting his arm. Even in the FOS scene from "Arctic" he did it with his right hand and it looked so not normal.

Tom is a person, who uses his hands a lot when he talks (just watch his interviews) so I guess the directors have to tell him often "Please Tom, don't use your hands while talking" ;)
And he of course tries to not use them and it looks unnatural sometimes.

Why can't he just put his hands in his pockets sometimes, that would at least look more "normal" than standing around like a doll.


.Sometimes he acts with his eyebrows. That REALLY gets on my nerves. But other than that I think he does a fantastic job..

His facial expressions are amazing, I love it! And YES, he is doing a fantastic job as an actor and as an director. <!-- / message -->

[Kal-el 90]

He's a top Actor in my Opinion and was Perfect for the role of Superman, couldnt picture anyone else doing it!!!

[Jaderoyale]

I'm not even going to regard this thread.
Lol.
One scene does not make someone a bad actor.
Watch Vengance, Labyrinth etc, and then say hes bad.
Which is impossible.

[Yasise]

I'm not even going to regard this thread.
Lol.
One scene does not make someone a bad actor.
Watch Vengance, Labyrinth etc, and then say hes bad.
Which is impossible.


100% agreed :D

[Anu]

Yes tom welling is not a "bad actor" he just haves his moments sometimes he makes the job good and sometimes bad but he isn't a bad actor

[puddinpiester]

I think were it not for TW, SV would never have made it for going on 8 seasons.

[Dor el]

But, his stance is odd and unnatural at times it seems.

[FlashInSV]

First things first, I think Tom Welling has improved astoundingly over the years. Back in season one, it was all just mopey faces and frowns and now, he can actually portray emotions very well. And I, for one, I'm one of the females that are NOT madly in love with him.

I do, however, believe the Clana scene was mediocre acting by both sides. Lana and videotapes= not her thing. Try another media. Like a mobile phone camera. Or a webcamera. And you know what, if all else fails, just write a note.

[redraven]

I thought both Tom and Kristin did a good job in the video tape scene. Tom's crying was a hell of a lot better this time than he did when he found out Lana "died". Imo, it's the best crying scene of his after Reckoning.

[Minela]

I liked Tom's acting in that scene. I think he did a good job. KK was better, though.

[Dor el]

I thought both Tom and Kristin did a good job in the video tape scene. Tom's crying was a hell of a lot better this time than he did when he found out Lana "died". Imo, it's the best crying scene of his after Reckoning.

I thought his crying in Vengeance was his best. IMO

[love_smallville]

Tom Welling isnt a bad actor. That criticism was harsh. First of all, we dont know if he was actually intended to cry in the scene, or whether he was trying to hold back tears. I think he does a good Job playing the reluctant Clark Kent, still unsure of himself, and the impact he is making on the world around him. I think people need to realize that in order to understand his character portrayal.

Clark Kent was never the A-Type go to guy. In that respect, Tom does a great job playing the 'Wuss' and clumsy over seeing type. Its apparent when he plays a Red K Clark, or when he plays Bizarro- what a truly aggressive Clark Kent would be like. The difference here is confidence. Clark has muddled confidence, and he starts to realize that is going to be a way for him to hide himself. Superman is the confidence. I think season 8 will bridge the gap.

My thoughts exactly-plus I think he is so talented at playing and unemotional, stoic Clark people mistaken that as Tom being a bad actor. We forget he's trying to play an alien after all, not a human so I think he does amazing with his interpretation. There are just too many episodes including Arctic that show TW's acting range that should put to rest the title of this post.

[bc1sjw]

Oh, he didn´t cry the way you expected him to cry? Therefore he´s a bad actor? A suppressed crying (like many a man would probably go for) is not a crying? Gosh, I´m so sick of those permanent complainers here... :\

Agreed!

I'm from the UK...and honestly, I have never ever heard of a show that gets criticized so much by its fans. REGARDLESS of how they make the show, people will still be moaning. I really hope the cast and crew dont read this, because if I was one of them it would seriously make me think twice about wanting to be involved with it! Seems like the fans on the messageboard put far too much pressure on the show!

Maybe its an American/Canadian thing (no offence meant), if this makes sense but fair enough there are heaps of smallville obsessed fans on here who just moan. "Clark didnt do this, Clark didnt do that, why did they not explain how this happened, why did they not explain why that happened - thats so unrealistic, that would neevr happen". LOL - I sometimes read it and think its ridiculous. ITS A TV SHOW - ITS NOT REAL LIFE.

They have a lot to cram into a 45 minute episode! Now granted there have been episodes that i am disapointed at and things I'm not happy about (Why is Lois in it, how can the JL/Jimmy/Braniac/Zod etc be in it) - they annoy me as well because that does not keep in line with the classic story.....but how boring would Smallville be (Jeez - I even forgot, Lex shouldnt be in it either) if none of these characters were in it? Do you really just want to watch a show where a boy realises he can do special things, is from another world and has a "destiny" but hides it from people, goes to School graduates, goes to College, graduates, goes to a reconstructive model of his homeworld and trains for like 10 years and then boom - pulls on a pair of tights, THE END. I thought not. Because thats how the story shoudl be, and you cant make that into a TV show. zzzzzz.

After 7 years of coming on these forums, it really amazes me how hostile and negative the fanbase of this show is, its like vultures circling on their prey. I watch episodes and see the similar things you do but some are insignificant...Who cares how Lex got to the fortress - it could easily have landed somewhere nearby, maybe he parachuted out from a short hegith and will get winched back up whilst it circles overhead. WHO CARES - its insignificant really it is not??! Hahahaha! All the little things like that that make folk complain - you spend more time doing that instead of just watching the damn show! Yeah theres no such thing as a perfect 22 season series, especially with a show like Smallville which has so many dymanics! Yes Clark is stupid, he spends more time on the farm, he shirks his destiny....IS THAT NOT THE WHOLE POINT? Being a figure like superman and the way he conducts himself takes some going...he has shown flashes of potential here and there but still makes mistakes, of course he does, hes not got the experience and the mind set needed to do this yet...then the day will come when it just "click into place and he gets is". Hes like 19, still very immature and not ready to take on the burden of what he wants to do...could you imagine if you were in his shoes and someone told you from this day on you are responsible for the safety of the entire world....I think anyone would have a hard time accepting that first, and then carrying out the responsibility second....if you dont accept it how can you put your heart and soul into it?

The whole Jor-El is evil/good thing doesnt really make sense, it doesnt make sense either that about 900 people know he is an alien - blah blah blah....if you cant live with it, stop watching because thats the way it is. Theres episodes that made me cringe and i thought were pretty pointless and had nothing to do with the superman story, liek Jimmy the secret Agent, the one where the all play characters in olden times when someone is dreaming, Lexmas and stuff like that.....all this crap with witches and Lana, Veritas and secret societies, controlling devices yes, yes I think its a load of crap...but when they do the good episodes that are mythos dedicated they more than make up for it. And i dont lose any sleep over it and sit for half an hour online criticising it as much as i can, I take the good points form it, i look forward to the next episode and i go to bed.

Agreed its beginning to drag on as well and i dont know WTF is going on with doomsday - (maybe in this version of Superman his threat is what snaps Clark out of him shunning his responsibility) but lets hope season 8 is the final season, not because I hate it, i love this show but everything needs to come to an end - end on a good note and go out on a high like friends, not like Buffy, or X-files where after 27 seasons it began to turn into yawnsville. Complete the journey next season.

And yes, that was an uncalled for rant - but from a forum observers point of view who is an outsider (I dont really take part in all the episode discussions because Im not a mad compulsive 24/7 obsessed fan - I use this site for spoilers, episode info and a browse of other stuff) do you ever sit back and look at yourselves and think what you are talking about? Yes - the fanbase of a show DOES deserve what it wants and they have the power etc etc - sounds to me its more Smallville haters on here as opposed to genuine fans. If i was a producer or director and I read all the stuff on here my attitude would be "f*ck this, and all of their criticism - I'm doing my own thing".

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


My thoughts exactly-plus I think he is so talented at playing and unemotional, stoic Clark people mistaken that as Tom being a bad actor. We forget he's trying to play an alien after all, not a human so I think he does amazing with his interpretation. There are just too many episodes including Arctic that show TW's acting range that should put to rest the title of this post.


Agreed. It must be hard playing a character who has continual self doubt, lacks confidence and seems quite scared most of the time because of who he is, what he can do and the impact and consequences his actions take....and then on the flip side having total confidence and a swagger and that "dont mess with me" attitude when he becomes one of the alter egos.

[Dor el]

Luckily, most of the fans don't post on this site and I suspect that many don't even know about this site or come here for venting. There are millions of people who like this show and TW enough to watch every week. And while there have been things that I did not like about this show, there have been way more numerous things that I did like. TW's portrayal of Clark is one of my favorite things. TW can do only so much with the script he is given. Considering that, it is amazing how good a job he has done. Yes he is easy on the eyes, but there are many good looking guys on tv and in the movies. I don't go out of my way to watch most of them. But Clark Kent...I go out of may way to watch him. There is no perfect show. Real life is not perfect. Superman is not perfect. But I like him anyway. And I like this show.

[SnowBird]

Tom Is A Great Actor And The Majority Thinks He Is As Well.

Majority Rules...Smallville Rocks!!!

[Atomic girl]

I will play it again as I have it recorded, but up until lois appeared in the picture, I think TW was doing a fine job and the scene was working for me.I have to agree with you here. The scene was totally working for me until Lois came in.....

[sarcasm]Yes I was disturbed by TW's apparent lackluster crying, I sooooooo wanted him to get up and dance a jig to celebrate Lana's departure....[sarcasm over]

[Dor el]

^ haha. Too funny. Clark dancing a jig. I remember the last time Clark danced a jig. that was funny too.

[petitemimi]

I think he did great in that scene. I was moved a little bit even if I hate Clana with a passion. He cried like a man; if it's not too cliché to say that. I don't expect a guy to cry loudly and roll on the floor.

Really, I wished people wouldn't make blanket statement like that: "I don't like the way he did one scene in 152 episodes, therefore he's a bad actor". It's not serious.

[eas]

I thought he did well. He was crying in the beginning and then trying NOT to cry. He gets himself under control when he notices that Lois walked in. Then, he sees her standing there with tears in her eyes, and he breaks down. And when he breaks down, she runs to him to comfort him.

Nothing wrong with that scene. I thought KK did well with the vid, as well. I'm not a Clana shipper, but it actually made me kind of misty. They both did well with what had been given to them. I think that it might have look a bit contrived because it was a break-up through DVD. If they had waited and given TW/KK face-time for their break-up, I think it would have worked better because the actors would have been able to use their chemistry to make the scene work better. But, as actors, they both did well, imo.

And, you know, I've thought that TW was sleepwalking through some scenes before, so it's not like I'm coming at this from a biased POV. (And, yes, AM, KK, ED, MR, and others have had their off moments, as well, on the show.) I like all the actors on this show, but I don't think any of them are going to Oscar winners any time soon.

[Hopefulsuicide]

scene hit the spot for me... didn't feel forced... just felt natural... which in fairness might be why it seems forced, because most actors don't cry naturally... they don't let theor face crunch up, they have floods of tears and sometimes bury their face in their hands

at least tom's crying scene was origional, unashamed, and real... i mean what did you want... wailing? look up at the sky and going 'why why me?'

[petitemimi]

i mean what did you want... wailing? look up at the sky and going 'why why me?'

:lol: Why... Yes, of course! and then he could have shouted: "LANAAA! LANAAA!" You know, like the guy in "A streetcar named desire" when he was shouting: "STELLAAA! STELLAAA!" And then, maybe he could have curled up on the floor, trembling and delirious.

[Hopefulsuicide]

as if the long stare out of the barn window wasn't bad enough... :p

[Theshadow129x]

as if the long stare out of the barn window wasn't bad enough... :p

:rotfl:

[Atrocity]

I think Tom did as good a job as he could considering the crappy story line.

ATRO

[Sweetie]

Even the most experienced actors still have difficulty to cry.So,let give Tom a break.

[Brain WT]

Ok that doesn't make him a bad actor just because he didn't cry and maybe he didn't cause Lois was there cause I know alot of people wouldn't cry around a friend for some reason when your around a friend its hard to cry for some reason.

[Twelling_SV_L0VE]

I didn't saw this episode and I have to wait on it for six months..
But just one scene and Tom is already a bad actor? Omg he does his very best, you know. And he's not a bad actor, because, he then wouldn't be in CBTD 1&2 and The Fog.. . And he did great on those movies. He rocks.

[love_smallville]

:lol: Why... Yes, of course! and then he could have shouted: "LANAAA! LANAAA!" You know, like the guy in "A streetcar named desire" when he was shouting: "STELLAAA! STELLAAA!" And then, maybe he could have curled up on the floor, trembling and delirious.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I can so see that happening...esp the curling up on the floor part-don't forget he'll have to be sucking his thumb because his Lana is gone...can you tell I'm glad Clana is finally over?!

[Welling_is_pretty]

I actually thought that scene was pretty good. Tom kept it understated (i.e. "I will not fall apart") and did very well, I thought. I wonder if a part of Clark didn't think it was inevitiable and so he did not shed copious tears because he knew it was coming (deep down I think Clark has always know that he and Lana would never be together forever).

But yeah, I think Tom did very well this episode (the scene I actually had problems with was in the Fortress, right before the thing collapses) and a good job on that scene.

[berniepooh]

I have to disagree with you!!

OK...Maybe it's just me but I thought TW did as good a job as any actor could have in that moment. I think even Jack Nicholson (if he had been cast in the role, and Jack has three Oscars) would have been so frickkin' re leaved that CLANA was finally over he couldn't have done any better. I give TW full marks for being able to suppress his joy (at the prospect of being Lana free) far enough to convince us he was "on the verge" of tears.

[shadoo]

HEY PEOPLE TAKE THAT BACK!:eek::eek::eek::eek:


WELLING IS AS GOOD OF A DIRECTOR AS HE IS AN ACTOR:D

[jimmyolsenblues]

i think truly everyone likes tom as an actor, some posters just like to stir the pot and get us riled up.

[shadoo]

It isn't Tom's fault after all, he's portraying an idiot.

Why even he sees that Clark's an idiot, so blame the writers not Tom. Tom is as good as

a director as he is an actor, and ya'll can take that to the bank.

[clana4everfan2]

People need to give Tom a break. He's a great actor and director.

[RedKRules]

I agree with that ... ^^

[highdro_pharmer]

TW was probably just trying to suppress his laughter, that's what the tears were for... he was thinking "why couldn't TPTB have killed the Clana 3 seasons sooner???"

What I did find kind of sad and ironic about the scene was when Lana said "I'll love you more than you will ever know..." which mirrors exactly what Clark said to Lana as he rode off on Jonathan's motorcycle in the Season 2 finale.

[blueyes]

Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better.

Ugh.

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.

He wasn't terrible, IMO, he's done worse. He is a very wooden and bland actor, so I agree with your sentiment in general. Now, Rosembaum, he Can act.



I thought the effort to cry was too fake.;)

Yup. :D

[Dor el]

Naysayers. Just enjoy the show. I think Clark plays naive well. I think he is good at comedy (wished he got the chance to do more). Still love that tractor throwing scene. I think he actually does angst better than anyone I have ever seen. It is not his fault the writers over do angst. Sadness? I bought his sadness and sorrow and maybe even relief during the scene in question. Yes, MR is a talented actor, but when you compare the experience and the training, then I think TW actually does a job job of holding his own. Comparing where in began in season one, TW has made more progress than anyone else on the show. JMO

[nenaj]

Fom me he is a greate actor and i diden't knowes that hi can't crying when he watc tape

[RedKRules]

Now, Rosembaum, he Can act.


One of my fav MR acting was in Shattered episode.... I mean that was brilliant :D

[finalbahamut]

Did anyone else cringe during the whole Lana tape scene? Watching Tom trying to cry was just so embarrassing. He kept trying and trying, but nope, didn't happen. Really, why did the writers put that scene in when they knew he couldn't follow through with it? Even having him keep that same ol' mopey face he makes while watching that would've been better.

Ugh.

Of course, no one will agree with me on this, because I'm sure almost every female here is too madly in love with him to find any sort of fault.

I agree with you *of course we'll be flame badly here with fans*. TW didn't really do well in that scene, he should at least shed some tears it's just like the past scenes when he know Lana died, he just keep using the mopey face when he should instead cry or shed a tear. I was disappointed when Lana came back in Fierce coz TW's expression was just OK and not convincing enough that Clark was overwhelmed with happiness.

*Sorry no offense to all TW fans* :o

----- Added 7 Minutes later -----


HEY PEOPLE TAKE THAT BACK!:eek::eek::eek::eek:


WELLING IS AS GOOD OF A DIRECTOR AS HE IS AN ACTOR:D

:rotfl: There's no way that you can make me :rotfl: :p
If only you're not a fan then you can see beyond the blindfold of adoration that TW is not a very good actor. The only good thing about him is his uber hOtness! ;)

[Jaded Wolf]

I find it funny that the person who started this thread has not replied back to counter arguments on here.

I think Tom Welling is a good actor and even better director. Without being a fan of Superman he gets the idea still for who he should be and directs accordingly. I don't think none of the actors are bad per se but are given bad scripts. The only one I can say I don't like is Kristen Kreuk and Erica Durance. They're bearable but to me not likeable.

[nk_84]

HEY PEOPLE TAKE THAT BACK!:eek::eek::eek::eek:


WELLING IS AS GOOD OF A DIRECTOR AS HE IS AN ACTOR:D

uh-oh!;)

Just kiddin. I think Tom is fine at acting, there's nothing wrong with how he displays his emotions. After 7 seasons, I'm sure you get into character:lol:

[Tatiana]

I think Tom has improved a lot since season 1. I don't think many people to could pull off to play the Clark he has to create for the fans. It is a different Clark from the movies and other shows and he still has to have the ability to be appealing as a soon to be hero. I think he manages to capture the audience no matter what he is doing. With his "evil" scenes, hero, funny and dramatic scenes. When I watched the scene with Lana's video, I got the impression he was trying to hold in the cry especially when he realized Lois was there, and then he gave in. When he cried with Martha about Jonathan's death, he completely broke down, i cried with him almost as if my mom had died. I even believed him when in season 6 Lana had "died" and he was in shock and couldn't show any emotion besides anger, I thought that was amazing. He might not be the best actor ever, but he has improved a lot and I think he has learned a lot from people like MR, JG etc.

[TOMophilus]

In Transference, for example, Tom did a much better job imitating Lionel, than Glover did imitating Clark, although JG is a seasoned actor. How come if he´s so bad... :rolleyes:

[miks]

^^ I agree with that completely! JG was by far the best actor on this show, but TW did so much better playing Lionel, it was brilliant!

[SnowBird]

I don't like to down any of the actors on Smallville but in defense of Tom, he is better than any of the other male actors (not mentioning names). The expressions on Tom's face can carry a scene without saying a word. I know everyone has their favorite Smallville actor but seriously, Smallville would not have lasted 7 years going on 8 if their star, Tom Welling didn't carry the show. It isn't Tom who has left Smallville. He has been faithful in performing in every episode and signing for season 8 so we can enjoy another great year. Find something else to complain about as you are barking up the wrong tree in this thread.

[TOMophilus]

I don't like to down any of the actors on Smallville but in defense of Tom, he is better than any of the other male actors (not mentioning names). The expressions on Tom's face can carry a scene without saying a word. I know everyone has their favorite Smallville actor but seriously, Smallville would not have lasted 7 years going on 8 if their star, Tom Welling didn't carry the show. It isn't Tom who has left Smallville. He has been faithful in performing in every episode and signing for season 8 so we can enjoy another great year. Find something else to complain about as you are barking up the wrong tree in this thread.
Bravo!

[LuckyLois]

I think Tom has done a great job with Smallville. Don't forget, this is a fantasy show and alot of dumb thing happen, and you have to have alot of weiird reactions. Clark always trys to see the good in people, even when they are evil. He has to say really bad diolouge sometimes, not react to things like most of us would, and not to mention, forget about important things from prior episodes because the writers just drop them. These are not his fault. We all go along for the ride because we want to Clark become Superman. Some episodes are better then others. When they are good it is soooo exciting. I'm sure all the actors feel the same way. They have all done a great job which is why we care so much about them. But Tom has made it the most fun, to see him grow just like Clark, has been great!

[Dor el]

I don't like to down any of the actors on Smallville but in defense of Tom, he is better than any of the other male actors (not mentioning names). The expressions on Tom's face can carry a scene without saying a word. I know everyone has their favorite Smallville actor but seriously, Smallville would not have lasted 7 years going on 8 if their star, Tom Welling didn't carry the show. It isn't Tom who has left Smallville. He has been faithful in performing in every episode and signing for season 8 so we can enjoy another great year. Find something else to complain about as you are barking up the wrong tree in this thread.

You go, girl. I like your passion and your view.

[shadoo]

Fun and jokes aside, Tom is a great actor and an avid professional. Salutations.

[Yasise]

I don't like to down any of the actors on Smallville but in defense of Tom, he is better than any of the other male actors (not mentioning names). The expressions on Tom's face can carry a scene without saying a word. I know everyone has their favorite Smallville actor but seriously, Smallville would not have lasted 7 years going on 8 if their star, Tom Welling didn't carry the show. It isn't Tom who has left Smallville. He has been faithful in performing in every episode and signing for season 8 so we can enjoy another great year. Find something else to complain about as you are barking up the wrong tree in this thread.

Amen! I totally agree with you !:D

[berniepooh]

Have any of you ever listened to the director and actor commentary on the DVD set for the season 4 episode of Spell? ED states "Tom is always walking around the set saying "Clark is such an idiot.""
I think that says it ALL.

[RedKRules]

I think Tom is a great actor, but his acting skills outshines more when he´s Kal/RedK Clark or in episodes like in Labyrinth, Splinter, Transference, Justice .... Clark Kent is too random .... but even though Tom does a brilliant job :D

[Hopefulsuicide]

Agreed!

I'm from the UK...and honestly, I have never ever heard of a show that gets criticized so much by its fans. REGARDLESS of how they make the show, people will still be moaning. I really hope the cast and crew dont read this, because if I was one of them it would seriously make me think twice about wanting to be involved with it! Seems like the fans on the messageboard put far too much pressure on the show!

Maybe its an American/Canadian thing (no offence meant), if this makes sense but fair enough there are heaps of smallville obsessed fans on here who just moan. "Clark didnt do this, Clark didnt do that, why did they not explain how this happened, why did they not explain why that happened - thats so unrealistic, that would neevr happen". LOL - I sometimes read it and think its ridiculous. ITS A TV SHOW - ITS NOT REAL LIFE.
.

just to point out, in a typically pedantic fashion that i'm from the UK and i'm one of the 'permenant moaners'... but only when i find something worth moaning about. tosay that people moan about everything is silly. there is not a few people on this site who post negative threads about everything... i personally liked tom's crying... but there are things i don't like

see what people forget is that each time someone moans, that's ONE person's personal gripe with the episode. people may agree with it but it doesnt neccesarily mean that the person is a moaner or the agrees are moaners too... it's all subjective really

[mistaguitarmasta]

Maybe you didn't like Tom's crying. That's fair, he's not the best cryer on television. But he is definitely not what I would call a bad actor. See "Transference", "Splinter", and "Labyrinth". Those are some of the best examples of his talent.

[Dor el]

This is too funny. Analyzing Superman-to-be's crying ability. I know we are discussing the actor's take on super crying, but that we are discussing crying is hilarious. There are perpetual moaners, just as there are perpetual pollyannas. I just prefer to be a pollyanna. Keeps my stress level manageable. That being said, I though TW did just fine with his crying during the infamous Lana video scene.

[Yasise]

Maybe you didn't like Tom's crying. That's fair, he's not the best cryer on television..

Maybe you should have added a "IMO" after your statement, because I think Tom's crying isn't bad at all!
I "loved" his crying in "Unsafe" and in "Vengeance" - not only my heart "cried" with him, I did, too. Those scenes were soo sad and his acting was terrific, IMO.



But he is definitely not what I would call a bad actor. See "Transference", "Splinter", and "Labyrinth". Those are some of the best examples of his talent.

Agreed with you there.:)



This is too funny. Analyzing Superman-to-be's crying ability. I know we are discussing the actor's take on super crying, but that we are discussing crying is hilarious. There are perpetual moaners, just as there are perpetual pollyannas. I just prefer to be a pollyanna. Keeps my stress level manageable. That being said, I though TW did just fine with his crying during the infamous Lana video scene.

I totally agree with you, Dor El - it IS funny in a weird way to discuss that.:) Actually, as I said before in this thread, I liked Tom's "crying" better than Kristin's.:)