Colin Firth is one of Britain’s most acclaimed actors, beloved for roles in films like Pride and Prejudice, The King’s Speech, and Bridget Jones’s Diary. However, despite his critical success and popularity, some people dislike or even hate the English actor. This article explores the possible reasons behind the Colin Firth backlash.
Posh Persona Rubs Some The Wrong Way
With his refined English accent and aristocratic bearing in many period roles, Colin Firth frequently exhibits an upper-class persona on screen associated with privilege and snobbery to some viewers. This posh demeanor plays into the belief held by some that Firth is an out-of-touch elitist not relatable to average people.
| Film | Role | Persona Conveyed |
|---|---|---|
| Pride and Prejudice | Mr. Darcy | Wealthy, proud aristocrat |
| The King’s Speech | King George VI | British monarch |
| Bridget Jones’s Diary | Mark Darcy | Reserved, upper-class lawyer |
This cultivated noble image from numerous roles bleeds into how some people perceive Firth himself — fairly or unfairly. It breeds resentment and the perception that he’s an elitist unconcerned with ordinary people’s problems.
Labeled as Arrogant and Cold
Related to the posh persona he’s known for on screen is a label attached to Colin Firth’s real-life personality by some as arrogant and cold. His refined English manner in interviews and public appearances strikes some as him projecting a superior attitude.
Detractors see his cultured style of speaking and emotional restraint as signs he looks down on others without his privileged background. Rightly or wrongly, this breeds hatred and allegations of snobbery toward average folks among those already inclined to resent the English upper-class vibe he embodies.
Is His Activism Phony to Critics?
For his fans, Firth’s outspoken liberal political activism makes him more appealing. He freely advocates causes like environmentalism, refugees’ rights, and ethical government. However, these principled stands provoke backlash from critics who:
- View Hollywood activism as phony political posturing
- Consider him an out-of-touch elite lecturer
- Disagree with his left-leaning causes
The disdain toward celebrities deemed hypocritical for preachiness while enjoying lavish lifestyles applies doubly to someone already seen as an pretentious aristocrat by detractors. His activism affirms suspicions rather than winning over haters.
Success Breeds Jealousy Toward the Star
As an award-winning actor and Hollywood star, Colin Firth’s prestige and fame naturally breed some envy that curdles into dislike among those already inclined against him. Pride over his career accomplishments can appear as arrogance to haters.
His heartthrob status and popularity with women also foster sex appeal resentment from some men. Joy for his triumphs turns into hatred from those who see themselves as losers by comparison. They despise his representing what they lack in looks, talent, and accomplishments.
Voice Work Annoys Nanny McPhee Viewers
Interestingly, one notable contributor to Colin Firth hatred comes from unexpected places: his voiceover acting as William Brown in the children’s film Nanny McPhee. Something about his snobbish Mr. Brown voice grates on the nerves of children and parents subjected to repeatedly viewing it.
The character may have been written to be pompous and overbearing, but Firth’s vocal performance proves uniquely nails-on-the-chalkboard annoying to certain kids. This odd phenomenon generates surprisingly vitriolic anti-Firth sentiment in online discussions of the film.
Who knew seemingly harmless kid movie voice work could breed such irrational hatred? But it just goes to show how unexpected factors can feed generalized Colin Firth resentment bubbling under the surface among a minority.
Represents “Bland” to Some Critics
A final contributor to Colin Firth hatred is a perception among pockets of critics that he embodies a flavorless, boring blandness. They see his penchant for understated acting and dignified roles as uni-dimensional and dull — lackluster style over quality substance.
According to this view, the characters he plays bleed into his personality being perceived as prissy, colorless snores. The hatred partly stems from blaming him for wasting his roles’ potential. His lack of dynamic intensity on screen breeds wider resentment toward him seeming generic and beige.
Why Do Some People Actually Like Colin Firth?
However, the animosity toward Colin Firth is far from universal. Despite generating dislike in some quarters, he remains beloved by fans drawn to precisely those qualities provoking backlash from critics. Understanding different perspectives explains his simultaneous stalwart popularity and pockets of resentment.
Dignity allures fans, irks critics
What comes across as pretentiousness and elitism to detractors conveys dignity and intelligence among admirers. His cultivation charms those preferring substance over flash. Where some see snobbery and arrogance, others perceive principled refinement.
Nuanced Acting vs Dullness
Just as some label Firth’s acting boring and bland for its restraint, fans relish its nuance conveying complex emotions through subtle gestures. Sharper supporters appreciate his sparse style and understated delivery allowing characters’ layered humanity to shine.
Principled Stands vs Phony Posturing
As alluded, Firth’s outspoken advocacy alienates those questioning celebrities’ motives or lecturing. But his willingness to use his platform to champion causes earns appreciation from fans also supporting refugee rights, environmentalism, and ethical reforms.
Jealousy Toward Success
Finally, the resentment toward privileged stars often stems from feeling disadvantaged relative to their fame and fortune. But more secure admirers can celebrate the peak achievements of elite talents like Colin Firth as aspirational inspiration rather than threats.
Conclusion
In the end, the polarization on widely beloved star Colin Firth demonstrates how perspective shapes individual reactions, whether negative or positive. What signals pretentiousness to some conveys dignity to others.
Subtle acting reads as dullness or nuance depending on tastes. Outspoken advocacy appears either arrogant elitism or principled leadership on ethical issues. And professional success often breeds jealousy and resentment alongside celebration and admiration.
The irony is that some despise Firth for the very same traits endearing him to fans: erudite cultivation, nuanced emotional depth, and willingness to use his platform purposefully.
It just manifests differently through personal lenses warped by insecurities, political leanings, preconceptions about privilege, boredom thresholds, and random quirks like reactions to pompous children’s movie villains.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the phenomenon of Colin Firth hatred.
What roles is Colin Firth best known for?
Firth is best known for playing Mr. Darcy in multiple Pride and Prejudice adaptations like the iconic 1995 BBC version. He won Best Actor for playing stuttering monarch King George VI in The King’s Speech. Other famous roles include the Bridget Jones and Mamma Mia films.
Why does his posh persona provoke hatred?
His refinement conveys aristocratic privilege breeding resentment from some viewing him as an out-of-touch elitist. Detractors perceive his cultured bearing as snobbery toward average people.
What is an example of his “arrogant” manner?
Critics see his emotionally restrained acting style and cultured speaking style in interviews as projecting cold superiority toward others lacking his privileged pedigree.
Why do some question his activism?
Supporting refugees and reforms spurs backlash from those arguing celebrities just posture for attention, or see his causes as elitist concerns ignoring ordinary economic struggles.
How does being a handsome star breed jealousy?
Successful talent and sex appeal foster insecurity and resentment from critics feeling like losers by comparison, turning pride in his accomplishments into perceived arrogance.
What weirdly annoys people about #his Nanny McPhee role?
Something about his pompous father voiceover performance rubs many kids and parents the wrong way, breeding unexpected hatred despite the silly source.