10 Times Actors Had Personal Reasons For Taking Film Roles
9. George Clooney Often Takes Roles For Political Reasons
It's hard to deny that George Clooney wears his political beliefs on his sleeve. It'd be downright dishonest, particularly when he's married to a human rights lawyer at the United Nations. And he's made no secret behind the camera, directing, writing and acting in films that directly tackle timely political issues such as The Ides of March and Good Night and Good Luck - films that are becoming more relevant by the day.ven
But when even when he's strictly taking an acting job, unless it's just an excuse to hang out with friends or the Coen Bros., his political leanings play a major role in his decision-making.
Take, for example, his role in Stephen Gaghan's ensemble directorial debut Syriana,, a loose adaptation of CIA operative Bob Baer's examination of petroleum politics and the hideous implications of the powerful oil industry lobby.
Clooney is Robert Barnes, a veteran CIA agent who realizes too late that a U.S.-backed assassination on a Middle Eastern Prince. He becomes the loudest voice in the room, resulting in his blackballing and ultimately scapegoating for the incident.
And Clooney was certainly dedicated to the role, gaining weight for the role and sustaining an injury that left him bedridden with an IV drip for a month.