Michael Keaton opened up and shared his strategy for dealing with a successful career
» Beetlejuice » star Michael Keaton revealed his career philosophy in a recent interview with a men’s magazine: «If you get desperate, you’re f—ed.» That quote sums up the easygoing, successful attitude the actor has cultivated over decades in Hollywood .
Having starred in countless successful films, Keaton seems to have discovered the secret formula for staying relevant in the industry. According to him, the key is not to take yourself too seriously and not to believe all the hype. «I never panic,» says the actor. «You can be insecure, but despair is fatal.»
Keaton’s attitude toward his career was evident in moments like the release of «Birdman.» When many saw the film as his big «comeback,» he disagreed: «Comeback — that’s the story,» he said, «and honestly, it’s kind of bullshit.»
The actor confesses that he understands the business of the industry: «I like business. It doesn’t bother me. You say, ‘This is a business, man.'» However, he maintains his independence and does not let himself be carried away by other people’s expectations.
Even with the cancellation of «Batgirl», a project that generated a lot of expectation, Keaton remained calm: «I didn’t care one way or the other. Big check, fun and cool», he declared.
In the sequel to «Beetlejuice,» which opens in September, Keaton will play a smaller role, by his own choice. «The idea was, no, no, no, you can’t put Beetlejuice in, that’s going to ruin him,» he explained.
The actor believes his character shouldn’t be the center of attention this time around: «I think the Beetlejuice character doesn’t drive the story as much as he did in the first one. He’s more part of the plot in this one.»
Looking at the industry today, Keaton is surprised at how seriously people take their careers: «I’m a little surprised at how many people take it seriously,» he said of being a celebrity.
The actor misses lightness and spontaneity in the medium: «I was with someone I really liked the other day… and I felt like he was behaving too much. I was pointing out some things that I thought were funny, and I don’t know, I was shocked that there was no sense of mischief.»
Michael Keaton’s philosophy is clear: keep calm, don’t take yourself too seriously, and enjoy the process. This attitude, combined with his talent, has made him one of Hollywood’s most admired and enduring actors.