Every so often a really interesting actor comes along which strikes one's attention. Ivan Sergei is a fine example.
Sergei's role as Matt Mateo in "The Opposite of Sex" (1998) was a perfect vehicle for this handsome actor, with a 6' 4" frame that can seem almost gawky in its skinny countenance. He perfectly caputured the essence of Christina Ricci's "semi-husband," between affairs with Martin Donavan's and Johnny Galecki's "lovers" in that delicious black comedy.
Sergei there offered a wonderfully modulated performance, with excellent comic timing. He could be intelligent or dim-witted, but one thing he's not, and that's insincere.
That's why his two-timing Eddie in "Playing Mona Lisa" (2000) is so unconvincing in the later part of the script. Sergei's probably just too helluva nice guy in real life-- and that's just fine, for he can go a long way by just playing himself onscreen. It's up to casting directors to properly utilize Sergei's engratiating personality in the proper roles.
Further, in the long run, it really may be to his advantage to keep himself in the second or third "tier" of casting credits. He won't become a "star" or "romantic lead" this way (though he facially looks the part). But he may keep working and stay healthy much longer, while enjoying what he obviously loves to do: act. He has both the looks and the voice to sustain a quite respectable career.
In the case of "Playing Mona Lisa," Marni Freedman's scenario from her play is too fragmented to provide Sergei or most of the other cast members with much of a chance to develop well-rounded characterizations. Nor does Matthew Huffman's erratic direction help matters. In the end, the movie becomes rather forgettable, leaving scant impression.
It's just nice to see Ivan Sergei in the cast. When you see him listed, you know you're in for some warm moments with a charismatic personality who loves his craft and (very likely) humanity.
Sergei's role as Matt Mateo in "The Opposite of Sex" (1998) was a perfect vehicle for this handsome actor, with a 6' 4" frame that can seem almost gawky in its skinny countenance. He perfectly caputured the essence of Christina Ricci's "semi-husband," between affairs with Martin Donavan's and Johnny Galecki's "lovers" in that delicious black comedy.
Sergei there offered a wonderfully modulated performance, with excellent comic timing. He could be intelligent or dim-witted, but one thing he's not, and that's insincere.
That's why his two-timing Eddie in "Playing Mona Lisa" (2000) is so unconvincing in the later part of the script. Sergei's probably just too helluva nice guy in real life-- and that's just fine, for he can go a long way by just playing himself onscreen. It's up to casting directors to properly utilize Sergei's engratiating personality in the proper roles.
Further, in the long run, it really may be to his advantage to keep himself in the second or third "tier" of casting credits. He won't become a "star" or "romantic lead" this way (though he facially looks the part). But he may keep working and stay healthy much longer, while enjoying what he obviously loves to do: act. He has both the looks and the voice to sustain a quite respectable career.
In the case of "Playing Mona Lisa," Marni Freedman's scenario from her play is too fragmented to provide Sergei or most of the other cast members with much of a chance to develop well-rounded characterizations. Nor does Matthew Huffman's erratic direction help matters. In the end, the movie becomes rather forgettable, leaving scant impression.
It's just nice to see Ivan Sergei in the cast. When you see him listed, you know you're in for some warm moments with a charismatic personality who loves his craft and (very likely) humanity.