Robert Forster, a chance meeting, and the art of being humble

Saturday, I came across a very interesting video published on YouTube (what a surprise! doesn't everyone?). The video stars actor Robert Forster who Tarantino fans will recognize from the 1997 film, "Jackie Brown." The video is a part of a series entitled "Best Story Ever," which consists of guests telling their most unusual experiences. Forster's story wasn't outlandish, but instead extremely inspirational. Though the clip is only two minutes and twenty-three seconds long, it left an impression on me that can't be tainted. Forster explains how his once promising career took a dive that lasted a lot longer than most people can bare. He went from auspicious actor, working alongside big names such as Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor, starring in the highly praised 1969 film called "Medium Cool," to not getting work. How does someone with the talent and charisma of Forster stop getting work? Welcome to the life of an actor. He goes on to explain that with four kids and two ex-wives, he had huge responsibilities such as trying to put his children through college, which is not a cheap or easy task. He thought, like anyone who's ever been down on their luck, that it wasn't going to happen for him. He figured he would have to find a different means of making a living, but in a twist of fate, Tarantino shows up at the Silver Spoon coffee shop located in West Hollywood. Now, Forster was a regular at this coffee shop. It was his place of solitude. He even sat at the same table each time he entered the joint. As Susan King of the Los Angeles Times wrote in a 2011 article, Forster referred to that table as "...his home away from home...". One fateful day in 1996, in walks Tarantino. Forster calls him over and asks him what he's working on. Tarantino tells him that he'w adapting a screenplay for Elmore Leonard's novel, "Rum Punch." Five years prior to this encounter, Forster says that he auditioned for a role in Tarantino's 1992 film, "Reservoir Dogs." Well, he didn't get the part. Tarantino suggests Forster read the novel, and so he does. Forster declares that about six months later, Tarantino returned to the Silver Spoon this time sitting in Robert's seat. Without hesitation, Quentin hands Forster a script and asks him to read it. This moment is the beginning of Forster's career resurgence. 

Someone made a very insightful comment on YouTube beneath the video, and not only did it further put Forster's story into perspective, but it also slightly restored my faith in the positive impact of social media comment sections. It's possible for people to make constructive statements on the Internet! Anyway, Christopher, the Yoda-esque YouTube contributor, elaborated Forster's notion of maintaining a good attitude even through life's misfortunes. Christopher also explained that Forster could have been bitter about not landing a role in "Reservoir Dogs," but instead, he embraced Tarantino when he saw him. This really struck a chord with me. He's right. Forster COULD have been bitter towards Tarantino. After all, during the time of his audition, he was in a bad place in his career. There are at least three ways Forster could have reacted to his rejection. One, is that because he was already a seasoned actor at the time, he could have felt entitled and threw a fit because he wasn't chosen. Two, because he was hadn't worked in a long time, he could have allowed the rejection to discourage him from acting and eventually miss out on the opportunity to read the screenplay for "Jackie Brown." Three, when he saw Tarantino again, he could have blown him off or called him over to rant about not being casted in one of his earlier films. Forster didn't harbor any ill feelings toward Tarantino and chose to read his script, which led to a career revival and an Academy Award nomination! 

The way Forster carried himself during the meeting demonstrated his humility, grace, and dignity. His story taught me the power of not taking everything so personal. Not everyone is out to get you. There have been many times in my life that I allowed rejection to crush my spirit. Hell, I still do, but after watching this video, I realize how detrimental it is to the pursuit one's dreams and their growth. Forster provided me with immeasurable wisdom. He didn't allow bitterness or negativity to cloud his judgement. Rather, he displayed a level of civility rarely witnessed in this day and age. His good attitude led him to the opportunity of a lifetime. What makes his feat even better is the fact that he was an older gentleman when this happened. I believe in rooting for people of all ages. 

This is a testament to the idea that rejection builds character and leads to success. The road to success is paved with rejection. Trust me. In the end, though I wasn't looking for the video, it may have been looking for me.

I attached two links to this post. One is the video, and the other is an article published in the LA Times. I hope you learn as much as I have!

Love, 
Nyasia 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tpyV1tjwQM


https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2011-mar-14-la-et-classic-hollywood-20110314-story.html