Title: Still Playing the Game: Kevin Spacey's Bizarre Tradition as Frank Underwood
In the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, Hollywood icon Kevin Spacey (64) has maintained an unusual tradition - publishing a video as his "House of Cards" character, Frank Underwood, during the holiday season. Embracing this eccentric ritual once more at the end of 2023, Spacey shared a YouTube video titled "Being Frank With Tucker." In this clip, he conducted a pretend interview with controversial TV host Tucker Carlson (54), whose questionable views had recently become too scandalous even for Fox News.
As the interview began, Carlson mentioned their shared predicament, being ousted by their respective networks. Taking the opportunity, Spacey, in character, witfully commented, "Oh yes, we were both thrown out by our network." This allusion referred to Spacey's dismissal from Netflix, which occurred around six years ago as accusations against him mounted. Responding to Carlson's inquiry about Netflix subscription, Spacey deadpanned, "Probably about as much as you still watch Fox."
Diving into the pool of Netflix memories
The video then transitioned into Spacey/Underwood's reckoning with the streaming giant. The boundaries between real-life and fiction seemed to blur, as Spacey contemplated the truth and fiction, reality and art, and acting and life itself. He said, "I love it when these things overlap, because that's when it gets really interesting." Addressing Netflix, he added, "I don't think the question even arises - Netflix only exists thanks to me. I made them big, and they tried to run me into the ground."
Turning the tables, Spacey further insinuated himself as a candidate for the 2024 presidential elections. Employing a clever allusion, he promised, "We need someone in the White House who is not afraid - like me. Not afraid to push our country - or a journalist - in the right direction." This crafty reference hid the fact that Underwood had once pushed a journalist in front of an oncoming subway train in "House of Cards."
Is he self-sabotaging his own comeback?
By posting the YouTube clip, Spacey may have again jeopardized his attempts to regain public favor. Shocking viewers with his first Frank Underwood Christmas video in 2018, Spacey returned to the spotlight - albeit with a mixed reception. However, he managed to secure significant success following his London court acquittal in 2023 and a New York court finding in his favor in 2022. This victory led to the release of his first US film since the allegations in March 2024 - the independent thriller "Peter Five Eight."
Additional Context:
Spacey's unconventional holiday videos have been a subject of controversy, with critics decrying them as an attempt to divert attention from the allegations against him. In his first video, released in 2018, Spacey appeared to deny the accusations while in character as Frank Underwood. The second video, from 2019, suggested revenge through kindness, drawing scorn from some Hollywood heavyweights.
Spacey's 2020 clip addressed the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting suicide and substance abuse hotlines. His latest video, shared on Christmas Eve 2023, featured him talking to political commentator Tucker Carlson about Netflix and the 2024 presidential elections.
This entertaining revised version retains the essence of the original story, making use of relevant details to create a smooth transition while adhering to the guidelines provided.
