Hollywood Masculinity, RIP

Michael Douglas has spoken an unconventional truth about modern Hollywood. American-born actors simply aren’t as masculine as they used to be.

Where is the next John Wayne, Marlon Brando or Steve McQueen? Douglas says their replacements are already here, but they speak with an accent. British and Australian actors often trump their stateside peers when it comes to both skill level and machismo, Douglas contends.

“In the U.S. we have this relatively asexual or unisex area with sensitive young men and we don’t have many Channing Tatums or Chris Pratts, while the Aussies do,” the actor told The Independent.

The “Romancing the Stone” star mentioned Pratt of “Jurassic World” fame as an exception to the new rule. It’s a fine selection, although Pratt’s knack for self-deprecating humor strips some of that macho veneer away. Can anyone imagine a John Wayne character apologizing for his behavior? Wayne didn’t do the “aw, shucks” routine. Ever.

Can anyone imagine a John Wayne character apologizing for his behavior?

Channing Tatum? Sure his face is more rugged than pristine, and he’s a hulking figure even when he’s not stripping for his art. And yet in “Magic Mike XXL” he can be seen prancing around the stage at a drag queen soiree. Need we invoke Mr. Wayne again for comparison’s sake?

What about George Clooney? Leonardo DiCaprio? Matt Damon? Ryan Reynolds? Ben Affleck? Do any measure up the masculine standards set decades ago?

In today’s Hollywood, actors remove their shirts to reveal chiseled, hairless flesh that bespeaks gym rat fanaticism, not self-confidence. Is this an actor playing a part or a Bowflex audition?

The social media age is partly be to blame as well, Douglas contends. Twitter and its ilk are turning today’s stars into image-crazed souls. For comparison, just think of the tweets Wayne might send … and the apologies his agent would demand a few hours later. Stars today have to be extra cautious less they fulminate on an issue that doesn’t correspond with current groupthink. We no longer let stars speak their mind sans apology.

As a result, we see watered down personalities on the red carpet and that “Tonight Show” couch.

The irony is that the small screen offers better example of old-school machismo than most blockbuster movies. Take Charlie Hunnam, who played Jax for seven seasons on FX’s “Sons of Anarchy.” His character had his tender side, but he smoked and cracked skulls without apology. He accepted his mistakes, provided fiery leadership to his MC and could be counted on in any occasion. He had your back.

Timothy Olyphant delivered a treatise on being a man on FX’s “Justified.”

Anson Mount on AMC’s “Hell on Wheels” provides another potent portrait of masculinity. “Wheels” is a throwback western in the best sense of the phrase, and Mount looks like he was born during that dusty, dangerous era.

And then there’s Timothy Olyphant, perhaps the best example of where TV succeeds and film falls flat when it comes to masculine imagery. Olyphant delivered a treatise on being a man on FX’s “Justified” for six memorable seasons. He fought evil without apology, bedded women when the urge struck and forged ahead when the battle needed to be waged. He looked tough, acted tougher and used his brawn when brainpower wasn’t enough.

All the while he was old-school handsome, a fella who could make women swoon and men raise a glass in respect – and a touch of fear.

Yet Hollywood hasn’t a clue how to turn Olyphant into a leading man. Most recently, the actor had a bit part in the meandering dramedy “This Is Where I Leave You,” playing fourth fiddle to Jane Fonda, Jason Bateman and Tina Fey.

It’s enough to make a grown man cry … on the inside.