"Corporate Hollywood thinks I'm a geek to go back and do theater. They don't understand why I don't want to be a movie star, why I'm not pursuing Mel Gibson's roles"

The quote from William Petersen highlights a stress in between the business appeal of Hollywood and the creative passion discovered in theater. Petersen contrasts "Corporate Hollywood" with the world of theater, framing the previous as a system primarily concerned with fame and financial success. This corporate aspect of Hollywood is viewed as prioritizing movie stardom and smash hit functions, such as those connected with prominent stars like Mel Gibson. Within this framework, profession advancement is typically connected to prominent movie roles and widespread public acknowledgment.

In contrast, Petersen's decision to return to theater rather of pursuing such functions suggests an ingrained dedication to the craft of acting that goes beyond industrial inspirations. Theater is typically considered as a purer kind of acting that emphasizes method, character development, and live interaction with the audience, supplying stars an opportunity to refine their abilities and engage with product on a more intimate level. This creative pureness can be contrasted with the corporate-driven, profit-oriented nature of Hollywood films.

Petersen's use of the word "geek" shows a self-awareness about his options in the eyes of the mainstream show business. The term implies that pursuing theater over potentially rewarding movie functions is viewed as unconventional or perhaps eccentric within the industrial structure of Hollywood. It likewise highlights an implicit valuation: Hollywood's traditional path to success, marked by functions comparable to those of Mel Gibson, is not widely fulfilling.

This quote also suggests a review of the industry's narrow meaning of success, which often equates it with popularity and ticket office efficiency. Petersen suggests that personal fulfillment, creative difficulty, and a love for one's craft can drive profession decisions, even if they diverge from conventional expectations of success. In essence, Petersen asserts the value of following one's enthusiasm and worths over external recognition and highlights the divide in between business success and creative fulfillment.