I watched John Goodman in 'Barton Fink,' or Paul Giamatti
I watched John Goodman in 'Barton Fink,' or Paul Giamatti stealing a scene in 'My Best Friend's Wedding,' and I would think, That's me in 10 or 12 years.
Paul Walter Hauser, reflecting on the fires that shaped his dream, declared: “I watched John Goodman in Barton Fink, or Paul Giamatti stealing a scene in My Best Friend’s Wedding, and I would think, That’s me in 10 or 12 years.” In these words lies the essence of aspiration: the power of seeing oneself reflected in the greatness of others, and the courage to believe that time and toil will transform vision into reality. For true destiny begins in the imagination, and it is nourished by faith and relentless effort.
The ancients too spoke of this. Young warriors looked to seasoned veterans, learning by watching their valor in battle; apprentices studied their masters, dreaming of the day their hands would shape with equal skill. Hauser’s gaze upon Goodman and Giamatti is such an act: to behold not just performance, but possibility. He did not see distance, but a mirror — and in that reflection, he glimpsed the man he was yet to become.
History offers us the story of Michelangelo, who as a boy stood in awe before the works of Donatello and Ghiberti. Though their genius seemed unapproachable, he dared to say within himself, “That shall be me in years to come.” Through discipline and devotion, he fulfilled the vision, carving David from stone and painting the vaults of the Sistine Chapel. So too does Hauser’s dream echo this eternal pattern: greatness is born from reverence, then fulfilled by labor.
Hauser’s words also remind us that inspiration often springs from unexpected places. It was not always the leading men who stirred him, but those who could “steal a scene” — artists who brought depth and fire even to the margins of the story. This reveals another truth: that one need not always command the center to shine. Character, not position, brings immortality.
Let the generations remember: see in others the path you wish to walk, and do not despise the years it will take. What you honor today may become your own tomorrow. As Paul Walter Hauser teaches through his vision, to look upon greatness with faith is the first step toward embodying it, and to labor with patience is the way by which dreams take flesh. For in time, the reflection in the mirror becomes the face of destiny fulfilled.
KHKhanh Huyenn
It’s amazing how you’re able to connect with these actors and see yourself growing into the kind of performer they are. It must take a lot of self-awareness and patience to recognize that kind of potential in yourself. Do you think it’s harder to see that potential in yourself sometimes, or do you feel like having these role models helps you stay on track?
TLThanh Le
That’s such an inspiring thought, seeing yourself in the future through the lens of other actors. It sounds like you’re both confident in your trajectory and motivated by those who have come before you. Do you feel like those moments watching those performances helped guide your own acting style or choice of roles, or was it more about reinforcing your long-term vision?
NLnghia le
It’s fascinating that you could look at performances from actors like Goodman and Giamatti and see yourself in their roles in the future. Do you feel like you’re following a similar path in your career, or has your journey taken unexpected turns that have shaped you differently from what you first imagined? How much do you think those kinds of comparisons help you shape your goals?
LMnguyen thi lan my
It's really interesting how you’re able to see a glimpse of your future in the performances of actors like John Goodman and Paul Giamatti. It shows a deep understanding of your craft and the potential you see in yourself. Do you think it's important to have role models in this way—people whose careers you admire and aspire to emulate, or do you see it more as a way to visualize your own growth?