Scene hog

Posted by Lewis on November 28, 2005

In Reply to: Scene hog posted by Smokey Stover on November 28, 2005

: : What does the phrase 'scene hog' mean?

: With no context to the contrary, it would mean an actor who consistently tries to upstage the other actors, or in other ways put the focus on himself as often as possible. It's not quite the same as "scene stealer" because many actors steal the scene inadvertently, by force of personality or acting virtuosity or excellence.

I watched a documentary about "The Magnificent Seven" and there was an ongoing problem between Steve McQueen and Yul Brynner. Yul was supposed to be the lead man, but Steve wanted the attention. If you watch the film, you will regularly see McQueen draw attention to himself in scenes which Brynner is supposed to be the focus. It was often just playing with a prop, but the movement draws attention from Brynner. Yul apparently never wanted to work with McQueen again.
Sounds like quite a bit of screen-hoggery.