Should more actors consider becoming multilingual?

I think it's probably better for a foreign actor to become fluent in English, if only because the zenith of the movie industry is in America, than the other way around. I certainly don't think it should be a requirement, and I've seen actors skilled in their native tongue flounder in a different one, but if they can do it, that's a good weapon in their arsenal.

This is going to sound awful coming from me and my love of foreign films and acting but in general it doesn't work out and US fans don't appreciate it - like Javier Bardem is probably the closest actor to DDL in his era, I think in many ways better - no one thinks that because English is his 2nd language - do people get how hard that is to act or direct in your 2nd language?

............and he's the exception, he won an Oscar and has had measurable success.

Huppert is the greatest French actress - I love her English work (Amateur by Hal Hartley is one of my faves) but her English work is negligible overall as is the English work of the best French male actor, Depardieu.

In general it would be great if you could do it - Keitel in Ulysses' Gaze is cool, he speaks some Greek and was made to fit the film - but it often doesn't work out and worse could seem like a stunt, it doesn't open up that many doors as we would think, sadly.

If you already can do it, it's great like Ganz, Noiret, etc could go across languages but to actually learn the language to get roles I don't think is as easy as it sounds..........

stephen - I take your point, but I would say that, as a general rule, foreign-born actors (excluding those from countries where English is the primary language) just aren't offered very interesting parts in American films. There are obvious exceptions, but you understand - I mean, how badly does Adèle Haenel want to play Thor's girlfriend?

It's hard not to think about the kind of film opportunities someone like Sigourney Weaver (or any actress of a certain age whose name isn't Dench, Mirren, Smith, or Streep...) might have had if she spoke French fluently.

And, just on a personal level, I love the idea of American actors in European productions. My kind of patriotism. 

Upon reading your post I involuntarily reached for my wallet, grabbed all my money and threw it at the screen. Must be some sort of reflex.

EVERYONE should study other languages if they can.