You know how there are just some actors that seem to permanently inhabit particular roles in Hollywood? Some may call it typecasting, whereby a new talent, as a result of a success in a particular style of movie, or unique ability, gets stuck in roles that take advantage of these characteristics. I, well I call it good business sense for companies to bank on previous successes and proven expertise. Let’s have a look at three such individuals in film

Adorable Child That All Must Love - Dakota Fanning

We went through a bit of a spell there where I couldn’t look at the upcoming releases list without seeing cute-as-a-button Fanning’s name sloshed all over the cast announcements. It seemed like no movie calling for a child actress could be made without Dakota having first dibs on it. As a result, the prodigal daughter made five movies last year, has three on the list for this year, and has already snagged lead role in Neil Gaiman’s Coraline, for 2007.

I really hope the poor thing doesn’t fizzle and burn under the gruelling schedule. The last thing we need is another child star turned down and out drug addict. Dakota! Get some sleep, enjoy your childhood, and when you reach 16, avoid horror movies!

Moody Teen/Twenty Something - Christina Ricci

Is it at all possible for her to have a role as anything other than a morose, depressed, or disturbed young person? Clingy lesbian in Monster, disgruntled teen in Ghost World, kidnap victim pseudo wife in Buffalo ‘66…the list is longer that the length of time you ever see her smiling continuosly.

My theory is that it all started with The Addams Family, where she played Wednesday with such deadened effectiveness that directors probably began clamouring to get her on board ‘kids with problems’ projects. She was a natural choice for lead in the adaptation of Elizabeth Wertzel’s Prozac Nation, and an accomplished drifter in 1999’s No Vacany.

This isn’t to say that Ricci is a bad actress, not at all, just that I wish she’d spread her wings a little bit and try something new. Like being happy.

Dashingly Handsome Blond Macho Man - Rutger Hauer

I remember Erin’s mother forcing us both to watch Lady Hawke when I was but a wee gecko, and the serious blond man on the ridiculous prancing war horse certainly caught my attention due to the high level of pheromone-infused testosterone on the screen. Hauer is the standby choice for a rugged, yet still pretty, manly man, and at the age of 62, the Dutchman has shown no signs of slowing down. Last year alone saw him in Sin City, Batman Begins, Dracula III, Mirror Wars, Poseidon Adventure and the Hunt for Eagle One. Adaptable to any genre, and both naughty and nice roles, Hauer should be enshrined as the “Ladies Macho Man”. He’s got the power and strength of Arnie and Rocky, but the face of a European aristocrat.