In a world of professional editors, executive producers and runway model ‘actors’, the modern age is speeding, towards a different direction. However, are we leaving behind our humble roots, dating back to Stanislavski’s era?
Stanislavski’s methodology fascinated me, as an actor and a person. The emergence of realism, demonstrating actions and objectives and, the ability to release bodily tension, through relaxation and concentration, are a few aspects I learned. I was pleasantly surprised to discover acting, was more than just reciting lines, on a pedestal. It’s learning about the unique connections of the human condition: psychophysics, mind-body-spirit, the ‘sixth’ sense of the imagination and, the regular five senses but heightened. Not
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There are many thoughts, surrounding the brand of an ‘actor’, in the twenty-first century, that we lose sight of what’s important. Acting is more than a mere profession. If the quintessential 'dream’ is capitalising skill, paradoxically, some ‘superstar’ actors wouldn't have rose to fame, on the silver screen. They carry forward the essentials of acting, be it theatre or film. The stark contrasts are connected. Many actors start from the theatre platform, and transitioned into the film scene. Theatrics demand co-operation and co-ordination with your co-actors, in front of a live audience. This cultivates your raw talent. One single mistake can destroy the momentum of the play. Film allows room for ‘error’, as the director calls for multiple takes and sneaky editors crop out the ‘bad’ parts. The product is polished and refined; the calibre thespians strive for, using theatrics. Notwithstanding, no amount of editing can help in LCA (Less Crappy Acting). Bad acting is bad acting. We can tell when the actor is unconfident, or not doing much. A close-up of the actor's face, with narration playing in the background, is not acting. Neither is, wearing fancy costumes and standing in front of a green screen. Those aren't pragmatic acting strategies. There’s a clear difference. This is where Stanislavski’s works