Is acting casting?
Sat, 12 May 2001, 01:53 amWalter Plinge44 posts in thread
Is acting casting?
Sat, 12 May 2001, 01:53 amI have a theory: that acting is casting.
If a character in a play is urbane and sophisticated, then you cast an urbane and sophisticated actor. If the character is neurotic, you cast a neurotic actor. That kind of thing.
If, instead of asking a loose-hipped type to play a starched collar, or an intellectual to play an ignorant, uneducated type, a director were to cast actors who are as close as possible to type, how different do you think it would make the process of working and playing the piece?
How many actors can actually play anything? And how many are only good within a limited range of roles? And can a director justify casting their play entirely with "types", who match -- IRL -- some or all of the characteristics of the people they're playing?
I had thought of making this a poll, but I think it's better served in this forum, where lengthy dissertations -- in either direction -- can be offered.
I look forward to a substantial, thought-provoking debate,
peace,
David M.
If a character in a play is urbane and sophisticated, then you cast an urbane and sophisticated actor. If the character is neurotic, you cast a neurotic actor. That kind of thing.
If, instead of asking a loose-hipped type to play a starched collar, or an intellectual to play an ignorant, uneducated type, a director were to cast actors who are as close as possible to type, how different do you think it would make the process of working and playing the piece?
How many actors can actually play anything? And how many are only good within a limited range of roles? And can a director justify casting their play entirely with "types", who match -- IRL -- some or all of the characteristics of the people they're playing?
I had thought of making this a poll, but I think it's better served in this forum, where lengthy dissertations -- in either direction -- can be offered.
I look forward to a substantial, thought-provoking debate,
peace,
David M.
RE: Is acting casting?
Sun, 13 May 2001, 10:42 amI reckon you've got it wrong with the line:
"But who will be more believable in the role... the actor who shares personality traits with the character, or the one who doesn't?"
If the actor understands the character they're playing it shouldn't matter who the actor is, the actor should leave their own personality in the dressing room. If directors give good descriptions of their visions for characters during auditions, good actors should be able to provide a "believable" audition.
Besides, if you don't know the person auditioning how can you judge if they share personality traits with the character.
This concept breeds nepotism.
"But who will be more believable in the role... the actor who shares personality traits with the character, or the one who doesn't?"
If the actor understands the character they're playing it shouldn't matter who the actor is, the actor should leave their own personality in the dressing room. If directors give good descriptions of their visions for characters during auditions, good actors should be able to provide a "believable" audition.
Besides, if you don't know the person auditioning how can you judge if they share personality traits with the character.
This concept breeds nepotism.
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