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?
Mon, 14 May 2001, 12:21 amWalter Plinge
> What if, however, Actor 1 was better than Actor 2?
My example stands on the assumption that he is not, and so the question is irrelevant.
> Actor 2 may have been cast for the 147th time as a tragic loser purely
> because of their outward presentation.
So if he's sick of it, why is he auditioning for Willy Loman?
> As far as I'm concerned, casting on the basis of personality is a
> raw deal for all concerned.
Including the audience?
Something to ponder:
Dustin Hoffman was offered Hannibal Lecter. He turned it down because he said he was "wrong" for the role.
Do you think he would have been as good in it as Anthony Hopkins? Or was Hopkins' natural demeanor of calm, elegant intensity one of Lecter's best attributes?
In other words, what did Hopkins _himself_ bring to the role that Hoffman wouldn't have?
There is no doubt Hoffman would have been a brilliant Lecter, had he taken the role. But it would have been an entirely different performance, because they are entirely different people.
> Amanda 'Tired of Playing Aggressive Bitches/Sluts/Whores' Chesterton
Fear not, milady... I have plans for you.
peace,
D.M.
My example stands on the assumption that he is not, and so the question is irrelevant.
> Actor 2 may have been cast for the 147th time as a tragic loser purely
> because of their outward presentation.
So if he's sick of it, why is he auditioning for Willy Loman?
> As far as I'm concerned, casting on the basis of personality is a
> raw deal for all concerned.
Including the audience?
Something to ponder:
Dustin Hoffman was offered Hannibal Lecter. He turned it down because he said he was "wrong" for the role.
Do you think he would have been as good in it as Anthony Hopkins? Or was Hopkins' natural demeanor of calm, elegant intensity one of Lecter's best attributes?
In other words, what did Hopkins _himself_ bring to the role that Hoffman wouldn't have?
There is no doubt Hoffman would have been a brilliant Lecter, had he taken the role. But it would have been an entirely different performance, because they are entirely different people.
> Amanda 'Tired of Playing Aggressive Bitches/Sluts/Whores' Chesterton
Fear not, milady... I have plans for you.
peace,
D.M.
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