Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
practitioner—it becomes difficult to experience the results of that creativity
simply as a consumer. Part of your experience will almost invariably involve, at
least to some degree, an analysis of the work being experienced. In becoming
a practitioner involved in the making of creative work, it is difficult to leave
behind a level of critical analysis. That I fear is part and parcel of being a
creative practitioner: You must know the tricks of your trade. Similarly, with
acting there are techniques and methods that are perhaps appreciated by
other performers that the ordinary consumer is blissfully unaware of. Whether
this insider knowledge makes for a richer experience is open to debate.
One way you could begin to analyze performance is to initially watch a film
in its entirety and try to enjoy the experience as it was intended—as an
entertainment. Do not start to pull the film apart at this stage; just watch.
Having experienced the entire thing, you can then make a start in analyzing it
by giving some very general thought to the relationships depicted in the film
and the emotional dynamics between the actors. Try to identify the particular
emotional traits and personalities of the characters. Begin to ask questions
about the main characters. Why did they behave in such a manner to a given
situation? How did the interaction between the individual personalities
contribute to the behavior? How did the behavior of each character shift
throughout the narrative?
Choose a sequence from the film, preferably one with a dynamic arc that
demonstrates a change of behavior or thinking in more than one character.
For this purpose I often recommend the sequence in
Toy Story
in which Buzz
Lightyear and Woody first meet on Andy's bed.
The sequence starts with Buzz investigating a strange and alien
environment. His inquisitiveness turns initially to alarm when Woody
surprises him by popping up out of nowhere. This action results in extreme
caution as Buzz strikes a defensive mode, aiming a laser weapon at Woody's
head—no doubt a result of his thorough training as a space ranger. Woody,
on the other hand, is relatively relaxed though rather anxious about the
possibility of being replaced in Andy's affections by a new toy. On catching
sight of the sheriff's badge on Woody's vest, Buzz immediately relaxes; he
now sees not a threat but a fellow law enforcement enforcer. Unfortunately
Woody's anxiety is a little less easily dispelled. When the other toys join the
pair on the bed, Buzz takes it into his own hands to protect Woody from this
newly perceived threat by throwing him to the ground and protecting him
with his own body.
You may find it a useful exercise to ask yourself some questions about this
sequence:
• What is the emotional state of each character as he begins the sequence,
and how are these states made evident through the characters' actions,
expressions, and dialogue?
• How does the emotional dynamic between the characters shift during the
sequence?
