Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Action
Action refers to a type of animated movement that we can associate directly
with a particular object or thing. In this type of movement we can see the
way things behave when affected by external forces. We can see the action
of waves on water, leaves on the trees being blown by the breeze, or the
way objects fall. Consider the behavior of balls made from different kinds of
material as they roll along a surface. Each one would a demonstrate different
action, depending on a range of circumstances: its size, mass, shape, the
material it's made of, flexibility, and so on.
Animation
Animation is a type of movement that is instigated from within a particular
animal. This type of movement carries some degree of intention; an animal
considers moving and then undertakes that movement because of the
original intention and not simply as a result of external forces. The nature of
the movement will be determined by the motivating factor. The complexity
and variety of such animated movements are enormous. The big difference
between animation and action is that animation is an intentional motion,
whereas action is a consequential motion.
Acting
The highest category of animated action is acting. Acting movements are
determined by the subject's psychological conditions. Not only are such
movements also subject to the laws of nature, as with actions; they are
intentionally undertaken (as in animation) but they are also motivated by
thinking and the emotional condition of the subject. This is the foundation of
performance and acting.
We already covered some of this concept in the chapter on the principles of
animation, but I think it is worth repeating here.
Analyzing the Moving Image
The best way to study motion is to look at motion, but unless this is done
through keen observation and an understanding of what we are looking at,
we are likely to remain passive viewers, not observers. There is a big difference
between the two. There are two separate ways of analyzing the moving
image: one, through first-hand observation, being there as the movement
happens, and the other, the analysis of a recorded action. Both methods have
advantages, and if possible both should be undertaken.
It could be argued that first-hand observation allows for a fuller appreciation
of the overall three-dimensional actions of a subject as it moves through
space, without any of the depth of image compromised, as happens when
the action is captured on film or video, essentially two-dimensional formats.
However, first-hand observation demands a great deal of concentration, and
if a given action is not repeated, much of the important detail of an action
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