I would like to know your opinions on the greatest actors/moments in film.
My questions are
1. What is it that stuck out specifically about the performance? Eyes, movement, beats, editing, character, voice, attraction, identifiable? What exactly pulled you in to a specific moment?
2. Do you have a favorite director?
Is it their style, ability to tell a great story, getting the best out of actors, hidden clues, perspectives? What is noticable about their work that stands out?
3. Would you rather attach an actor that doesn't fit the role exactly for funding? Or go with amazing acting & figure out how to get it funded later?
Thanks for your time and insight!
Harlan W Groom
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1- Marion Cotillard in La Vie en Rose, master one-shot like 4 minute scene https://youtu.be/SudMcKbqso0 at 2mins how she goes from A to B is fantastic. May not be really one shot but it's good anyway.
2 - James Cameron comes to mind but not necessarily my favorite. Dude is always doing something epic. Also, the Wachowskis.
3- Depends what you mean by the actor not fitting the role. If they are a bad physical fit, sure maybe. But if they are incapable of portraying a satisfactory character then maybe not.
Good questions.
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2. I would say Steven Spielberg. For one, he has a W I D E range of work. He's done, horror (Jaws), war (Saving Private Ryan), kid's movies (The Goonies, E.T.), sci-fi (Close Encounters of the Third Kind), adventure (Indiana Jones films), etc. The way he shoots these films, the actors he chooses, the camera techniques he uses all make him great. Just watching one of his films would be a master class on it's own.
3. Get an amazing actor first, worry about funding later. On "Inside the Actor's Studio", Robin Williams (R.I.P.) stated that he drastically dropped his price for "Good Will Hunting" because it wasn't about milking it for as much money as you could but that it was about getting something that good made. On the other hand, George Clooney did do "Batman & Robin". My point is that you can have an actor just for the funding, but that doesn't mean the film will be a success. What's meant to be will always be.
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I am fond of a closeup with a hesitant reflective stare. It allows the viewer a small window into their own contemplative states.
These questions say a lot about who you are.
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Pamala.. You are well versed in film. Those are great classic examples.
Thank You all for your insights! I am putting together study materials for a class. Rewatching all your suggestions now, I appreciate it!
It all depends on the scene and how it fits/impacts the storyline. You just have to think cinematically and sometimes the smallest detail can have a profound impact.
Heath Ledger turned in one of the greatest performances of all time as The Joker. Why? Watch it.
Laurie Metcalf in Episode 3 of "Horace and Pete." An 11 minute lockdown monologue that is riveting as she bares her soul about cheating on her husband with his father. It's honest, raw, uncompromising.
Natasha Lyonne in "Russian Doll." Her expressive face, focus, humor and hard-boiled vulnerability.
Jack Lemmon in "The Days of Wine and Roses." The scene in the violent alcoholic ward will haunt you. He left nothing on the table - complete commitment.