I know a lot of folks will be watching the 85th annual Academy Awards show on TV this weekend. I must admit that I have only a casual interest in who wins what. 
I've only seen one of the nominated movies for Best Picture ("Lincoln") but I hope to see the some of the others on commercial TV, cable or Netflix.
This may sound crazy, but other than Best Picture, I think the only other awards that truly merit consideration are those in the non-acting categories such as director, cinematography, costume design, visual effects, and writing.
As for acting, it's simply part of the finished product. How many takes did it take for an actor to nail a scene? What about the lighting? Maybe the sound? If those elements aren't right, then perhaps the words coming out of the actor's mouth, or even his movements, are minimized or overlooked. The actor is simply a small part of the whole.
If an actor blows a scene on camera, it will be redone until it's right (at least in the director's eyes). For those who attend stage plays, if an actor messes up, it's there for everyone in the audience to see. The actor can only fix the problem in the next production of the play.
That's not to say I don't appreciate good acting. I just think so much rides in the hands of the director and production crew that the acting element is overrated when the film reaches the silver screen.
Your thoughts?
Until the next time...
I totally agree with you Michael, the work of writers, artist and directors is often underrated. a good script really doesn´t much to touch us or inspire us, actors are there just to sell tickets ... but the magic of movies truly reside in the hands and minds of people we never see on screen, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, i enjoy your blog a lot :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth. It seems we view movies the same way.
ReplyDeleteI rarely go to the movies and I really don't get caught up in the Oscars. I would like to see Lincoln, though. Yes, I do agree that the actor is only as good as the director.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you, Sandie. I seldom go to movie theaters unless dragged there by my wife. And the Oscars are more glitz and glamour for those who idolize or admire actors and actresses. I won't be watching it tomorrow night.
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