aro0823, Benjamin

“An actor is supposed to be startled by a knock at the door. If his reaction is not satisfactory, the director can resort to an expedient… have a shot fired behind him… the frightened reaction can be shot and cut into the screen version.”
I had never previously considered the difference between screen acting and stage acting, and how much less talent is required for performance on film. Whereas in theater the actor is the primary focus, left vulnerable to all eyes watching every motion, in film the actor must share the spotlight with the art of film itself. The art of film requires an eye for camera angle and lighting, for post-production cutting and splicing. Film audiences are told what to focus upon, thus becoming distracted, “absent-minded examiners (33).” In contrast, theater audiences have the freedom to pay attention to whatever aspects of the performance interest them the most. They are active critics, choosing to absorb and analyze both the compelling and the non-compelling actions and storylines.
To continue the comparison, I cannot help but associate the above quotation with the hit HBO television show “Entourage.” In one episode, ‘tv star’ Johnny Drama is having trouble making the appropriate facial expression his director wants. The director shoots cut after cut, but is still displeased with the result.s Finally, a stage-hand enters and tells Drama something that embarrass him, thus resulting in the desired facial expression. The director gets the shot he wants and the show continues on accordingly.
What interests me is why the film industry is so substantially more lucrative than the theater industry. Film stars are engrossed in the “cult of personality” and thus have no real aura; merely an aura that publicists feel the audience members will be receptive toward. Actors, on the other hand, must deliver a show perfectly and connect in person with audience members simultaneously. The latter demonstrates real talent. The former demonstrates a pretty face and an absent minded consumer base.