1. How does movie acting today differ from movie acting in the 1930s through the 1960s?
Movie acting today is usually more natural and subtle. Actors try to seem like real people instead of performing in an exaggerated or theatrical way.
In the 1930s–1960s, acting was often more dramatic and expressive because of older film styles and early sound technology. Actors used bigger gestures and clearer speech so emotions and meaning were easier to understand.
2. Why is the relationship between the actor and the camera so important in making and looking
at movies?
The camera controls how the audience sees the actor. It can show small facial expressions in close-ups or show body language in wider shots.
This relationship is important because acting in movies is designed specifically for the camera. Small movements or expressions can have a big effect when filmed up close, so actors adjust their performance based on where the camera is.
3. What factors influence the casting of actors in a movie?
Casting depends on several factors:
- Physical appearance and how well an actor fits the character
- Acting ability and experience
- Chemistry with other actors
- Marketability (how popular or recognizable the actor is)
- The director’s vision for the character
4. What do you regard as the most important criteria in analyzing acting?
The most important thing is how well the actor communicates the character’s emotions, personality, and intentions.
This includes facial expressions, body language, voice, and how believable the performance feels within the film.
5. One interesting thing from Chapter 7
One interesting idea is that even very small changes in an actor’s expression or movement can completely change how a scene is understood because the camera captures everything closely.
I found this interesting because it shows that film acting is very precise, and tiny details can carry a lot of meaning.