The major difference between a live act and a movie is how the camera work affects the work of the actors. “The artistic performance of a stage actor is definitely presented to the public by the actor in person; that of the screen actor, however, is presented by a camera, with a two-fold consequence (Benjamin, 7)” – a movie depends on how the camera presents the story to us, and it is up to us to see beyond what the actor is portraying.
The provided link of the movie Pursuit of Happiness, shows the leading actor, Will Smith as a helpless father trying to provide shelter for his son, without making him (the son) realize the crucial time they are both going through at that point. The opening seen views the actors at the subway station stranded in the midst of nothing. This gives the audience the entire view of the scene, giving the feeling of loneliness and vulnerability, “consequently the audience takes the position of the camera (Benajmin, 8).”
Benjamin believes that in front of the camera, the actor is only presenting himself to the camera and not anyone else, “for the film, what matters primarily is that the actor represents himself to the public before the camera, rather than representing someone else (Benajamin, 8).” In this case, it’s different than what Benjamin said, “The stage actor identifies himself with the character of his role. The film actor very often is denied this opportunity (Benjamin, 8).” As most people must know, the actors in this movie are father and son in real life as well. Therefore, at the end of the clip when people bang on the door to get into their (Will Smith and his son) “shelter” he breaks out into tears, cradles his son, stretches his leg out to hold the door shut. The camera zooms close to his face and the pain of a father is visible. His expression shows to what extent a father will go to protect his son and not let the world harm him (his son). His fatherly instincts show how much he’s into his role and it’s not just the magic of the camera.
Benjamin says, “While facing the camera he knows that ultimately he will face the public, the consumers who constitute the market. This market, where he offers not only his labor but also his whole self, his heart and soul, is beyond his reach.” In case of the movie Pursuit of Happiness is not quite true. Will Smith has touched his audience’s heart by fully indulging himself in Chris Gardener’s character and persona. During the making of the film Will has spent days with Mr. Gardener, picking up on his habits and rituals so he, Will can portray Mr. Gardener to the optimum level.
Therefore, it’s not that the audience can only relate to the actor if the show is live. Through the camera angles and the actor’s emotions the audience can relate to the actors just as much. It’s not just the magic of the camera but also the actors themselves that make movies an important part of us.
I have to say that i totally agree. In my opinion, the camera has probably the least to do with creating the character. It takes the skill of the actor of actress to portray the person clearly and vividly. Will Smith did a great job in the Pursuit of Happiness. He poured out his emotions and let the true character show. The stage may create the character "easily" because it is live and the viewers are in the presence of the actor rather than watching it through a screen, but a movie can be just as affective.
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