1. In the 8th section of the discussion, Walter Benjamin states that one of the disadvantages to a film actor contrary to a stage actor is the use of optic angles and the idea of acting via the means of a camera. He states that the positioning of the cameras for a film actor gives him less advantage to move in his own manner. However, thinking about it, a big part of a scene for a stage actor's performances is the choreography. A stage actor himself is positioned and placed in the correct spots so that it would look more appealing to the audience. I don't quite see a difference between these two, however what do you all have to think on the matter?
2. “The film actor,” wrote Pirandello, “feels as if in exile – exiled not
only from the stage but also from himself. With a vague sense of
discomfort he feels inexplicable emptiness: his body loses its
corporeality, it evaporates, it is deprived of reality, life, voice, and
the noises caused by his moving about, in order to be changed into a
mute image, flickering an instant on the screen, then vanishing into
silence .... The projector will play with his shadow before the public,
and he himself must be content to play before the camera.”
I read this specific section in the 9th section of Benjamin's article. His statements on the life a film actor are very cynical, but I can't deny that I find this quote to be fairly accurate. With film actors nowadays, people don't just monitor their acting in movies but also their actions and mistakes in real life. In a way, these actors could have no privacy at all. What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree on the matter?
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