Chapter 540 Stereotype
Fourteen times NG.
What Anson needs to think about is not only his own performance, but also the director's creative intention and the status of the entire work.
In the movie "Elephant", Gus did not attempt to tell a complete narrative, but only intercepted a section of the school's daily life, those incomplete, ongoing states with no answers and no direction, ten Thirty minutes of an ordinary morning at the age of seven, then came to an abrupt end.
From the perspective of the creative intention of the entire film, this is the effect Gus hopes to achieve: no context, and similarly, no future.
When the audience is offended, shocked and hurt, when the audience perceives the incompleteness of the story or characters - when the fate of the characters is unreasonably interrupted, then it proves that Gus has achieved his goal.
So.
After entering the performance state, everything is natural and smooth. Anson surrenders himself to his intuition, completely leaving reason and thinking behind. When the performance is about to end, he steps on the brakes, I controlled myself and did not continue with my past performance habits.
This is Anson’s understanding.
Now that the shooting is over, Anson needs to confirm with the director.
There was a look of satisfaction in Gus's eyes, and he nodded gently, "Your intuition is correct."
"If he showed a smile and a look of relief at the end, it would be another NG. . ”
“Of course, I know that in other movies, this kind of context and arc is the correct way to perform. I have also expected such a performance before. Trust me, your understanding is correct; But in this work, I want to break this concept and explore a new lens language.”
“What I need is a state, an ongoing process, not a linear context. It’s just a cross section, just stay here.”
“Perfect.”
"This means that you finally understand my creative intention and the character's status. You are now in the most perfect position, and I will not want to change any detail."
"Just as I just said As I said, everything is fine.”
That’s it.
Anson raised his chin slightly, "Okay, I understand, I just need to confirm."
Gus hesitated for a moment, but finally said, "You did a good job .”
Anson was stunned, "Director, you just said that."
Gus, "I know. I just want to tell you that you are an excellent actor."
This It was something Anson didn't expect.
Gus is very honest, "Honestly, I didn't expect it myself. It was far beyond my expectations."
"You have ideas and are willing to study the character. If you encounter confusion or confusion, , you are willing to speak out, face your weaknesses and shortcomings openly, and communicate openly and honestly.”
"This kind of honesty is not easy for actors who are narcissistic and proud."
Actors are often self-centered.
From a certain perspective, they need such a self, because this is the basis for them to explore the role and awaken themselves. Without such a self, they often cannot become good actors.
But from another perspective, such a self may become an obstacle to communication between actors and directors.
Because of this, many actors are stubborn and stubborn, refusing to communicate and change, which makes them a disharmonious factor in the cooperation of the crew.
This was also what Gus was most worried about before the filming of "Elephant" began.
Maybe Anson used to be humble and friendly, and the cooperation between the "Spider-Man" crew and the "Cat and Mouse Game" crew was particularly smooth; but things are different now.
First of all, the success of "Spider-Man" gave Anson his first taste of fame.
Secondly, "Elephant" is a small crew, and Anson is the star of the show.
Various factors mean that Anson’s position on the crew is different. Even the director Gus may not be able to control the scene. Once Anson assumes a big-name posture, it may be a disaster.
Tossing and turning, repeating, worrying. At some point, Gus began to reflect on himself. Why did he agree to Anson's role in "Elephant"? It would be better to just use ordinary student actors.
At certain moments, Gus secretly encouraged himself. If Anson acted like a big star, the worst would happen, and he would kick Anson out of the crew directly, even though "Gus-Van" -Sant" is not an important name in Hollywood, but he is not a random unknown either.
However.
What I was worried about didn’t happen.
Not only not, but the opposite is true. Surprises come one after another, far exceeding expectations. Now it seems that Anson's joining should be a blessing, ensuring that Gus can take risks and try according to his own ideas, giving "Elephant" this movie A whole new meaning, chasing those ambitions.
This made Gus a little embarrassed.
He thought that he owed Anson an apology. Sure enough, stereotypes kill people. It has nothing to do with age or status. Narrow ideas may make them ugly.
But then I thought, instead of apologizing, it would be better to praise.
From every aspect, Anson deserves praise.
Gus didn't hold back.
“I like your candor.”
“Of course, more importantly, after effective communication, you can show your best to meet the director’s requirements. I have no reason to find fault. "
"In fact, I need to praise your work, although like everyone else, I see the appearance first when I see you; but I really like your performance."
< br>"Maybe, you should be more confident. You deserve it."
This is the first time.
This was the first time someone praised Anson in person. Although every previous filming process was very pleasant, and Anson could feel the goodwill from the crew; but the actual praise was still different, giving Anson recognition.
Anson became a little more reserved.
In his previous life, he really couldn't remember the last time he was praised. He had almost forgotten how it felt to be praised and affirmed.
It was as if a ball of marshmallow was swelling in my chest, warm, sweet, gentle, and the colorful colors became brighter little by little.
Anson's expression was slightly awkward, but he still showed a big smile, "Director, should I be more confident? Are you sure?"
Actors, the most narcissistic group of people, their ego and arrogance It's unimaginable.
Gus immediately heard the undertone of Anson's self-deprecation, and a smile appeared in his eyes, "Believe me, I have seen some actors who have bigger egos than they imagined, and they refuse to admit it."
“Your ego is nothing at all. It’s nothing compared to a small one. It doesn’t matter if it grows a little bit bigger.”
The smile on the corner of Anson’s mouth also rose, “Shh, I’ll tell Matt Confidential.”
Matt Damon:? ? ?
There was a smile in Gus's eyes, "Although I just talked about Ben, but..." He also put his finger on his lips, "Shh."
Ben-Ah Fleck: I didn't offend you!
Then.
Gus didn't stay any longer, "We should prepare for the next scene."
Without a doubt, this was Anson's most special shoot to date.
Is it difficult? It can even be said to be simple. The actors are indeed allowed to express themselves freely. There are no lines or framework restrictions. They can complete the performance according to the actor's own ideas.
It is not easy to say that it is simple. It is undoubtedly a completely different challenge. It will completely break and subvert Anson's understanding of performance and characters, experience a new way of shooting, and re-examine the art form of film. .
When Darren Star called him, it was definitely something Anson didn't expect.
(End of this chapter)