At the end of the day, a character is fully created when it is no longer seen as a character, but a person. But how do we make this change? Where do we get the necessary information and tools to make this possible?
A)from our own experience.
B)from observation.
C)from research.
D)from our imagination.
This is the last of a four week series in which we will look at all these tools: today we look at imagination
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IMAGINATION
What happens, when experience is lacking, observation is impossible, and research doesnt exist? Imagination comes into play. As actors read a script for instance, their mind starts to form these characters weather they are realistic or not. And after a couple more times reading, they start to "see" this character. Anthony Hopkins once said:
"I read a script atleast 200 times when I take on a movie. Not because after the 20th I dont know it by heart already, but because after the 50th, I can see how this character moves, and after 100 times, I start to hear his voice, and after the 150th time my imagination starts to actually alter or adjust the character to myself."
Its as simple as picturing what this character feels like. And yes, due to the lack of experience, possible research and observation your guess may be way off. Maybe he is a quiet reserved person in the eyes of the director but you see him as an assured and confident person. But one thing is guaranteed; your performance will still be good. The CD can always ask you to alter those things. The script may be so vague, or your part so small, there really isnt much to go on. But as long as you commit to your point of view, and transmit what in your mind seems like this persons charisma, then you will at the very least be presented as a professional and good actor. Imagination, at the end of the day, IS OUR MOST POWERFUL TOOL as actors.
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