I was intrigued by the title of the movie since I'd read a little bit about "method acting" and am quite curious about the mind frame of acting and actors, in general. The idea is that to be a good actor, you must be able to submerge yourself into a role by becoming one with your character - in thought, behavior, and action. You assume (as best as you can, that is) the identity completely.
With this premise, the film is a pretty interesting concept, which can be watched on three levels: one, the play "Unchain" that is being rehearsed and performed within the film; two, the characters who must take up "method acting," let loose and assume the identities for the performance of this play; three, the real actors who are indeed doing "method acting" to assume the characters and in turn assume the same identities for the play. Which of the three is believable, and is it all acting - well, with regard to these questions: after watching the film, I can say that there is a missing element to "method acting," outside the control of actors but ultimately attributes to its success or failure. That element is what the film is about...you, the silent watcher, you with the choice as willing accomplice or critical call out in all this charade.
I can think of movies like Ocean's Eleven, Twelve, and others about some kind of heist or collaborative effort to "con" a stupefied audience, within and without the film. This is just like it. Do you believe the multi-level acting put on before you?
The funny part is that there's also a master and student relationship going on on the different levels. At the beginning, there's no interest whatsoever in any serious play. Then, one of them gets a signal from the other, almost like a prank - to see who can pull one over the other, maybe even outdo the other in this game - and suddenly there's now a contest, a battle of wills, to find the true master. One line says it all: "You are just another Walter, but I am the perfect Singer." On the pseudo-stage in the film, at least, I think we know who the victor, the master of the game, is.
On whether the real actors are convincing in their roles - I have to say it was a hot kiss that they shared, but take note that both their eyes were tightly closed, almost like they're afraid to look at each other. One wonders what they must be imagining, and two points off for not convincing me wholly.
With this premise, the film is a pretty interesting concept, which can be watched on three levels: one, the play "Unchain" that is being rehearsed and performed within the film; two, the characters who must take up "method acting," let loose and assume the identities for the performance of this play; three, the real actors who are indeed doing "method acting" to assume the characters and in turn assume the same identities for the play. Which of the three is believable, and is it all acting - well, with regard to these questions: after watching the film, I can say that there is a missing element to "method acting," outside the control of actors but ultimately attributes to its success or failure. That element is what the film is about...you, the silent watcher, you with the choice as willing accomplice or critical call out in all this charade.
I can think of movies like Ocean's Eleven, Twelve, and others about some kind of heist or collaborative effort to "con" a stupefied audience, within and without the film. This is just like it. Do you believe the multi-level acting put on before you?
The funny part is that there's also a master and student relationship going on on the different levels. At the beginning, there's no interest whatsoever in any serious play. Then, one of them gets a signal from the other, almost like a prank - to see who can pull one over the other, maybe even outdo the other in this game - and suddenly there's now a contest, a battle of wills, to find the true master. One line says it all: "You are just another Walter, but I am the perfect Singer." On the pseudo-stage in the film, at least, I think we know who the victor, the master of the game, is.
On whether the real actors are convincing in their roles - I have to say it was a hot kiss that they shared, but take note that both their eyes were tightly closed, almost like they're afraid to look at each other. One wonders what they must be imagining, and two points off for not convincing me wholly.
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