Bibliograph

Why acting matters, David Thomson

Type

Label

Why acting matters, David Thomson

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 169-175) and index

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Why acting matters

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

886493461

Responsibility statement

David Thomson

Series statement

Why X matters

Summary

Does acting matter? David Thomson, one of our most respected and insightful writers on movies and theater, answers this question with intelligence and wit. In this fresh and thought-provoking essay, Thomson tackles this most elusive of subjects, examining the allure of the performing arts for both the artist and the audience member while addressing the paradoxes inherent in acting itself. He reflects on the casting process, on stage versus film acting, and on the cult of celebrity. The art and considerable craft of such gifted artists as Meryl Streep, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Daniel Day-Lewis, and others are scrupulously appraised here, as are notions of "good" and "bad" acting. Thomson's exploration is at once a meditation on and a celebration of a unique and much beloved, often misunderstood, and occasionally derided art form. He argues that acting not only "matters" but is essential and inescapable, as well as dangerous, chronic, transformative, and exhilarating, be it on the theatrical stage, on the movie screen, or as part of our everyday lives

Table Of Contents

Towards the end of the day -- Twilight -- A moment later -- That night -- Epilogue

Classification