Working with Actors: Part 1
(Personality Traits)
Peter D. Marshall
The first time a director works with an actor
is usually during the casting session. I will talk more about the
actual casting process next issue, but today I want to discuss what you
need to know before you enter the casting room.
One of the first things I do before a casting
session is to make a note of each character's personality traits - the
inner patterns and workings of their psyche.
Because all individuals have personality
traits, knowing what type of person you are dealing with is an
important first step to understanding the inner world of a character -
and the actor!
(NOTE: I have gathered the following
information from several different sources during the past ten years -
and unfortunately, I no longer remember who wrote the original
material.)
There are four main functions of the psyche and
each approaches reality from a different point of view and with a
different question - each holds onto a different part of reality.
The four functions of the psyche are:
1) Intuition
2) Thinking
3) Feeling
4) Sensation
Each of these four functions can operate in two
areas:
1) Extrovert - energy flowing towards the outer world
2) Introvert - energy flowing towards the inner world
And each function has a further possibility of
operating in either:
1) a positive, Conscious way (Stable)
2) a negative, Unconscious way (Unstable)
All psychological evidence so far suggests that
these two major factors, Extrovert/Introvert and
Conscious/Unconscious, are interwoven in each individual according to a
pattern - a pattern that can be graphed out.
Okay! Now what does all this mean in English!!!
It means you can create a chart that will
clearly display the four functions, and their personality traits, which
you will then be able to reference anytime.
To get a copy of this quick reference
personality chart, go to http://www.actioncutprint.com/chart.html and
print out the page.
Once you have printed out the chart, you can
then add the following descriptions of the type of people that form
each of the four functions:
1) The Intuitive Type - creative people whose
chief concern is with future possibilities; people who have a nose for
the invisible; people who can encompass a lot quickly.
2) The Thinking Type - a person whose ultimate
value is order and organization; everybody must say what they mean.
3) The Feeling Type - they have a proper
evaluation of the Cosmos and an appropriate relationship with it; they
handle their feelings expertly; they express their feelings by style;
they know the value of beauty and relationships; they need attention -
love or anger.
4) The Sensation Type - they are a master of
observing detail; they absorb impressions deeply; they are sensitive to
tastes, pain, noise, and physical sensations.
This chart will give you a clear understanding
of who your character is and what their motivations are - as well as
help you with the actor's interpretation of the character!
A good performance happens when both the inner
and outer self are portrayed. So when dealing with any character,
remember these three important words: Motive Determines Behavior!
Motive (inner-what a character thinks)
Determines
Behavior (outer-what the character
does)
| If you are a Film or
Television professional and would like to contribute your
expertise with filmmaking articles, tips or special reports, please
email me at: pdm@actioncutprint.com |
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Peter D. Marshall/www.actioncutprint.com
pdm@actioncutprint.com
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