Sunday 31 July 2011

Casting and Attraction

When you're first attracted to a woman, you think she's the greatest. Not only is she the sexiest person you've ever met, with a fabulous set of morals, but she seems so wise, talented and thoughtful.

When you find the perfect actor: they share many of these qualities.

Now, if the role you're casting is of the gender/type you're naturally attracted too -- there's a very real chance you'll be meeting some fascinating and beautiful people.

So you sit in an audition and in come the most beautiful women you've ever seen. And every now and then, there'll be one you like. One you click with.

Cameron Crowe once said: you have to be in love with your leading lady otherwise how can you expect your audience to be?

Here's the problem: put a beautiful woman in front of a straight man and he can't think straight. No exceptions.

If two women walk in, and one you find extremely attractive- how does that mess up your instincts? Is casting like relationships-- where you start off thinking it's magic and then two months later realise she's the devil?

How often have you seen a film with a sexy woman who can't act? Too often. Especially when you watch upcoming short filmmakers. It could be the director trying to make his film appeal to teenage boys but it's just as likely he got a mad crush on his leading lady.

Here's my point. When we meet attractive people, we project qualities onto them that aren't really there. It's nature. Film casting is not exempt from this. But how do you KNOW? How do you know for sure it's the acting you like? When you fall head over kneecaps in love with someone, you think they're a genius. You believe in them. Its human nature to believe highly of someone you're interested in.

Care to share?

3 comments:

  1. This is why you recruit an asexual to be your casting director. If only.

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  2. Och, I've reached the point to where I don't fancy anyone anymore, haven't in years, I'm obviously your perfect casting agent (and extremely cheap).

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  3. I think this is one of the reasons why casting agents have a tricky job! If they get it wrong it might even reflect on how the movie/show is received.

    But I don't think you can know. Love is blind and all that. I think if someone's ability to choose a good actor is affected in this way, maybe they need to look at the other faces in the audition. Because if they're all sitting there looking like they think this actor is shit, that's your answer. :)

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