Acting Collaboration of Kevin Spacey and Al Pacino in Glengarry Glen Ross Play
In the world of filmmaking, David Fincher stands out for his unwavering commitment to capturing authentic human behavior. His approach, characterized by intense precision, meticulous control, and a focus on multiple takes, sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Fincher's numerous takes are driven by a desire to eliminate theatrical artifice and present natural human behavior. He is known to film an average of 25 to 65 takes per scene, significantly more than the typical director's less than 10. This repetition allows actors to relax into the scene, go beyond initial performances, and reveal deeper layers of character, contributing to a more genuine portrayal of human behavior.
The director's focus on multiple takes aligns with his perfectionism and dedication to detail. He involves himself deeply in every aspect of the production and uses digital filmmaking tools that enable him to maintain strict control over camera movement, lighting, and post-production grading. Fincher choreographs camera moves precisely with the actors’ motions, enhancing the emotional connection with the audience.
Fincher's visual style, with cold, desaturated color palettes and controlled lighting, further supports the mood and psychological depth of his films, complementing the authenticity in performance and behavior he seeks. By combining rigorous shooting practices with calculated visual design choices, Fincher creates films where the emotional and psychological realism of characters is heightened, ultimately delivering an immersive and visceral human experience.
The director's goal is to strip away theatrical artifice and present natural human behavior. Unlike film's fragmented shooting schedule, theater's continuous nature allows for the development of strong camaraderie among cast members. This unique family dynamic, built through daily interaction, can lead to powerful dramatic moments and lighthearted play. The bonds built during a theater production make the goodbye at its end particularly poignant.
In real life, people do not typically take dramatic pauses or speak with affected gravitas. Fincher promotes naturalism in acting, encouraging actors to communicate as people do - directly, efficiently, and without pretense. The question "What does this line actually mean?" can unlock entire scenes and reveal hidden layers in a scene. Great directors, including David Fincher, assist actors in stripping away excess and finding the essence of a scene.
In the realm of film, good acting remains good acting, regardless of the medium, whether it be film or theater. Fincher's approach to acting differs from traditional stylistic approaches across decades, but his dedication to capturing authentic human behavior remains a constant. His films are a testament to this commitment, offering audiences a unique and immersive cinematic experience.
Movies and television, as well as theater, can benefit from a focus on natural human behavior. Fincher's dedication to eliminating theatrical artifice is not limited to his work in filmmaking; this commitment can extend to other forms of entertainment.
David Fincher's method of filmmaking, with its emphasis on multiple takes, helps create natural performances. This approach could potentially enhance reality and authenticity in all forms of entertainment, not just movies.
