Conscious and Subconscious Action (Repost)
This is a repost that really makes me want to watch this movie again! :-)
A long time ago, I watched The Book of Eli, a futuristic/post-apocalyptic type movie that really fascinated me. I highly recommend it!
The main character, Eli, in particular was intriguing.
As I watched, I realized how deeply his characterization was based in subconscious and conscious action. The actor (I think it was Denzel Washington?) pulled off the characterization and hooked the viewer by using the smallest details to portray emotion.
The writers or producer or maybe it was the actor himself used subconscious and conscious action to make the character come alive.
For example, in the movie Eli is traveling when he hears screams. He hides behind something and mutters to himself over and over, "There's nothing I can do." This is a conscious action not to help. He is choosing to remove himself from the situation. His repetition is subconscious though. He's trying to convince himself that it's true...or he's trying to comfort himself. Either way, we feel the weight of his guilt.
Later in the movie, a female protagonist enters the story. She is also almost raped and this time Eli helps her. When she cries, he moves forward and then stops himself. When she hugs him, the camera pans in and I notice he does NOT hug her back. Those are subconscious actions that reflect his internal turmoil.
When we create characters in situations, these tiny details will really show who a character is. The details themselves may not be noticed by a reader or viewer, but their impact is felt.
How do you use gestures and thoughts to deepen your character? How would you describe your main character, and how do you reinforce that personality/character trait in each scene? Do you have any specific quirks or impulses that appear in your daily life and give a clue to who you are?
The main character, Eli, in particular was intriguing.
As I watched, I realized how deeply his characterization was based in subconscious and conscious action. The actor (I think it was Denzel Washington?) pulled off the characterization and hooked the viewer by using the smallest details to portray emotion.
The writers or producer or maybe it was the actor himself used subconscious and conscious action to make the character come alive.
For example, in the movie Eli is traveling when he hears screams. He hides behind something and mutters to himself over and over, "There's nothing I can do." This is a conscious action not to help. He is choosing to remove himself from the situation. His repetition is subconscious though. He's trying to convince himself that it's true...or he's trying to comfort himself. Either way, we feel the weight of his guilt.
Later in the movie, a female protagonist enters the story. She is also almost raped and this time Eli helps her. When she cries, he moves forward and then stops himself. When she hugs him, the camera pans in and I notice he does NOT hug her back. Those are subconscious actions that reflect his internal turmoil.
When we create characters in situations, these tiny details will really show who a character is. The details themselves may not be noticed by a reader or viewer, but their impact is felt.
How do you use gestures and thoughts to deepen your character? How would you describe your main character, and how do you reinforce that personality/character trait in each scene? Do you have any specific quirks or impulses that appear in your daily life and give a clue to who you are?
Comments
This is something I'm conscious of (or hope I am) when I write. Hopefully I manage to do it as effectively as shown in your examples. :)
But yes, using a meaningful gesture is so much more powerful than something like "he smiled," unless he's smiling at a funeral. ;)
I do use gestures and thoughts in my writing - so important. The can speak volumes if written the right way.
I'm sure I have quirk or several...lol.
Stina, I hope I can do it too! lol
Lindsay, so true. I have revisions and I really need to clamp down and figure how to use this to my advantage.
Agree, Sandra!
Me too, Jennifer. I know I use "smiled" WAY too much.
Now I'm going to take a look at my characters and try to get their internal conflict to show up on the outside. Thanks, Jessica!
I'm not sure I would be able to get all of these subtle characteristics into play.
Cindy, me too.
Melissa, you all are making me think about joining that group...they sound awesome.
Hahaaa, that's too funny, Georgiana!
It's funny how the little things sometimes mean the most.
Hey Brandi, doesn't he always do a great job? *grin*
Nancy, I don't know that I could either. It was very well done.
LOL Susan! I promise I know what you mean...it's easy to talk about, hard to do.
Sandra, I agree! That twist at the end was incredible too.