When is something detailed and when is it just muddy?
As actors we want complex work. We want layers and intricacy in the characters we portray- this is the stuff that mirrors real life most accurately.
We don’t, however, want things to be muddy.
I’m wondering about the difference.
What makes something muddy, unclear and imprecise? And what makes it complex, layered and intricate?
Real life can look and feel messy- so art should as well, right?
Well I think art is actually different to life. Aaron Sorkin said he’d been criticized for the dialogue he writes as it doesn’t feel ‘authentic’.
He retorted that real life can be boring- we don’t want to watch a couple of guys discuss what pizza they’re going to get.
Art is framed. We show this moment- not that.
Art is crafted. We need to be able to understand it to digest it and be moved by it.
So yes, be muddy. But be clear in your muddiness; certain of the uncertainties.
Don’t let yourself off the hook- are you being lazy or have you orchestrated this?
There is always room for us to ask deeper and find more.
How cool.
