The criteria for defining a good actor can vary depending on whether we consider it from the audience’s perspective or the performer’s viewpoint. The audience typically evaluates actors based on their believability and their ability to connect with and impact them emotionally. However, these judgments are highly subjective and influenced by individual experiences, including cultural and generational factors. What was considered convincing acting in one country during the 1950s may not hold true in another country today.
A skilled actor is someone who pays meticulous attention to the actions within a scene, effectively conveys a wide range of emotions through subtle and expressive use of their eyes, body, and voice, and delves into script analysis to make intriguing character choices that align with their role. The level of nuance required to convey these emotions can vary significantly depending on the audience and the context. For instance, one may notice that actors behave differently in comedy films targeted at children compared to serious films aimed at adults. What is appropriate in one context may appear exaggerated in another.
To illustrate this point, consider two scenes featuring Robin Williams in which he imparts his understanding of the world to a younger character. In the 1995 children’s film “Jumanji,” you can observe Robin Williams delivering a particularly dramatic performance, especially when the music intensifies at 0:38, perfectly matching the situation.
