compare/contrast paper between two actors in different times. Students will watch one of the movies from the list below (years 1980 to now). After watching the actor in the more recent films listed below, the student will then choose an actor/film from an older film provided in the Film Response # 1 or 2 lists–years 1920 to 1979 (that you did not write about before) and watch that film. The objective is to compose a paper comparing and contrasting the two actor’s acting style, and believability. You can do some brief cited research on the actors training if you would like but it is not necessary. The important thing is to focus on what similarities or differences you see in each actor by watching each film. Did you believe or prefer one actor to the other? Again, this is a comparison of the actors not the characters they portray and it is important we see you own reaction in the paper. Minimum word requirement is 600 to 750 words, but feel free to expand if needed. Research is not necessary but if you do include please cite properly!

QUESTION

compare/contrast paper between two actors in different times. Students will watch one of the movies from the list below (years 1980 to now). After watching the actor in the more recent films listed below, the student will then choose an actor/film from an older film provided in the Film Response # 1 or 2 lists–years 1920 to 1979 (that you did not write about before) and watch that film. The objective is to compose a paper comparing and contrasting the two actor’s acting style, and believability. You can do some brief cited research on the actors training if you would like but it is not necessary. The important thing is to focus on what similarities or differences you see in each actor by watching each film. Did you believe or prefer one actor to the other? Again, this is a comparison of the actors not the characters they portray and it is important we see you own reaction in the paper. Minimum word requirement is 600 to 750 words, but feel free to expand if needed. Research is not necessary but if you do include please cite properly!

ANSWER

 A Tale of Two Actors: A Comparison of Acting Styles and Believability across Different Eras

Introduction

In the realm of cinema, actors play a crucial role in bringing characters to life and captivating audiences. Their acting styles and believability can vary significantly, influenced by their training, experiences, and the era in which they perform. This paper aims to compare and contrast the acting styles and believability of two actors from different times: one from the years 1980 to the present, and the other from the years 1920 to 1979. By analyzing their performances in selected films, we will delve into the similarities and differences in their acting approaches and explore personal preferences.

Actor from 1980 to the present: Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is an iconic actor known for his versatile roles and genuine on-screen presence. His extensive filmography includes critically acclaimed performances in movies like “Forrest Gump” (1994), “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), and “Cast Away” (2000). Hanks’s acting style is often characterized by his ability to effortlessly portray complex emotions and create relatable characters.

Believability and Acting Style of Tom Hanks

Hanks’s acting style is rooted in naturalism, emphasizing subtlety and authenticity in his performances. He possesses the remarkable ability to draw audiences into his characters’ experiences, making them feel genuinely connected to the story. This is evident in his portrayal of Forrest Gump, where he convincingly embodies the innocence and vulnerability of the titular character.

Hanks’s believability stems from his dedication to understanding and immersing himself in the roles he takes on. He often undergoes extensive research and preparation, ensuring that he captures the essence of his characters. For instance, in “Philadelphia” (1993), he dedicated time to understanding the struggles faced by people living with HIV/AIDS, resulting in a deeply moving and authentic portrayal.

Actor from 1920 to 1979: Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando, one of the most influential actors of his time, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Known for his iconic performances in films such as “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951), “The Godfather” (1972), and “Apocalypse Now” (1979), Brando revolutionized the acting landscape with his intense method acting approach (Walker, 2021).

Believability and Acting Style of Marlon Brando

Brando’s acting style was characterized by his commitment to the Method, a technique that involved immersing oneself emotionally in a character’s experiences. He sought to convey the inner turmoil and complexities of his characters through raw and intense performances. In “On the Waterfront” (1954), Brando’s portrayal of Terry Malloy showcases his ability to bring a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth to the screen.

Brando’s believability stemmed from his ability to tap into his own personal experiences and emotions. He strived to evoke genuine responses by blurring the lines between his own self and the characters he played (Reconceptualizing Screen Performance on JSTOR, n.d.). This approach allowed him to create performances that were both captivating and deeply human.

Comparison and Contrast

While Hanks and Brando come from different eras and possess distinct acting styles, there are notable similarities between the two. Both actors have the ability to captivate audiences through their genuine and emotionally charged performances (Johnson, 2012). They are known for their meticulous approach to character development, with a commitment to researching and understanding their roles.

However, their acting styles differ in their execution. Hanks’s naturalistic approach focuses on creating relatable and empathetic characters, often embodying the everyday person. On the other hand, Brando’s method acting delves into the depths of human emotion, often portraying characters with a sense of inner conflict and intensity

Personal Preference and Conclusion

As a viewer, my personal preference leans toward Tom Hanks. His ability to seamlessly blend into a variety of roles and create characters that feel real and relatable resonates deeply with me. Hanks’s versatility, combined with his undeniable on-screen charisma, makes him a captivating actor to watch.

Nevertheless, Marlon Brando’s contribution to the art of acting cannot be understated. His revolutionary method acting techniques and unforgettable performances have left an indelible impact on the film industry, inspiring generations of actors to delve deeper into their craft.

In conclusion, the comparison of Tom Hanks and Marlon Brando highlights the evolution of acting styles and believability across different eras. While Hanks embodies naturalism and relatability, Brando’s method acting showcases intense emotional depth. Through their respective performances, both actors have succeeded in captivating audiences and leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of cinema.

References

Johnson, B. C. (2012, September 22). Breaking Brokeback: exposing Hollywood’s heterosexual preference. Document – Gale Academic OneFile. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA320070251&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=&p=AONE&sw=w 

Reconceptualizing Screen Performance on JSTOR. (n.d.). https://www.jstor.org/stable/20688518 

Walker, J. K. L. (2021). The birth of the ‘cool:’ Marlon Brando and the afro-aesthetics of psychological-realist acting. Studies in Theatre and Performance, 41(1), 111–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/14682761.2021.1889936