The Starving Actor

The above picture presents the fairly straightforward image of a struggling actor holding a sign that reads, “Will Audition For Food”. From the starving actor’s expression one gets a sense of his growing discontentment with his condition and a hint of his desperation for any acting job. He is presumably located in some side alley off of a main road, where he may or may not live in squalor. Also the use of black and white, instead of color, gives the image a more hard-edged nature ensuring that the direness of this actor’s condition is a serious matter.

Admittedly, the clearness of this photo’s argument lies in the words of the sign since they inform the viewer that this actor has reached a point where he is willing to audition for any role if some food is guaranteed for his efforts. The argument is that there are not enough acting jobs available to support many of those pursuing an acting career, including those as dedicated as this particular man. While the obvious solution to this actor’s condition is for him to pursue another career, one must wonder why acting jobs are so hard to find. Simply put, this photo implies that there is not enough work for actors.

In the overall scheme of my topic, discussing the role of 3D technology in the future of cinema, the future of acting is a critical issue. My argument is that 3D technology, as “cool” and visually stimulating as it may be, should never become the most important determinant in a film’s production. One reason for this is that 3D movies often limit the role of actors and make truly inspired acting unnecessary since the 3D magic can cover up flawed acting with relative ease. Moreover, 3D technology and other animation techniques may eventually lead to the elimination of many acting roles as moviegoers adjust to the idea of watching a completely digital character on the screen. With even fewer acting roles available, the pictured actor’s condition seems to be in the cards for a greater number of actors and actresses.

Overall this image does a decent job of creating pathos by projecting the hardship of the starving actor to the viewer. The man’s stony features display a deeply felt disillusionment with his own circumstances that make it possible for the viewers to feel some empathy and compassion for the hungry actor. Moreover, the photographer’s choice of black and white lends itself towards the creation of pathos in its coldness, which is no stranger to the struggling actors who faces rejection every time they audition for the small number of available movie roles. The viewer is left to wonder where the actor fits into cinema’s future.

Image from: http://www.ceotheatre.org/starving2.jpg