Hello, my darlings, Duncan Casey here, actor and occasional ranter about films. Today, I want to talk about something a little different. When you watch a movie, do you ever wonder why a character feels real or why they don't? As an actor, it's the first thing I notice when I watch a film or TV. Over the years, I've developed a technique for really reading movies—not just the plot, not just the explosions, but the people on screen. So, let's talk about how to read a movie through its characters. In this video, I want to give you my perspective as an actor, someone who's worked in movies for 15 years. I just wanted to give you an idea of how I approach material and what I look for in a film to consider it an effective storytelling device.
Certainly, when I get a script or if I'm asked to read something, be it in an audition or if someone is sending me a script because they would like ideally to put me in their film or TV show, I look for subtext. Some of that will be textual, and I have a degree in English literature, so I'm predisposed towards that. Richard and I, on our channel, often talk about subtext and allegory, which can get some people bored. I know some people see it as unimportant. They're more interested in the A to B of it all, like how did this happen? We see that with online film criticism. People talk about the nuts and bolts, like where the alien comes from or whatever. I think people give too much weight to procedural elements. What matters is what element of the human condition we're exposing, and that comes back to character.
As an actor, I need to know all that stuff because I need to know what human emotion I'm tapping into. Even in sci-fi, if you play a robot, you still have to understand that the story must explore an aspect of the human condition. A great example is RoboCop, a film we often discuss. A line that sums the film up is, "I can feel them, but I can't remember them." It's about a man trapped inside a machine, a soul trying to break out. It's an exploration of what we are when stripped of our humanity. The procedural elements, like how his knee works, aren't relevant to the themes. The 2014 remake got bogged down in how things worked and missed the point.
When it comes to actors and characters, if all that's there, I get drawn into the story regardless of the theme. Brilliant films understand subtext. As actors, having all that underlying knowledge means when it's time to be still and give a look, you're inviting the audience to fill it with meaning. Performances ring false when subtext isn't there. Characters need other people and worlds, and these should be written around them.
I've learned from an acting teacher that actors must remember that characters in a scene have agency—they can leave. It's crucial in performances, especially in disagreements where the other person could just walk away. When watching films, I notice critics sometimes miss these nuances in character integration, treating films like cinematic Lego. Movies should remain accessible to everyone. Great films have depth and subtext but are also enjoyable on any level.
Character journeys should have clear structure, wants, desires, challenges, and growth. Without that structure, it's hard for audiences to stay invested. Examples like Superman's character arc illustrate the need for clarity. Each iteration should present a coherent arc that informs performances and scenes.
That's my perspective as an actor on character analysis in film. Start with the characters, as they are the focus of my movie experience. Engage with films this way, and you'll deepen your understanding. Comment below about characters that have stuck with you or not. Share your thoughts with us—we enjoy starting debates on this channel!
If you like these discussions or monologues from me or Richard, let us know. We appreciate your engagement as we navigate our busy schedules, and we're excited about what's to come. Thank you for watching, and see you next time.