Consistency Is Key

Yes, two in a day.  There is something not very acting-related - which others have made a point of before, but always seems to fall on deaf ears - that I need to get off my chest, so bear with me as I make a huge tangential leap:

At The Workshops in Maine, one of the cinematography students said that, while editing the tape, she and the class noticed how consistent I was with my performances.  Which, with on-camera, can be important and helpful.  And lately I've come to notice how being consistent really is key in so many aspects of life.

(Ready? Aaaaaaaand JUMP!)

A comment was made in a speech on television last night, that really sticks in my craw. 

That is an understatement.  Actually, it makes my blood boil to the point where it wants to shoot like geysers from my eye-sockets.  I quote:

"Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights?"

All issues of ridiculous, out-dated, "the-sky-is falling" fear-mongering aside...  The United States of America is a torchbearer and champion of equality and freedom - both which require, and therefore provide, rights to all.  Without question.  Regardless of color, creed, nationality, sexuality, gender and status as 'perceived possible threat'.  Basic human rights - if we are to uphold them and our constitution and all that defines us and made us great - cannot and should not be granted or withheld according to our whim.  That sort of behavior is inconsistent and sends the message that we are fickle and unreliable and only a mecca of freedom when, you know, it sometimes suits us, or when we're having a good hair day, but, like, not always, you know?

Even Supernanny can tell you that you must be consistent with your policies if you are to garner respect and therefore strength and power.  We are weak when we cannot keep our grasp on our values.  Without following our own guidelines for what is decent and right, then we will (have?) lose our friends and increase our enemies.  And any kindergartener can tell you that that is the worst position to be in. 

And why would you vilify a man for his compassion, decency and desire to see justice served without tarnishing the reputation of his country?  That just makes you look like a jackass.

Yeah, it sucks that we feel we are under a threat.  It can't be easy protecting one of the largest countries in the world, but it sucks more to watch us backslide into the dark ages.  That is not who we are.

We must be consistent, or we are nothing.

I now relinquish the soapbox.

--Susan Atwood

Comments

[A Pinyan]

"mecca of freedom" - intentional choice of words?

excellent piece - too, too true..."with liberty and justice for ALL"

[K.A.]

Consistency is the death of good acting. (to quote uta hagen.)

People surprise us in life. So should characters in film and tv and on stage.

I hope they meant you were consistently good. To say you were "consistent" throughout your reel means you are one note, no matter how good.

[susan]

When acting on film, it's usually important (depending on how it is shot) to remain consistent with your actions (not necessarily your acting - although it would be silly to half half a scene shot with a happy mood and the other half with a somber tone, so there needs to be some consistency there, as well). When each angle is edited together, you need to make sure - for continuity's sake - that you're not standing on one line during one take, and sitting on that same line during another take. That you're not holding your cup with one hand in one angle, and setting it on the counter in the next. It's not about the actual "acting" part - but it is a very necessary need in on-camera work. Part of the job of script supervisor on some sets is to make sure the actors remain consistent with their actions.

And it wasn't my reel they were editing - they were editing scenes they shot for their class. This was a learning experience for them as cinematographers, so they were beginning to realize the value of knowing how your actors are going to move when you just spent 2 hours setting up a camera and dolly, and then will spend many more hours editing what you just shot.

[K.A.]

Now I getcha. I didn't realize what the "consistent" was referring to.