Give Me Excess of It...
I love re-watching TV shows. For real. It is my favorite thing to do. Right now I've been having some difficulty finding a day job but to be honest, other than the constant wonder of where my rent money is going to come from next month, it is pretty fantastic. Because I can re-watch my favorite TV shows!
Now, it might strike some people as boring binge watching TV shows or movies they've seen multiple times, but not me. I used to think that it had to do with my incessant need to know how things turn out, and that's certainly part of it. I was the kind of kid who went in search for her Christmas gifts, I have a hard time not knowing what's coming. It is both a blessing and a curse. It means I'm always prepared. I always know where I'm going and how to get there. The problem is when I can't know where I'm going or how to get there, then I freak. I shut down. In some cases I completely stall out. I'd rather do nothing then do something in unfamiliar territory. Then there are of course the times where I dive head first without allowing myself to worry. Generally those end up being the best decisions: Chicago, Grad School, Camille Playhouse, Lopez Fine Arts Academy... but anyway. Back to the topic at hand: TV.
The other reason that I like re-watching TV shows is the acting. As I've stated before I am an actress with two masters in Shakespeare Performance, making my way in the sea of other professional actor hopefuls settled in Chicago. Watching TV/films is like my research. I like to pick out performances and pin-point what the actor is doing specifically that makes me like them. I take note and steal. It also helps me understand good and bad examples of comedic timing, dramatic pausing, and other incredibly common and basic acting tools. I also enjoy watching videos and reading interviews of actors talking about their process. Especially when it is in reference to specific characters they have played. And the best way to make use that information is to watch the performance at hand with a very critical eye.
Other than the stage, I would love a career on television. Many TV shows are like filmed plays. Of course now they're becoming more like little movies, but sitcoms in particular are like little plays. The good ones are performed on proscenium stages in front of live audiences. But that's beside the point. What I love about re-watching TV shows and films doesn't have to do with their similarity to theater, it has to do with the performances themselves regardless of conditions. I'm fascinated by the choices actors make and how they relate to the story as a whole. For example, how JK Rowling let Alan Rickman in on Snape's motivations and his ending before the books were released. If you watch the earlier films, Rickman (being the incredible actor that he is) makes specific choices that give it away. Sometimes its just the slightest shift in tone or focus, but its there.
It also has to do with the episodic nature of TV. I am, as it should not surprise you due to my aforementioned personality quirks, completely susceptible to the cliffhanger (another reason I love Harry Potter so much). But more than that, it allows an audience to see (and the actor to show) at the most specific level how a character grows through each episode. This of course is really only true when good writing, direction, editing, and acting come together. In case my opinion means anything, I've compiled a list of my top 10 favorite performances and their shows or films that I think exemplify these characteristics. Performances that, because of their actors, I would watch over and over again without getting sick of them. Some of them may not be critically acclaimed and you may roll your eyes at them but I don't care. I have long since given up being ashamed of things that give me enjoyment. If it brings you pleasure you shouldn't feel guilty about it. In no particular order:
1) Game of Thrones: This is the show I'm currently re-watching. It isn't one thing that makes me want to watch this show. I believe its one of the few shows that has all of the elements. In particular though I enjoy Peter Dinklage (duh) as Tyrion. I find his performance and everything about it fascinating and, fortunately, I'm not the only one who thinks so. This means that he has interviewed about this very thing. You can read how Dinklage approached the character, specific moments that meant things to him and so on. He is fantastic and every time he is nominated and doesn't win an award for this performance I'm disappointed. This show is a great example of what I was talking about before in regards to the episodic nature of TV shows aiding the actor and the development of their characters. It works well though in part because that's how the books are written. The screen writers have a great deal of insight into each of the characters because George R.R. Martin has given it to them. The costumes and scenery are also strong contenders in winning performances of this show.
Winning Performance:
Honorable Mentions:
2) Friends: I could watch and watch and watch this show and never get sick of it. And I have. This falls in the category that I mentioned of TV shows that are like little plays. They performed in front of a live audience, even when they went on location to places like London. There is nothing that I love more in this world than the bloopers of this show. It proves my idea that audiences love watching actors screw up. Its why the improv comedy industry thrives. It is interesting to watch people think on their feet. Its also fun to watch the "backstage" aspect of performance which includes actors screwing with each other: something that frequently happened during the filming of this show.
Winning Performance:
Honorable Mentions:
3) The Hobbit: I can't tell you how many times I've watched this movie. Seriously, I don't know. Mainly for the incredible acting done by Martin Freeman. His performance is simultaneously effortless and his own but at the same time shows he has clearly put in a lot of effort into being a young Ian Holm. I admire Martin Freeman as an actor. Everything that I have read about him as a performer is what I want to be. In a recent interview with his long time partner and mother of his children, Amanda Abbington (who was recently cast alongside him as Mary Watson in the Sherlock series) said "He's one of my favorite actors. I'm biased but it's true. Watching him work is brilliant - every take he does something different. He's a really good actor and he's a really good person to have on set because he makes everyone feel relaxed. I learned a lot from Martin". Then of course there's, oh you know, Ian McKellen. Oh, and Benedict Cumberbatch's voice... yes.
Winning Performance:
Honorable Mentions:
4) Gilmore Girls: The real star of this show is the writing. As a professed movie and TV buff, even I have a hard time following the avalanche of references in every episode. Every time I watch it (which has been several times), I find something new. What's great about it though is that while the dialogue isn't very realistic, the actors (Lauren Graham and Kelly Bishop especially) make it seem so effortless and natural that you would believe that's how they really talk. Despite the fact that I never really warmed up to Alexis Bledel or Rory, there are many other performances and story lines that bring me back to this show time and again.
Winning Performance: Its a tie:
Honorable Mentions:
5) Downton Abbey: Someone recently asked me what British people think of Downton Abbey. I honestly have no idea. It's probably like how we would feel if there was a really popular TV show about Americans being really stereotypically American and then saying things like "That's so un-American of me" or "we're American, we can't help it". But you know what? I'm not English, so I don't really care. I love it. Despite my recent change of heart for creator Julian Fellowes because of what he said about Shakespeare in defense of textual choices he made in his recent adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, this show remains one that I could re-watch indefinitely. I think (most of) the performances are brilliant in their subtlety. The set and costumes are incredible and I have a thing for all things British. Moreover, I enjoy becoming over invested in things that I watch or experience and therefore shows that make me feel extreme emotions are my favorites. There are few episodes of this show that do not make me cry, laugh, or feel some other very basic human emotion.
Winning Performance:
Honorable Mentions:
6) Harry Potter: See my blog post from a few weeks ago.
Winning Performance:
Honorable Mentions: (this is going to be long)
7) In the Loop: I have to confess that I haven't seen the entirety of the television series upon which this movie is based, The Thick of It, but I love this movie, so I'm sure that if I did watch the TV show it would be on this list. Its one of those great movies that sounds completely ad libbed but is not at all. It isn't a mockumentary in the way The Office is, but it has that same candid camera feel. The writing is superb and the acting even more so. If you haven't seen it, do. Even if it is just to see the new Doctor's finest work.
Winning Performance: It's a tie!
Honorable Mentions:
8) Breakfast at Tiffany's: When someone asks me what my favorite movie is, this is what I say. I give them that answer for a few reasons, and none of them are because I think it is some great American film, in fact I know it isn't. The main reason is because it is the first film where I remember distinguishing the fact that the main character was played by a real person who was paid to learn the lines and perform the scenes. I became obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. I watched all her movies, read every stitch of writing about and by her; I wanted to be her... still do in a lot of ways. And even at a very young age, I knew I wanted to do what she did. I also appreciate this movie because I think it is one of the few instances where the film is better than the book. It is also Blake Edwards' directorial debut and I love watching the early stages of what would become his quirky signature style. Also, THE CLOTHES.
Winning Performance:
Honorable Mentions:
9) Gossip Girl: This is one at which you may roll your eyes and I am well aware that there are other shows out there that are better in every way... but those shows don't make my list of shows I could re-watch tirelessly. Ok, I know its ridiculous and really stupid in a lot of ways and I also understand that this is a post about acting and this show contains some of the worst acting of all time as well as what can only be described as bad soft core pornography. All of that aside, however, there are some pretty decent performances in there and since the writing is so terrible and the scenarios often completely unbelievable, it would take a pretty incredible actor to make those characters and their situations interesting and plausible. While I don't scheme and plot in the way that she does, I still find myself incredibly charmed by Blair Waldorf. She too shares my love for Audrey Hepburn and the occasional addition of dreams in which she portrays different Audrey roles is so charming and some of my favorite parts of the series ("Cat?! Cat?! ew...). Also, THE CLOTHES.
Winning Performance:
Honorable Mentions:
10) Parks and Recreation: I know this is last but it is definitely not the least. I've actually been working on a blog post for a while now that I keep adding to, unable to finish, about the genius that is Amy Poehler and her portrayal of Leslie Knope. One of the biggest compliments I have ever received is that when this particular person watches the show and Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, she is reminded of me. I won't give away to much on that subject, because I don't want to ruin that post that I've been working on. As a whole show in general, however, the supporting cast is amazing as is the writing and direction. The show is as equally goofy as it is touching, as ridiculous as it is real, and as heart warming and charming as any other show that I have come across.
Winning Performance:
Honorable Mentions: EVERYONE. I'm serious. There is not a weak link in this show, even amongst the cameos and walk ons.
(List Honorable Mentions: High Fidelity, The Big Lebowski, The Office (and its amazing blooper reel), The British Office, 30 Rock, Fawlty Towers, Hott Fuzz, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, In & Out, West Side Story, and the A&E Pride and Prejudice)
So, there we go. My top 10 "I could watch forever (and probably will)" TV shows and movies. Maybe one day some hopeful actress will write a blog (or the future's equivalent) about her favorite performances and my name will be on her list. But ahhh... that's my rich fantasy life talking.
Now, it might strike some people as boring binge watching TV shows or movies they've seen multiple times, but not me. I used to think that it had to do with my incessant need to know how things turn out, and that's certainly part of it. I was the kind of kid who went in search for her Christmas gifts, I have a hard time not knowing what's coming. It is both a blessing and a curse. It means I'm always prepared. I always know where I'm going and how to get there. The problem is when I can't know where I'm going or how to get there, then I freak. I shut down. In some cases I completely stall out. I'd rather do nothing then do something in unfamiliar territory. Then there are of course the times where I dive head first without allowing myself to worry. Generally those end up being the best decisions: Chicago, Grad School, Camille Playhouse, Lopez Fine Arts Academy... but anyway. Back to the topic at hand: TV.
The other reason that I like re-watching TV shows is the acting. As I've stated before I am an actress with two masters in Shakespeare Performance, making my way in the sea of other professional actor hopefuls settled in Chicago. Watching TV/films is like my research. I like to pick out performances and pin-point what the actor is doing specifically that makes me like them. I take note and steal. It also helps me understand good and bad examples of comedic timing, dramatic pausing, and other incredibly common and basic acting tools. I also enjoy watching videos and reading interviews of actors talking about their process. Especially when it is in reference to specific characters they have played. And the best way to make use that information is to watch the performance at hand with a very critical eye.
Other than the stage, I would love a career on television. Many TV shows are like filmed plays. Of course now they're becoming more like little movies, but sitcoms in particular are like little plays. The good ones are performed on proscenium stages in front of live audiences. But that's beside the point. What I love about re-watching TV shows and films doesn't have to do with their similarity to theater, it has to do with the performances themselves regardless of conditions. I'm fascinated by the choices actors make and how they relate to the story as a whole. For example, how JK Rowling let Alan Rickman in on Snape's motivations and his ending before the books were released. If you watch the earlier films, Rickman (being the incredible actor that he is) makes specific choices that give it away. Sometimes its just the slightest shift in tone or focus, but its there.
It also has to do with the episodic nature of TV. I am, as it should not surprise you due to my aforementioned personality quirks, completely susceptible to the cliffhanger (another reason I love Harry Potter so much). But more than that, it allows an audience to see (and the actor to show) at the most specific level how a character grows through each episode. This of course is really only true when good writing, direction, editing, and acting come together. In case my opinion means anything, I've compiled a list of my top 10 favorite performances and their shows or films that I think exemplify these characteristics. Performances that, because of their actors, I would watch over and over again without getting sick of them. Some of them may not be critically acclaimed and you may roll your eyes at them but I don't care. I have long since given up being ashamed of things that give me enjoyment. If it brings you pleasure you shouldn't feel guilty about it. In no particular order:
1) Game of Thrones: This is the show I'm currently re-watching. It isn't one thing that makes me want to watch this show. I believe its one of the few shows that has all of the elements. In particular though I enjoy Peter Dinklage (duh) as Tyrion. I find his performance and everything about it fascinating and, fortunately, I'm not the only one who thinks so. This means that he has interviewed about this very thing. You can read how Dinklage approached the character, specific moments that meant things to him and so on. He is fantastic and every time he is nominated and doesn't win an award for this performance I'm disappointed. This show is a great example of what I was talking about before in regards to the episodic nature of TV shows aiding the actor and the development of their characters. It works well though in part because that's how the books are written. The screen writers have a great deal of insight into each of the characters because George R.R. Martin has given it to them. The costumes and scenery are also strong contenders in winning performances of this show.
Winning Performance:
- Peter Dinklage
Honorable Mentions:
- Lena Headey (and her awesome corset armor at the end of season 2), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maisie Williams, Michelle Fairley, Rory McCann, Cirian Hinds, Sean Bean, Aidan Gillen, Kit Harrington, Iain Glen
2) Friends: I could watch and watch and watch this show and never get sick of it. And I have. This falls in the category that I mentioned of TV shows that are like little plays. They performed in front of a live audience, even when they went on location to places like London. There is nothing that I love more in this world than the bloopers of this show. It proves my idea that audiences love watching actors screw up. Its why the improv comedy industry thrives. It is interesting to watch people think on their feet. Its also fun to watch the "backstage" aspect of performance which includes actors screwing with each other: something that frequently happened during the filming of this show.
Winning Performance:
- The 6 (Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry)
Honorable Mentions:
- Paul Rudd, Hank Azaria, Elliott Gould, Maggie Wheeler, Giovanni Ribisi, Gary Oldman (oh my god he's so good), Kathleen Turner, and many other single episode guest stars.
3) The Hobbit: I can't tell you how many times I've watched this movie. Seriously, I don't know. Mainly for the incredible acting done by Martin Freeman. His performance is simultaneously effortless and his own but at the same time shows he has clearly put in a lot of effort into being a young Ian Holm. I admire Martin Freeman as an actor. Everything that I have read about him as a performer is what I want to be. In a recent interview with his long time partner and mother of his children, Amanda Abbington (who was recently cast alongside him as Mary Watson in the Sherlock series) said "He's one of my favorite actors. I'm biased but it's true. Watching him work is brilliant - every take he does something different. He's a really good actor and he's a really good person to have on set because he makes everyone feel relaxed. I learned a lot from Martin". Then of course there's, oh you know, Ian McKellen. Oh, and Benedict Cumberbatch's voice... yes.
Winning Performance:
- Martin Freeman
Honorable Mentions:
- Ian McKellen (but that's a Peter Dinklage kind of duh), Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, and that voice.
4) Gilmore Girls: The real star of this show is the writing. As a professed movie and TV buff, even I have a hard time following the avalanche of references in every episode. Every time I watch it (which has been several times), I find something new. What's great about it though is that while the dialogue isn't very realistic, the actors (Lauren Graham and Kelly Bishop especially) make it seem so effortless and natural that you would believe that's how they really talk. Despite the fact that I never really warmed up to Alexis Bledel or Rory, there are many other performances and story lines that bring me back to this show time and again.
Winning Performance: Its a tie:
- Melissa McCarthy (every scene with Sookie is amazing)/Lauren Graham
Honorable Mentions:
- Kelly Bishop, Scott Patterson, Liza Weil, Danny Strong, Wayne Wilcox,
5) Downton Abbey: Someone recently asked me what British people think of Downton Abbey. I honestly have no idea. It's probably like how we would feel if there was a really popular TV show about Americans being really stereotypically American and then saying things like "That's so un-American of me" or "we're American, we can't help it". But you know what? I'm not English, so I don't really care. I love it. Despite my recent change of heart for creator Julian Fellowes because of what he said about Shakespeare in defense of textual choices he made in his recent adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, this show remains one that I could re-watch indefinitely. I think (most of) the performances are brilliant in their subtlety. The set and costumes are incredible and I have a thing for all things British. Moreover, I enjoy becoming over invested in things that I watch or experience and therefore shows that make me feel extreme emotions are my favorites. There are few episodes of this show that do not make me cry, laugh, or feel some other very basic human emotion.
Winning Performance:
- Maggie Smith (Dinklage duh number 2)
Honorable Mentions:
- Elizabeth McGovern, Joanne Froggatt, Lesley Nicol, Penelope Wilton, Allen Leech, Brendan Coyle, Iain Glen (twice on my list! Seriously love this guy. If you haven't seen him as Hamlet in the film version of Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead... one of the many great things about the film... you should do so now.)
6) Harry Potter: See my blog post from a few weeks ago.
Winning Performance:
- Alan Rickman
Honorable Mentions: (this is going to be long)
- Maggie Smith (another two timer), Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltraine, Brendan Gleeson, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman (two timer! Also, remember what I said about R&G are Dead? yeah.), Imelda Staunton, Rupert Grint (the only of the trio that didn't annoy me once during the series), Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Ralph Fiennes, Cirian Hinds (another two timer), Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, David Bradley, Kenneth Branagh, Timothy Spall, Jeff Rawle, Miranda Richardson, and more I'm sure...
7) In the Loop: I have to confess that I haven't seen the entirety of the television series upon which this movie is based, The Thick of It, but I love this movie, so I'm sure that if I did watch the TV show it would be on this list. Its one of those great movies that sounds completely ad libbed but is not at all. It isn't a mockumentary in the way The Office is, but it has that same candid camera feel. The writing is superb and the acting even more so. If you haven't seen it, do. Even if it is just to see the new Doctor's finest work.
Winning Performance: It's a tie!
- Peter Capaldi and Tom Hollander win it for me although the Honorable Mentions are really winning performances as well.
Honorable Mentions:
- James Gandolfini, Zach Woods, Mimi Kennedy, Anna Chlumsky, David Rasche, Chris Addison, Steve Coogan, Paul Higgns (!!!), and Alex Macqueen
8) Breakfast at Tiffany's: When someone asks me what my favorite movie is, this is what I say. I give them that answer for a few reasons, and none of them are because I think it is some great American film, in fact I know it isn't. The main reason is because it is the first film where I remember distinguishing the fact that the main character was played by a real person who was paid to learn the lines and perform the scenes. I became obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. I watched all her movies, read every stitch of writing about and by her; I wanted to be her... still do in a lot of ways. And even at a very young age, I knew I wanted to do what she did. I also appreciate this movie because I think it is one of the few instances where the film is better than the book. It is also Blake Edwards' directorial debut and I love watching the early stages of what would become his quirky signature style. Also, THE CLOTHES.
Winning Performance:
- Audrey Hepburn (Dinklage duh number 3)
Honorable Mentions:
- George Peppard, Buddy Ebsen, Dorothy Whitney, John McGiver, and (even despite the incredibly NOT PC portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi I still love...) Mickey Rooney
9) Gossip Girl: This is one at which you may roll your eyes and I am well aware that there are other shows out there that are better in every way... but those shows don't make my list of shows I could re-watch tirelessly. Ok, I know its ridiculous and really stupid in a lot of ways and I also understand that this is a post about acting and this show contains some of the worst acting of all time as well as what can only be described as bad soft core pornography. All of that aside, however, there are some pretty decent performances in there and since the writing is so terrible and the scenarios often completely unbelievable, it would take a pretty incredible actor to make those characters and their situations interesting and plausible. While I don't scheme and plot in the way that she does, I still find myself incredibly charmed by Blair Waldorf. She too shares my love for Audrey Hepburn and the occasional addition of dreams in which she portrays different Audrey roles is so charming and some of my favorite parts of the series ("Cat?! Cat?! ew...). Also, THE CLOTHES.
Winning Performance:
- Leighton Meester
Honorable Mentions:
- Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick, Kelly Rutherford, Margaret Colin, Wallace Shawn, and Alice Callahan
10) Parks and Recreation: I know this is last but it is definitely not the least. I've actually been working on a blog post for a while now that I keep adding to, unable to finish, about the genius that is Amy Poehler and her portrayal of Leslie Knope. One of the biggest compliments I have ever received is that when this particular person watches the show and Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, she is reminded of me. I won't give away to much on that subject, because I don't want to ruin that post that I've been working on. As a whole show in general, however, the supporting cast is amazing as is the writing and direction. The show is as equally goofy as it is touching, as ridiculous as it is real, and as heart warming and charming as any other show that I have come across.
Winning Performance:
- Amy Poehler (the fourth and final Dinklage Duh)
Honorable Mentions: EVERYONE. I'm serious. There is not a weak link in this show, even amongst the cameos and walk ons.
- Of those however, I particularly love Chris Pratt, Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, and (the not often enough) Megan Mullally
(List Honorable Mentions: High Fidelity, The Big Lebowski, The Office (and its amazing blooper reel), The British Office, 30 Rock, Fawlty Towers, Hott Fuzz, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, In & Out, West Side Story, and the A&E Pride and Prejudice)
So, there we go. My top 10 "I could watch forever (and probably will)" TV shows and movies. Maybe one day some hopeful actress will write a blog (or the future's equivalent) about her favorite performances and my name will be on her list. But ahhh... that's my rich fantasy life talking.
Comments
Post a Comment