The Creation myth

In Stuart Voytilla´s book Myth and the movies where he explores the structure of 50 movies, he says ”Films are the modern way to tell stories”

Movies tell stories of  characters that change or become some one else entirely. I love movies of characters larger than life. So large they can become icons, toys, halloween costumes. And everyone and anyone can distinguish them.

Shape shifting is part of the acting process. In order for the actor to become character, he has to change. Not always but it usually is that way. Good, bad, big or small, mentors or villains, each one plays a part of the story. The weight of a character is talking, walking and must of all... Reacting to the environment or other actors. In movies we see actor´s changing shape in our very eyes. They become who they play. Wether Stanislavski or Method Acting this is a process very few achieve.This are 4 movies with 4 actors that brought meaning to the characters. i enjoy watching them.

Tell me something Ma.-
Michael Corleone changed in the Godfather from a Soldier in the army to a Family Corleone Soldier. When he returns from Sicily he is another person. The hair, the eyes, the clothes. No more Mikey. In The Godfather Part II as Al Pacino seeks his mom´s council( breaking Italian tradition) as Michael Corleone prepares to kill Fredo. He walks thru the snow, with his hands on his pockets.As he passes a snow man, a Swing and a toy car. Before he enters you can hear a brilliant audio mix, as the soundtrack and the sound of a crow meet. Piano notes and a crow set the path of The Michael Corleone family. He wonders…What would his father do? He is powerful but not as loved his father was. (the scene lasts 20 seconds) Movie Magic.

Bon Appétit -
Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter makes The Silence of The Lambs exquisit to the viewer. With its dark tones and soundtrack we acompany him while in captivity, trapped in a cage , dressed in white (as every elegant bad guy should and breaks archetype) is being served dinner (lamb chops). We get a look at his politeness of an evil mind.We see drawings and listen to classical music. A true gentleman and a true monster. Jekyll & Hyde at the same time. Adequate and ingenius. He traps a guard with the cuffs. Maces the other. As he enjoys his music, the camera zooms slowly back so we can get the big picture. Hopkins acts as a symphony conductor ( while the two officers lie in the floor )  He is in deed a monster. The most ironic part of the scene is Hannibal´s mouth is covered in blood resembling the mask he wore before. But now he is free TO GO.

Just Paint your face and shadow smile-
Fueled by the music of the Cure, Brandon Lee portrayal as Eric D(Raven) in a dark comic book movie called The Crow, he never imagine that he was making his last film and the one that made him MYTH. Quoting The Raven, insanely LAUGHING while having a crow in his shoulder and playing his guitar. Our Hero Dressed in black (breaking archetype)As The Crow realizes what has happened during his death (lightning and rain  in the background) He embodies vengeance with the face of a street mime, only backwards by painting his face not sad but with a smile! Playing an immortal being only to become just that. But as every hero has its weakness for pets, so before setting off on revenge he pets his cat. (As Brando on the Godfather)

Don´t be so sure-
Mark Hamill´s portrayal of Luke Skywalker is a classic. But his face, wardrobe and language also changed or evolved during the Star Wars SAGA from A NEW HOPE (dressed in white , helping his uncles, full of questions and EXCUSES ) To the grey Empire Strikes Back rebellion Luke ( full of mud, feels the force, Yoda apprentice ) to a black cloth Jedi Knight (killing the Gammorrians at the door and using mind tricks) taking his hoodie off and saying to Jabba the Hutt “I must be allowed to speak” A HERO not looking for Redemption for him BUT FOR HIS FATHER.

Wether its wardrobe, the camera angle, perfect cast, the lights, the director, the cinematography, good script, good timing , its all this components coming to fruition as one. To take a character and make Myth is no easy task. If you are like me, and you enjoy a good movie. I find it very similar to cooking with the right ingredients... or slowly  drinking an espresso and eating a creme brulee. No Rush.