| Abstract [eng] |
Feature filmmakers have always searched for new ways to capture the most meaningful human experiences throughout the ages. In order to reveal the authentic problems of their time, the filmmakers turned to the reality of a simple, non-glamorized human, living in difficult real life conditions; and so began to invite non-professional actors to play the main roles of their films. There are many such cases in foreign cinema, however, in Lithuania, there are not many examples in which non-professional actors would star in the leading roles. The appearance of a non-professional actor in a film fundamentally changes a significant part of the film production process and directing methods. And yet, there is a lack of practical sources and manuals when working with non-professional actors which a film director could take into account. Considering the challenges which are faced by filmmakers, this master’s thesis aims to explore the following dilemma: which actor to choose for the main role of a film – a professional or a non-professional one? Therefore, this thesis looks at the impact of a non-professional actor on a film production process and style, examining the motives of the director who selects such an actor for the main role of their film and the criteria according to which the selection process takes place. Moreover, I identify different methods which allow the director to help the actor create a compelling cinematic performance, grounding my research in different academic sources, case studies, and qualitative interview with a film director. Reflecting on the personal practice of making the film Force Majeure, I examine why the professional actress Lyja Maknavičiūtė was chosen for the leading role. This thesis also provides a general overview of the directorial problems which arose during the directing of the actress and presents the ways to solve them. |
