Moving Manchurian Moments
What I love about screen tests is that you're seeing raw footage. Without background music and affects, the purity of the acting resonates. While all these enhancements are supposed to enrich a film, I've seen many occasions where I thought the screen test was actually better than the finished product, just unadorned and pure.
I enjoyed the Manchurian Candidate very much. But I do feel (when watching this screen test) that what I'm experiencing is these two powerhouse actors working in their genuine element. It makes me wish that all DVD's would include screen tests in their Special Features.
Allow yourself to absorb this clip and let the creepiness of Streep's portrayal crawl under your skin. Makes me feel oogly every time I see it, which I guess means she's doing a great job. And what can you say about Liev here? How do you admire someone's strength and feel protective of their vulnerability all at the same time? It's a conflict only an artist of Liev's caliber could bring to the audience.
I really loved this screen test. It had all these little nuances of gestures and quirks that speak volumes for the characters while still being understated. Idk about you, but there's something about Liev's lips in this clip lol The pursing, small rueful smiles, and the almost imperceptible frowns...I felt hooked. I want to nibble on those boyish lips! I know, I'll stop fawning now =p
ReplyDeleteExactly! Thanks, Love.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful because without a big swelling of music or a bunch of razamatazz, we really pick up on all these small jewels he's hucking our way.
Also love how much screen time is him head on and Streep in profile. His reactions to her are almost more compelling than when he's the one speaking.
GIFTED!
OH, and the SHEER HOTNESS!!!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!
Idk about you, but there's something about Liev's lips in this clip lol The pursing, small rueful smiles, and the almost imperceptible frowns...I felt hooked. I want to nibble on those boyish lips! I know, I'll stop fawning now
ReplyDeleteIt is these quirks I first noticed in Liev whilst watching Scream 2 in the cinema!!
It's uniquely Liev, and no character he plays would ever be the same without it, or him!
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