FAVh065 Film Actorship

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Šárka Jelínek Gmiterková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Šárka Jelínek Gmiterková, Ph.D.
Department of Film Studies and Audiovisual Culture – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Mgr. Šárka Jelínek Gmiterková, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Film Studies and Audiovisual Culture – Faculty of Arts
Prerequisites
There are none.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
Although few would dare to challenge the claims concerning the acting of characters as an integral part of film works, this issue has always represented a risky area for film theory. Most audiences feel they can tell a good or convincing performance from a bad one, but for the most part these are purely intuitive judgements and evaluations, based more on empathy or sympathy, or on vague notions of talent. In the case of these lay judgements, however, the perception of acting as a specific creative work often disappears and the profession becomes invisible; those acting creations that are made in a non-realistic spirit or that aim to convey more abstract concepts at the expense of externalising the individual psyche remain on the periphery of wider interest.
In this lecture course we will focus on a better understanding and grasp of the actor's action in audiovisual media and recordings - what exactly are actors doing? Can their creative work be clearly separated from other means of expression in film and audiovisual form? Why is acting a blind spot in film theory? And are there trends in film acting or is it creative work of timeless qualities?
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, students:
- will be introduced to the main methodological tools and sources for research on film acting
- Understand the historical development of selected acting methods, approaches and schools
- will be able to reflect in depth on acting performances
- will perceive acting work in a broader context, particularly considering the roles of mediators and representatives
Syllabus
  • Individual lessons will be presented under the following headings:
  • - Lesson 1 - introduction, course organization, why is film acting a blind spot in film theory?
  • - Lesson 2 - Comedic acting versus dramatic/psychological acting
  • - Lesson 3 - Acting in silent cinema
  • - Lesson 4 - The onset of sound and the so-called acting question
  • - Lesson 5 Stars and the star system, including type acting
  • - Lesson 6 - Method Acting and Acting Transformation
  • - Lesson 7 - Gender aspects of acting - sustainability and ageing
  • - Lesson 8 - Supporting Actors and Extras
  • - Lesson 9 - Acting as work, including valuation
  • - Lesson 10 - Agents I: casting, agents, schools
  • - Lesson 11 - Agents II: directing, costume, mask
  • - Lesson 12 - Reflection on acting performances (critiques, comments, tools) Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Literature
    required literature
  • KLEVAN, Andrew (2005): Film Performance. From Achievement to Appreciation. London, New York: Wallflower.
  • SHINGLER, Martin (2012): Star Studies. A Critical Guide. London: BFI.
  • Movie acting, the film reader. Edited by Pamela Robertson Wojcik. 1st pub. New York: Routledge, 2004, viii, 240. ISBN 0415310253. info
  • Acting in the cinema. Edited by James Naremore. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1988, ix, 307 p. ISBN 9780520910669. info
Teaching methods
Series of lectures dedicated to selected aspects of the main topic, including screenings.
Assessment methods
Written test consisting of a series of closed and mainly open questions.
Náhradní absolvování
The course can be taken in an alternative form with the help of a study support.
Language of instruction
Czech
Study support
https://is.muni.cz/auth/el/phil/jaro2025/FAVh065/index.qwarp
Further Comments
Study Materials
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/spring2025/FAVh065