Gaunt to Gargantuan and Back

11/15/09
I enjoyed reading the article, Gaunt to Gargantuan and Back: the Atkins Method
of Acting by Caryn James. This article discussed the extremities actors undertake when they decide to play a character. Weight gain and reduction was the main topic
discussed in this article. In reading this topic, I felt the author was not only
stating facts she had researched, but expressed her dissatisfaction and disguist
for this type of preparation for character roles. She talked about specific actors
and films, gaining or losing weight for the role play. She briefly discussed the opinion of Dr. Jean Petrucelli, co-director of eating disorders in Manhattan; "The Biggest Loser" television reality show, and childhood obesity. In a negative undertone these topics were discussed and presented in this article. Her writing did not present itself as neutral or factual, but rather negative and judgemental.

I feel acting is an art as well as an occupation. Actors are well aware of all the techniques available for them in taking on a role in a film. They realize they can
use many facets to appear larger or smaller on the screen. When a person decides to
role play, they have options and choices in which to relay the portrayal of the character they are playing. Actors decide for themselves how they want to reach the
destination they desire. The vehicle they choose is their choice, and should be
respected. Successful actors are well paid for their talent, and the extremes they take to impact on the audience is their own choice. These artists have trainers, chefs, doctors, and many advisors to help them create these roles and make their
choices. Actors have an impact on the audience, but people decide their own fate.
One cannot blame others for their personal issues, because we all have choices in life. It was Robert DeNiro's choice to gain 50 pounds for his role in Raging Bull.
It was Christian Bail's choice to lose 60 pounds for the film, The Machinist. Many famous actors respect realism in films, like challenges and study scripts to become the person they are playing. For a period of time, they literally become the person
they are asked to represent. One can always find a reason for their problem through
blame. Actors are trained to perform their art, and should not be held responsible
for influencing people in ordinary life. Actors are exactly what they are "actors," they are pretending to be someone else. They are acting a role, not literally becoming the person they represent. Holding an actor responsible for role modeling
for our youth, or for eating disorders is absurb. Actors entertain audiences through
their skills and deliverances of a role. It is their choice of occupation in life.