Can a Great Actor Bring a Terrible Plot to Life?

Introduction

Despite its brilliance in acting and craftsmanship, a single film can illustrate the ages-old debate: can a great actor truly rescue a poorly-written plot? A prime example of this phenomenon is the Spanish-Argentinean movie 'Truman,' which garnered several Goya awards, the Spanish version of the Oscars. Despite its commendable cast, this film may have been memorable due more to its actors than its script.

The Case of 'Truman'

A 2015 Argentinean-Spanish film

'Truman,' a 2015 Argentinean-Spanish film, is a poignant story about a terminally ill man, Julian, and his friend, Tomás. The film features Argentinean actor Ricardo Darin, who plays Julian, and both he and his beloved dog, Truman, form a central narrative thread. ‘Truman’ marks a series of arrangements and emotional explorations Julian must undertake before his death. While the plot itself is simple, the film's success hinges much more on the performances of its cast, particularly Darin. If Darin, an acclaimed actor, were replaced, the film would likely remain bland and tedious. There’d be no emotional weight, no depth, and certainly no compelling storyline.

Director vs. Actor: A Delicate Balance

The role of the director

The age-old wisdom is that while film is a director's media, theater is an actor's world. This division underscores the importance of a capable director in complementing stellar performances. A competent director can take a weak script and elevate it through skillful cinematography, soundtrack, and overall narrative flow. For instance, in the 1998 film remake of Lost In Space, even the presence of William Hurt and Gary Oldman, two of the finest English-speaking actors, could not salvage a poor script. Rotten Tomatoes critics and audiences rated the film poorly, indicating a lack of cohesive direction.

Performance-Driven Films and Their Limitations

Comparing "Ace Ventura": Performance vs. Plot

Films often lauded for their performances, such as Ace Ventura, reveal a stark contrast. Even in a character-driven film, performances do not always compensate for a weak script or poor directing. The first Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and its sequel showcase the same actor, roles, and even a similar character arc. However, the quality of writing and directing is unmistakable in the original film, whereas the sequel, despite the actor's continued slapstick humor in Dumb Dumber and Liar Liar, lags in these areas. The superiority of the original film can largely be attributed to superior cinematography and a tighter narrative structure.

Supporting Actors and Action Films

A mediocre actor in a great film

Lastly, action films can also illustrate this point. Take, for instance, the iconic film, The Matrix. While the lead actor, Keanu Reeves, may have had a shortcoming in the realm of acting, the supporting characters and roles played by supporting actors like Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving, not to mention the film's excellent script and directorial choices, elevate the entire series. Even in purely action films, a notable performance from a supporting actor can compensate for weak directing and script.

In conclusion, while a great performance can captivate an audience, it alone cannot rescue a poorly-written plot. A director plays a crucial role in bringing the best possible version of a film to life. No matter how talented an actor is, there must be a synergy between performance and direction to create a truly engaging and meaningful cinematic experience.