WC Fields: Playing the Game

A very simple game, played for 10 minutes. Beautiful reactions and simmering resentment from Fields.

Listen for the groan at 4:22, gorgeous.

Near. Far. Near. Far. Near. Far.

Heed the monster's words: know the difference between near and far. Near is amped-up emotion. Far is detachment. Near is love. Far is betrayal. Near is the breaking point. Far is broken beyond repair. Near is about to throw a punch. Far is packing up to leave. Near is first kiss. Far is goodbye.

Physical proximity can map very effectively to emotional distance. In scene work exploit this. If you're a couple in a scene talking about loving each other, goddamn it touch each other. If you are repulsed, literally be repulsed. You'll also find that the drives the other way: a hug or hand on the shoulder can convey an enormous amount of information.

Using the space and touch between yourself and your scene mate can enhance the emotional dynamic you're playing with; it's a boost to the tension and the release. It's like emotional MSG. 

Most of the time, I see people comfortable with the far side of things, but more reticent about near stuff. So get all comfy. I like to do scenes where the you spend the whole time dancing with your partner:  forcing the touch and closeness, and hopefully breaking down the politeness/fear/social ineptness that we let prevent us from getting near. The scene ends up being talking heads but can still be compelling as the emotional gradient is explored.

That said, don't be a creep.