CHAPTER 9
The First to See What You See As You See It
Robert Bresson refused to work with professional actors after directing his third film. He created a minimalist style in which everything is omitted except the absolute essentials and cast nonprofessional actors as models giving one-dimensional and expressionless portrayals. Bresson’s amateurs repeat each scene until all semblance of performance is eliminated.
There is credibility in Bresson’s models. They are people we meet in real life, creatures who speak, move, and gesture. Acting would deform reality by presenting a simplification of a human being.
Credibility is necessary but is not sufficient. Bresson’s experience spawned a personal conclusion: be the first to see what you see as you ...
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