Core Response: The Method Men, Acting and Masculinity

Both Dyer and King discuss how performers create characters that are the embodiment of their subconscious. How we read performance signs is indicated through reading the display of masculinity and femininity. Further, the method of acting that has this as a dominant theme is “method” acting that prefers method acting over all means of character. Dyer explains that the actor creates the character based on their psychological makeup. Also that there is a common theme of how genders portray themselves, masculinity being associated with “disturbance and anguish” while woman are “associated with repression”. 

What I find most interesting about the combined readings is that they both discuss how the subconscious and method acting can take over how performers portray their characters. Further, if a male associates masculinity with being muscular, bruiting and charming, then subconsciously they will portray their characters as such. Similarly, I think woman on screen are doing that as well. Although I feel like most recently, females and males have become more aware of the gender associations and have steered away from the classic Hollywood depiction of masculinity and femininity. An example would be Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal in Silver Linings Playbook, she is a crazed, head-strong individual. Yet, she also allows herself to embody moments that are ultra feminine. In a way I feel that our society is becoming more androgynous and aware of the gender binaries. 

On the other hand, for the individuals that are involved in depicting themselves as the ultra-masculine character are persona’s such as Ryan Gosling. Yet, even he allows himself to dance and sing in La, La Land playing a role that could not be considered ultra masculine. With Dyer and King’s arguments, I also feel like it can be applied to not only on screen but to real life. People grow up with the set expectations that come along with being a particular gender and then cater to that to fit certain expectations within society. For that reason, I feel that people expect seeing characters that are similar to them on screen.