Tag Archives: backting

“There won’t be another Bette Davis. There can’t be.” Mitchell and I discuss Bette Davis

Posted on April 5, 2025 by sheila

From the audio files: Mitchell and I discuss one of our favorite topics: acting, and how the “old” style of acting – let’s call it before what’s loosely known as the Method- is not only under-appreciated in certain circles (most … Continue reading →

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“I’d marry again if I found a man who had fifteen million dollars, would sign over half to me and guarantee that he’d be dead within a year.” — Bette Davis

Posted on April 5, 2025 by sheila

“I was thought to be ‘stuck up’. I wasn’t. I was just sure of myself. This is and always has been an unforgivable quality to the unsure.” It’s her birthday today. First up: For Film Comment, I wrote a piece … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Movies, On This Day | Tagged , | 37 Comments

“If you’re creating anything at all, it’s really dangerous to care about what people think.” — Kristen Wiig

Posted on August 22, 2024 by sheila

Today is the birthday of one of the greatest actors working today. I can’t seem to stop mentioning Kristen Wiig in my writing. I mention her even if she isn’t the main subject. She’s my favorite. I am in awe … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Movies, On This Day, Television | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Back-ting and Mirrors

Posted on July 2, 2023 by sheila

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know how I love moments where actors have their back to the camera (back-ting) and moments where characters stare at themselves in the mirror. I started mulling about this 15 years … Continue reading →

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Bikers back-ting

Posted on June 25, 2023 by sheila

Well, one is back-ting and one is just living. Marlon Brando as Johnny in “The Wild One” (1953) Croatian biker on the boat in the Adriatic, taken by yours truly

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Brando Back-ting

Posted on June 4, 2023 by sheila

On the Waterfront

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Backting, the continuing story

Posted on January 18, 2023 by sheila

William Wyler knew Bette Davis could say more with her back than most actresses can say with their faces. This is why Davis plays the majority (literally, it’s got to be about 75-80%) of The Letter with her back to … Continue reading →

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R.I.P. Nicki Aycox

Posted on November 21, 2022 by sheila

I was so saddened to hear the news of actress Nicki Aycox’s death. She was 47. Aycox made such an enormous impression as the demon Meg on Supernatural. She showed up in the first season, signaling that larger things were … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, RIP, Television | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Back-ting

Posted on November 13, 2022 by sheila

Veronica Lake, Alan Ladd, The Blue Dahlia

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Elvis back-ting, part 4

Posted on September 26, 2022 by sheila

Part 1 and 2. Part 3. These two shots (from Charro!) are also a great example of working your ANGLES.

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