Tag Archives: backting

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

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

“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

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

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

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Back-ting and Mirrors

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

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

On the Waterfront

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Backting, the continuing story

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

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

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Back-ting

Veronica Lake, Alan Ladd, The Blue Dahlia

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Elvis back-ting, part 4

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

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