Ian Mckellen: 'Why do you act? You act for an audience. In the theatre, you're in their presence. Film stars don't know what it is to have an audience.'

Why do you act? You act for an audience. In the theatre, you're in their presence. Film stars don't know what it is to have an audience.

In his thought-provoking quote, Ian McKellen delves into the essence of acting and raises questions about the relationship between actors and their audience. Essentially, McKellen suggests that acting is fundamentally an art form meant to be experienced and shared with an audience. Whether it is on the stage or in front of a camera, the presence of an audience plays a pivotal role in shaping the actor's performance and the overall impact of the art form.The straightforward interpretation of McKellen's quote is that actors act for an audience. This implies that the audience's presence is what drives an actor's motivation to perform and give their best. In the context of theater, where the performer directly interacts with the audience, the connection between actor and audience is immediate and palpable. The energy exchange, the transient nature of the live performance, and the unique atmosphere created in a theater all contribute to an electric experience for both parties involved.On the other hand, McKellen highlights that film stars may not fully understand what it means to have an audience. In the realm of cinema, the actor often performs without a live audience present. Instead, their work is captured on camera and then projected to audiences across the globe. This disconnected experience could lead some film actors to feel a sense of detachment from their audience and the impact they have on their viewers.However, while McKellen emphasizes the distinction between theater and film, it is important to recognize that both mediums rely heavily on the presence of an audience, albeit in different ways. The theater provides an immediate response and real-time interaction between performers and spectators, creating a symbiotic relationship driving the energy of the production. On the other hand, the film audience is not physically present during filming, but their presence is indirectly felt through their response to the final product, as expressed in box office numbers, reviews, and personal feedback.Diving deeper into this topic, we can explore a philosophical concept that sheds light on the relationship between actor and audience. The concept of the "observer effect" from quantum physics suggests that the act of observation can influence and alter the behavior of what is being observed. Similarly, in acting, the presence of an audience can have a profound impact on both the actor and the overall performance. The energy, reactions, and engagement of the audience can affect how an actor interprets their character, delivering a more immersive experience for the viewer.In the theater, where the performer and audience are in the same physical space, this observer effect is magnified. The audience becomes an active participant, reacting, and responding to the actors' words and actions. Their presence fuels the actor's emotions and performance, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two. It is this profound connection that McKellen alludes to when he talks about the unique experience that theater provides.In contrast, film actors may initially find it challenging to grasp the observer effect as they act without a physical audience. However, the "invisible" audience still exists, even if not consciously felt by the actors during filming. Once the film is released, audiences' responses, whether through laughter, tears, or applause, validate the actors' efforts and contribute to their understanding of the impact they have on their viewers. The knowledge that their performance will be seen by a multitude of individuals transforms the film actor's experience, connecting them indirectly to their audience.In conclusion, Ian McKellen's quote touches upon the core motivation for actors and highlights the different experiences they encounter in theater and film. While theater actors directly feel the presence and energy of their audience, film actors rely on the observer effect, appreciating the impact and influence their work has on viewers once the film is released. Ultimately, both theater and film exist because of the audience, and the actor's craft is ultimately realized through the communion between performer and spectator, regardless of the medium.