Edoardo Ballerini

I may be wrong about this one, and many will say I am, but looking at film posters around the city the other day, I had this overwhelming sensation that the difference between me and the many stars whose names were written across the top in block letters was negligible. I don’t mean the obvious – they have more money, are more famous, and so on – I mean that their ability to do what they do is not infinitely higher than mine, but that the difference lies in a few intangibles.

Please don’t misunderstand. These guys, and gals, have real talent, and great charisma, and an uncanny ability to navigate the waters. I’m just not sure they’re doing anything I can’t, and it’s been a long time since I felt that with such conviction.

Perhaps it’s the heat…

A few pictures taken in Central Park at night.  Fabio Luzzi, photographer.

Actors are perennially in search of two things: affecting an audience, and feeling personally significant. We can debate the order another time. In either case, there’s something relational at play, a need for emotions to stimulate the brain, or heart, or groin. (Again, we can debate the particulars later.)

In the best of circumstances, you’re working, on something you like, and you’re well paid. In these times you walk the earth with a lighter step. Traffic snarls are merely chances to listen to more music, rain is refreshing, and the dim-witted cashier is a person worthy of compassion. Read more…