Posted by ST on May 19, 2002, at 0:52:42
In reply to Re: smile, and you'll feel happy eventually » BeARdEdLaDY, posted by IsoM on May 18, 2002, at 20:57:00
> The funny thing is it does work to a degree. If it's just a down period, it'll help but a severe depression, it doesn't even touch.
>
> I have read that serious actors who've had deep, dark, depressing roles have felt emotionally drained & dark for months afterwards. Sort of reverse technique?Hi,
I just had to read the message with that subject line ("smile, and you'll..."), because I've always tired of listening to well meaning friends with that kind of advice! It - for me - doesn't work in the long run.
The actor correlation perked my interest, of course...
We are very complex creatures. There are many kinds of emotions swirling around within us at all times. The skilled and talented actor knows what to tap in to in order to bring to the surface the flood of emotions that are *specific to his/her character's situation*. But again, it's just acting. Outwardly doing an action associated with happiness will bring out whatever bit of happiness is inside you. But only to a certain extent. Only for awhile. I think that's why it works for the duration of the play or the shooting of a film....but for real life?
I don't know...maybe I'm going off now...But are artists who are deeply "in touch' with their emotions and utilize them at will to create "art" destined to be more f***d up than others? Or are they better off for having the arena to let it all out? Maybe this is a different subject. Should I be posting this at Psycho-social-babble???
Sarah
poster:ST
thread:16
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020516/msgs/31.html