It’s that time of year again, when we have to mention Frank Capra’s film. Will you be watching it again, this Christmas?
I love what he says about filmmaking being about ‘creating moments’, not performances, and that this moment captured his heart when he read the script.
What are your favourite moments, in the film?
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I haven't seen It’s A Wonderful Life in a long time, Geoff Hall. I need to rewatch it for the writing and acting, which could help my writing.
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Geoff Hall Thank you so much for this wonderful post ( pun...maybe intended ). I adore "It's a Wonderful Life", I think it is one of the most beautiful movies, across genres, of our time. Truly. James Stewart is so warm, and real, and accessible for the ensemble, and the audience as this character. There are lots of favorite moments for me in this film, but to pick one, I always remember immediately, the scene at the bridge, when the Clarence, the Angel appears to him, and stops him from committing suicide, and their first moments together, always open my heart so much.
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Maurice Vaughan thanks Maurice. I think I’ve inly missed seeing it once in the last 5 or 6 years. Jimmy Stewart made me think of my writing too, and that I should look at my intent as a writer to ‘creating moments’ for the actor, but with the audience in mind.
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Juliana Philippi ah, yes Juliana, Clarence’s appearance is wonderful and the humour when they are drying off their clothes is great. The scene that really upsets me is when Uncle Billy loses the money. I still shout at the screen and plead with him not to do it.
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You're welcome, Geoff Hall. Actors love those moments! They can help get actors on board projects.
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Geoff Hall I love that idea that a movie is not so much about the acting but about the micro moments that get created. I guess when everyone is on the same page, really connected to the text, their character and to each other. That's when I think something really special can occur. A shame there is no exact recipe book for this.