GFF25 Perspectives: Acting Out

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GFF25 Perspectives: Acting Out

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The art of acting is one that bridges truthful storytelling with transient performance. A skilful shimmy between reality and illusion, actors reveal the depths of human experience through interpretation of its highs, lows and limitations. Film and theatre, though distinct in their techniques and reach, remain bound by this shared art form—a storytelling medium that relies heavily on the credibility of its humble performers. The films in this GFF Perspectives selection delve into performances of all kinds, from narratives rooted in the world of theatre to the subtle parts we play in everyday life.

In Kerry O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s family drama Ghostlight, we see a troubled construction worker coming to terms with family dysfunction, through his role in an amateur production of Romeo and Juliet. The play’s subject matter serves as a means for him to process and heal from his own trauma, reflecting how our creative outlets can become a powerful path to emotional recovery through art.

The power a love of theatre can hold on its participants is equally regarded in Sarah Galea-Davis’ The Players, which depicts a self-sufficient and independent young woman thrust into the adult world, as she joins an avant-garde theatre company production of Hamlet. Though Emily is not naïve, the company begins to take advantage of her dedication to production, where her love of acting is the driving force that keeps her on track.

In Austrian absurdist dramedy Peacock, performance is used as a tool by which to manipulate its characters, as we follow expert pretender Matthias and the many roles he plays in his job as a person-for-hire. From social commentary to social observation, Audience Award documentary Mistress Dispeller offers a similar influence of its real-life participants, as professional ‘mistress dispeller’ Wang Zhenxi assists a committed housewife in breaking up her husband’s extramarital affair.

Through their distinct cinematic approaches, each of these films illuminate the art of performance as a powerful means of reflection, using the symbolic nature of theatricality to explore real-world issues. Whether performing on stage or navigating the façade of interactions with strangers, these stories reveal the deep insecurities of human nature and the ways they are outwardly dealt with, either through alteration of character or deriving consolation from the power of theatre.

Heather Bradshaw - GFF Programme Assistant

Want to know more? Check out our GFF Perspectives curated list on ‘Acting Out’ on Letterboxd or read about our other GFF25 Perspectives.

Ghostlight  - dir. Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson

For fans of The Salesman, Birdman and Sing Sing

The Players  - Sarah Galea-Davis

For fans of The Assistant, After the Rehearsal and In Camera

Mistress Dispeller   - Elizabeth Lo

For fans of Family Romance LLC, The Farewell and Dream Empire

Peacock  - Bernhard Wenger

For fans of Parasite, Alps and The Square

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Funders and Charity Info

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