A movie is the combination of well throughout compositions, a collective effort to bring a story to life. With this post, I want to make attention to the role of acting and share some memorable monologues that have stuck with me over the years. For me, a monologue makes a captivating pause to reflect on the story. Acting monologues can be inspiring and contemplative, and these are some of my favorites.
Sunshine, 1999
This monologue in "Sunshine" is fascinating. We see how a man reads a collection of letters written by the patriarch from each generation to his son. What struck me was the reader's father giving advice on living detached from pride and security, while newspapers are crushed with old furniture in a garbage truck.
To The Wonder, 2012
This poignant voiceover read by actor Javier Barden feels like a personal prayer. An internal dialogue with God as it’s overlayed by powerful scenes that make us reflect on the frailties of humankind. To The Wonder is a film directed by Terrence Malik, a director with a rich cinematic voice well worth studying, and this video essay is a good starting point
Cinema Paradiso, 1988
Framed by an old wooden door, Alfredo shares “The soldier’s story ”with Toto, which foreshadows what’s to happen between Toto and Elena. The visual simplicity in this monologue and the way Italian Actor Philippe Noiret delivers his lines with pauses and burst enthusiasm really brings it to another level.
As we are saturated with images and technology is good to discover new alternatives to be uplifted and inspired. Actors have a tremendous power to do just that when they deliver monologues.