Julius Tanag -- O'Neill Essay
posted by Brady Kelso at
3:00 PM
About
About Me
- Name: Brady Kelso
- Location: San Diego, California, United States
I've taught English in San Diego City Schools for the past 25 years. I've taught at Mann Middle School, Serra High School, Muirlands Middle School, Lincoln High School, and Crawford High School. I currently teach English to freshmen and seniors at Scripps Ranch High School. I developed and taught English Methods for twenty years at San Diego State University before "retiring" in 2004.
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lopoo, at 1:29 AM
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By
lopoo, at 1:43 AM
A Long Day's Journey Into Playing Jamie TyroneActing can be simple or difficult, due to the type of character one has to become. One might be able to relate to a particular character or might not be able to because of the difference that stands between the two. Regardless, it takes a great deal of focus and hard work to perform. Only a few out of the many actors and actresses have perfected their abilities to recreate such characters beautifully.
In the play “Long Day’s Journey into Night” by Eugene O’Neill, the four main characters are complex in their own way. This dysfunctional family interacts very dramatically. Each member of the family interacts with others but some must also deal with themselves. For example, if an actor had Jamie as his role, one must consider the necessary aspects for creating a believable performance.
The role of Jamie would require a lot of attention to details within the play. Jamie is the first son of the Tyrone family. He has a younger brother named Edmund. They both are children of James and Mary Tyrone. Jamie does not live his life seriously, which he displays by not going to college, drinking and spending money on women. James bickers about how unsuccessful Jamie is and Mary complains that he drinks too much. His parents’ blame him for Edmund’s mistakes and failures because he was not a good enough role model as a brother. Jamie dislikes Edmund because he gets all the support and affection from their parents. Jamie cannot help hating Edmund because he represents his lack of success. Jamie also struggles with his own self because he is aware of his failures yet he can only blame a beloved family member and friend.
Before taking on the role of Jamie, one must consider the psychological structure of his character. Jamie, being in his mid-thirties, is still dependent on his parents, who are disappointed in him for that and more. He hates his brother for outshining him but cannot help love him because he is the only friend he has. These situations can be troubling and unstable, thus making him into a bitter, hopeless and remorseful man. Along with that, Jamie's declining life has led him into a whirlpool of drinking and one night stands.
With this information, an actor can prepare himself for this role by making this character a reality. "Method acting" is a technique used by actors to prepare for the role and create a vision of how they could make it work. For the role of Jamie, one can take on a pessimistic belief on life. For example, when coming home from running errands or dinner with a friend, the actor could improvise by imagining that he is coming home to a bitter family that has no respect for him. Along with the fact that his younger brother is the bane of his existence because of all the potential success his parents’ say he has. Creating this imaginary family can be easily accomplished if the actor relates it with his own experience or other siblings who might be in the same situation. Also, Jamie is coming from a family whose dreams have been shattered, so an actor could reflect on things he has regretted in his past. Building this pessimistic outlook on life can help the actor function as the disgruntled, remorseful man Jamie represents.
When it comes down to playing the role, more techniques can help when playing Jamie. Altering a few personal characteristics can add up and bring out a convincing performance. The actor's voice could be monosyllabic or even spoken from the back of the throat to show a sign of discontent or agony to represent Jamie's internal struggles. The actor's body movement could be slouched and slightly lethargic due to Jamie's hopelessness. Jamie does also display a bit of anger when drunk, so staggered and sudden movements should be incorporated. These details should be kept subtle to ensure a believable performance from the actor.
Despite the simplicity of executing these tasks, letting them become one with oneself and flowing together can be a difficult task. Preparing is an important step to acting this role because Jamie has been through thirty years of failure and lack of support. Also, having a love and hate relationship with an only friend is rare, so this would require some preparation, if the actor has not experienced it already. This love and hate relationship could lead to more difficulty by Jamie's change of moods. The flow of these contrasting emotions can be a challenge when acting. This almost has a schizophrenic stature, having mood swings while being violently or hopelessly drunk.
Jamie's role in "Long Day's Journey into Night" has many connections with the characters and the themes of the story. He has an important part in displaying situations of declined dreams and love and hate relationships. Creating a convincing portrayal of Jamie would determine the effect of the other characters and the full feel of the play. With this character having much diversity and importance, the actor who could perfect this role would be creating a true work of art.
By
lopoo, at 1:44 AM
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