Donald Sutherland on His Enduring Relationship with the Camera
Renowned actor Donald Sutherland has spoken candidly about his complex and intimate relationship with the camera, a crucial aspect of his craft that has spanned decades. In an in-depth conversation, Sutherland shared his insights on how he has honed his relationship with the camera, allowing him to deliver captivating performances that have captivated audiences worldwide.
For Sutherland, the camera is an entity that can be both a voyeur and a lover. “The camera’s either a voyeur or a lover,” he explained. “If it’s your lover, it shares your soul, you give it your virginity over and over again, and it’ll embrace your heart. If it’s a voyeur, it’s a fucking paparazzi.” This nuanced perspective on the camera’s role in his craft is a testament to his thoughtful and colourful approach to acting.
Sutherland’s illustrious career has been marked by a diverse range of roles in films such as MASH, Kelly’s Heroes, Klute, Don’t Look Now, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Ordinary People. His ability to command attention on screen, coupled with his captivating physical language, has made him one of the most beloved and respected actors of his generation. As noted by Far Out Magazine, Sutherland’s performances are characterised by his effortlessly watchable presence, making every second count by fully cohabiting with the camera.
Sutherland’s relationship with the camera is not without its nerves, however. In conversation with Hugh Grant, he revealed that he often feels apprehensive on set, particularly when working with other actors. “I did a film with Vanessa Redgrave, and finally I had to say to the director, ‘Listen, shoot me last’,” he recalled. “Because I would do my close-up, and then she would do hers, and her close-up had nothing to do with anything that she’d done before. It was so precise and specific.”
Interestingly, Sutherland has a unique ritual that he performs at the beginning of every shoot. He revealed that he kisses the lens, almost as a good luck charm to show his appreciation and respect for the camera and its gaze. This idiosyncratic behaviour may seem unusual to outsiders, but it underscores the complexities of acting and the intricate relationships that actors develop with the camera.
In discussing his craft with Far Out Magazine, Sutherland also referenced an anecdote about Anthony Hopkins, who supposedly strokes the camera every morning on set and says “good morning” to it. Such rituals highlight the extent to which actors rely on their relationships with the camera to deliver authentic and compelling performances.
Throughout his career, Sutherland has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to work with the camera, rather than against it. His nuanced understanding of the camera’s role in his craft has yielded some of the most memorable performances in cinema history. As Far Out Magazine reports, Sutherland’s approach to acting is characterised by a deep respect for the camera and its power to capture the human experience.
By drawing on his years of experience and insight, Sutherland has established himself as one of the most captivating actors of his generation. His thoughts on the camera, as shared with Far Out Magazine, offer a unique glimpse into the world of acting and the complexities of working with the camera. As an actor who has spent his career navigating the intricate relationships between performers, directors, and the camera, Sutherland’s perspectives are both enlightening and entertaining.
For those interested in the art of acting and the role of the camera in shaping performances, Sutherland’s conversation with Far Out Magazine provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of cinema. By sharing his experiences and insights, Sutherland has provided a remarkable resource for actors, filmmakers, and anyone interested in the art of storytelling.
Sutherland’s ability to navigate the complexities of his craft has yielded a remarkable body of work, one that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As Far Out Magazine notes, Sutherland’s relationship with the camera is a testament to his skill and dedication as an actor, and his thoughts on the subject offer a unique perspective on the art of acting.
The enduring legacy of Donald Sutherland’s career serves as a reminder of the power of the camera to capture the human experience. Through his work, Sutherland has demonstrated a profound understanding of the camera’s role in shaping performances, and his insights offer a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art of storytelling. As reported by Far Out Magazine, Sutherland’s relationship with the camera is a complex and multifaceted one, marked by a deep respect for the art of acting and the power of the camera to capture the human experience.
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