If a mime falls on his death bed does anyone hear? I know most people can't stand mimes. After all, they usually stand on a street corner,performing inane things and unable to give proper directions! Those people also never saw Marcel Marceau perform. The man was truly amazing. He was able, through simple motion, to express the infinite. I had the pleasure of watching him on video in one of my acting classes. There we all were, struggling to look like we were drinking out of a mimed cup, with most of us just looking like we were chewing our fists. So many observations were needed. What is the right weight of the "cup"? How big? What was in it? Meanwhile Marcel the master of the craft was able to show the range of humanity, from birth to death, in a matter of ten minutes, all clearly. I got the feeling that he could give excellent directions too, if necessary. We were lucky to have one of his students teaching our class. He was truly amazing. The sheer athletic prowess was something to behold and the very fact that Marcel Marceau, in his twilight years, could continue to do moves that a twenty year old would weep from, was enough to endow him with super status!
At any rate, the artistic world has lost a great leader and mentor. Farewell sweet prince.
3 comments:
I never saw him perform, but I heard he was amazing. Seems like we are losing some really great stars -- I can't believe that Pavarotti is dead, either. Hopefully there will be some great discoveries to fill the void.
jenn
:`( (My attempt at miming a tear!!) So sad. Thanks for sharing. I wouldn't have know if I didn't read your blog!
It's true! I can't believe he has gone either! Pavarotti too. There really haven't been many artists from our generation who have been able to be "mentors". There are a few in film but it is rare in the other arts, so the lost is great, even though it was to be expected. Thanks guys for your comments
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