The subtle brilliance that makes Viola Davis unstoppable
What's the story
Viola Davis is one of the best at what she does in modern Hollywood. Her ability to give depth and complexity to her characters, and her performances littered with a keen understanding of nuance, are what make her able to pull off a range of emotions with subtlety and precision. Here's how she pulls it off, making her one of the most respected actors today.
#1
Embracing authenticity in 'Fences'
In Fences, Davis's authentic act resonates deeply with audiences. She portrays the character's struggles and triumphs by pulling from real-life experiences, which makes her performance all the more authentic. By being true to the character, she weaves a believable narrative that draws in viewers. This commitment to authenticity ensures she connects with audiences on an emotional level, rendering every scene impactful.
#2
Mastering subtle expressions in 'The Help'
In The Help, Davis proves her mettle at using subtle expressions to convey complex emotions. Her ability to speak through minute changes in facial expressions or body language adds so much depth to her character without even relying on dialogue. It allows the viewers to understand the internal conflicts and emotions of the character better, engaging them with the story.
#3
Utilizing silence effectively in 'Doubt'
Davis shows the incredible power of silence as a storytelling device in Doubt. By placing pauses and moments of silence at the right places, she builds tension and highlights key emotional beats of scenes. It gives audiences the time to process information and feel the weight of every moment, contributing greatly to the film's drama.
#4
Transformative physicality in 'Widows'
In Widows, Davis uses transformative physicality as a part of her nuanced performance strategy. She alters her posture, movement, and gestures, as per the requirements of each scene, subtly communicating different elements of her character's personality and journey. This attention to physical detail makes everything believable while also giving an insight into the underlying motivations driving actions throughout the film.