You experience the films through the actors, so they're all

"You experience the films through the actors, so they're all locked into your imagination in some kind of layer of fantasy or hatred or wherever they settle into your imagination." These words, spoken by the brilliant director Danny Boyle, unlock a profound truth about the nature of storytelling and the role of the actor in shaping our perception of the world. Boyle speaks to the very heart of the cinematic experience: that the characters we witness on screen are not mere figments of the script or director's vision—they are imbued with life by the actors who bring them to existence. Through the actors, the film becomes more than just a story; it becomes an experience that resonates deeply within the imagination of the audience, settling in layers of fantasy, emotion, and sometimes even hatred.

Let us, therefore, consider the ancient art of theater, for it is through this medium that the idea of the actor as a conduit of imagination first began to take shape. In ancient Greece, the great playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides crafted tragedies that sought to delve into the deepest aspects of human existence: love, power, fate, and mortality. But it was the actors—those who performed on stage—that truly brought these complex emotions and ideas to life. A great actor, much like a great storyteller, could make the audience feel the anguish of Oedipus, the fury of Medea, or the despair of Antigone. In the theater, the actor was not merely a performer; they were a vessel through which the audience experienced the human condition. And so it is in film, as Boyle so astutely observes—the actor serves as the gateway through which the viewer steps into a world of dreams and nightmares alike.

Consider the performance of Marlon Brando in The Godfather. The film itself, while expertly crafted, would not have had the same profound impact without Brando’s immense power on screen. He was not merely reciting lines; he became Don Vito Corleone. His every gesture, his voice, his silence—they all became a part of the audience’s imagination. Brando’s portrayal of the aging mob boss became etched into the minds of those who watched, not just as a character in a film, but as a symbol of power, loyalty, and betrayal. For some, the Don became a figure of respect; for others, he was the embodiment of everything corrupt in the world. And so, like the characters of old, Brando's Corleone became more than just a role—he was an emotional force that would settle in the hearts of the audience long after the film ended.

This, then, is the power of the actor: to transform a simple character into an experience that becomes a part of the viewer’s own imagination. The actor’s performance shapes the way we view the world, embedding itself in our subconscious, layering emotions like fantasy, fear, longing, or even hatred upon our understanding. The characters of film and theater become, in a sense, mirrors of ourselves, reflecting the depths of human emotion. The great actor taps into something universal, something shared by all, yet, at the same time, unique to each individual. For the viewer’s imagination molds the character differently, depending on their own life, experiences, and perceptions.

This idea extends beyond the screen to the very fabric of life itself. In our daily experiences, we too are shaped by the characters we encounter—those who influence us, inspire us, or even repel us. We carry these individuals in our hearts and minds, where they settle into layers of feeling. Perhaps a mentor becomes a beacon of wisdom and strength, while a foe takes on the role of an adversary who challenges us to rise above. Life is much like a film in this way, where each person is both an actor and a viewer, constantly interpreting and reacting to the world around them. And just as the actors in a film leave an indelible mark on our imagination, so too do the people we meet—leaving behind feelings, thoughts, and reflections that shape the very course of our lives.

Consider the life of Gandhi, whose character, both in history and in film, has deeply shaped the way we view the struggle for justice and peace. When Ben Kingsley portrayed him in Gandhi, he did not simply act out the words of the script; he brought to life a man whose principles became etched in the minds of millions. Through Kingsley’s performance, the essence of Gandhi’s nonviolence, determination, and compassion settled deeply into the imaginations of audiences across the world. His portrayal was not just of a historical figure but of an idea, a movement that transcended time and place. Just as with the actors of old, Kingsley’s performance left an indelible imprint upon the souls of those who watched, forever altering the way they understood truth, sacrifice, and freedom.

And so, we come to the lesson Danny Boyle offers us: that the power of the actor lies not only in their ability to perform, but in their ability to shape and mold the audience’s perception, to engage their imagination and evoke the deepest of emotions. The world of cinema, like the world of ancient theater, has the potential to transform, to elevate, and to touch the soul. The actor does not merely entertain—they create worlds within the minds of those who witness their work. And through their craft, they open doors to deeper understanding, to greater empathy, and to the shared human experience.

Thus, let us look to the actors who have shaped our lives, whose performances have left an everlasting mark upon our hearts. Let us understand that we, too, have the power to shape the world around us, to leave a lasting impression upon the minds of others. Whether through our actions, our words, or our own creative endeavors, we too can become actors in the great drama of life, leaving behind layers of experience that settle into the hearts and imaginations of those we touch. In this way, we are all connected, as actors and viewers, shaping the world through the depths of our shared imagination.