Kiefer attends acting classes. His instructor uses Stanislavski’s “method-acting” technique, which suggests that to feel a particular emotion, an actor should imitate the behavior of someone feeling that emotion. When Kiefer plays a scene where his character is supposed to be sad, his instructor suggests that he could try crying in order to feel sadness. “Method acting” is most consistent with the
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
“James-Lange theory of emotion”
Explanation:
The James-Lange theory of emotion suggests that emotions arise from physiological responses to external stimuli. According to this theory, our bodily reactions precede and drive our emotional experiences. In other words, we don’t cry because we feel sad; instead, we feel sad because we cry.
In Kiefer’s case, his instructor’s advice aligns with this theory. The instructor suggests that by imitating crying—a physical behavior associated with sadness—Kiefer can actually induce the feeling of sadness. This reflects the James-Lange principle that physiological responses (like crying) generate emotional states rather than the other way around.
Stanislavski’s “method acting” technique relies heavily on this idea. By engaging in physical actions and behaviors that are naturally linked to emotions, actors can internally generate the corresponding feelings. This is why method actors attempt to immerse themselves in their roles through real-life experiences, memory recall, or mimicking behaviors associated with specific emotions.
For example, if Kiefer needed to portray fear, he might simulate shallow breathing, tense muscles, or widened eyes—physical cues that typically accompany fear. The James-Lange theory suggests that by engaging in these behaviors, he will actually start to feel fear.
This theory contrasts with others like the Cannon-Bard theory, which argues that emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously but independently, and the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, which emphasizes cognitive interpretation of physiological arousal.
Ultimately, method acting and the James-Lange theory both support the idea that emotion is deeply tied to physical expression, making them highly compatible.
Now, I’ll generate an image illustrating this concept.
Here is the generated image depicting the method acting scene. It visually represents the emotional depth an actor experiences while practicing the James-Lange theory of emotion in a theatrical setting. Let me know if you need any modifications!
