A/A Subtle Acting Hall of Fame

[Adelus]

Hello GG,

Quote:

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"As for Aly, it's still gotta be the scene for which she was ripped off in not getting an Emmy (or even a freakin' nomination!): the end of "Tough Love." She just conveys *so* much emotion, but w/ such restraint and sensitivity."

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I agree wholeheartedly with this. I was completely taken with Alyson Hannigan's eyes during that scene. They were so clear, so steady, you could see the love in them, unashamed. Unbelievably real.



I also marvel at Aly and Amber's acting during their last scenes together. They knew what was coming at the end of SR, and yet there's no campy "foreshadowing" in their delivery, they simply don't hold anything back. It's so clear that Willow and Tara are completely enthralled at rediscovering each other. Their performance is filled with such integrity and honesty, it's as though they decided to give a wonderful (parting) gift to all their fans. It's hard to explain, but I almost immediately got the sense that they said to each other "let's give them all we can, let's give them moments they'll treasure, because what's coming up is so crappy". Does that make sense?



Huh, and that writer fellow says it's just a tv show!



Adélus

[AutumnT]

Quote:

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It's hard to explain, but I almost immediately got the sense that they said to each other "let's give them all we can, let's give them moments they'll treasure, because what's coming up is so crappy". Does that make sense?

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You know it does, and you're completely right. The performances did not foreshadow at all what was to happen. They went with complete love and glee right up to the end.

Autumn

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It grated, like something forced in where it doesn't belong.

[xita]

That is so true. I hadn't really thought about it, but yes they really did not hold back in those last scenes and did not forshadow at all, taht smile Tara gives Willow just before, I have never seen her happier..

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Willow: (to Tara) I could heal.

Tara: (to Willow)And we’re gone.

[MadeinNZ]

I agree with everyone that one of Aly's greatest strengths is her ability to show emotion through facial expressions. This reminded me about something Joss said in his commentary of "Hush". He talked about how Aly would have made a fantastic silent movie comedic actress because of the way she can communicate wothout speaking. So true.

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"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

Edited by: MadeinNZ at: 7/4/02 2:19:42 pm

[with catlike tread]

One bit I like from TR: where Buffy, as Joan, declares “I think I know why Joan's the boss. I'm like a superhero or something!”. The camera pans over to the SG lined up against the Magic Box counter who all look at Buffy like she is weird/scary (and Xander faints), but Tara nods and gives this smile as if to say (I feel) ‘if that is what you want to think I am going to support you’. Its such a Tara thing, being supportive even though she doesn’t actually understand what is going on.

taran-tara

[slayer747]

and it is also a tara thing to be calm even at moments when most people chicken out... say, in Bargaining, when Anya was freaking out... tara was the voice of reason... damn.. i miss her (but that thingy belongs in another thread..sorry)

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong, and those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie "Once and Again"

[the vamp nurd]

Tara's eyebrows!

"You got the last known urn of osris on e-bay?"

*giggles.*

The vamp nurd: worshipper of Aly's and Amber's eyebrows.

[MaClayMagic]

After the dust had settled on "Seeing Red" I too was amazed at how neither women gave any hint at the utter crap that was going to follow. I never saw telegraphed at how cruelly Amber was going to be ripped from the show, she delivered super sexy Tara in all her smiling glory right to the end. Amber obviously knew what was going to happen but it never coloured the beauty that was Tara. She's too darn good for that show.

As for Aly to go from beautiful confident Willow to the pathetic cartoonish Dark Willow was so ridiculous it beggered belief. "Seeing Red", if it did nothing else, showed these two women at their best and their acting abilities excellent. For two straight women they did sweet lesbian touches very well! Tara's constantly touching Willow in the opening of "SRed" was beautiful! And very natural. Sigh!

Anyanka: You trusting fool! How do you know the other world is any
better than this?
Giles: Because it has to be.

Sure, until "Seeing Red"!

[jojo kiwigirl]

Hey everyone,



well, I have chosen this post to be my first so I hope you'll all be gentle. Losing your posting virginity takes a lot of trust and patience, but enough about me. Umm... Having just watched my fantastic new season 4 DVDs, I've re-discovered a couple of good scenes - forgive me if these have been noticed before. I really like watching the bit on WTWTA where W and T are sat on the stairs talking about horses - they are very cute and smiley together, and Aly's look of complete hurt when Tara runs off.



The other one I like is in the Yoko Factor - when they are chatting about Miss Kitty - the chemistry is obvious and again Aly's expressions are just great, her reaction shots to when Tara says 'she can be ours if you want' is just lovely.



Is it just me, or did Amber look stunning in Season 4?







And I'm spent.... back to lurking.



(for those who are interested, as first times go this wasn't too bad - quite quick but fairly painless - I might come back) although on second thoughts, the registration process left me feeling dirty!

[AutumnT]

If the registration process made you feel dirty then you better stay away from the daily threads. Those will get you.

Autumn

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It grated, like something forced in where it doesn't belong.

[jojo kiwigirl]

right....



you know when someone tells you not to do something....



(goes off in search of Daily threads)

[xita]

jojo, yes that scene in the yoko factor is supremely excellent. All the flirting going on. Aly has a real good shy girl, sparkly eyed, big smile thing going on. And Tara's strangely confident here, a woman who is now secure in her lover and can now assert herself. Hmm .. delicious.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

"Oooh Xita!" - Amber Benson

[AutumnT]

So this one's about Aly.



I was reminded last night how brilliant she is in Lover's Walk in a scene where she says nothing. That bit where Spike is ranting on to the captured Willow about Dru and she's there with her tear streaked face, terrified and looking at him and listening to this stupid and pathetic story. She's really great in that scene. And I once again marvel at the fact that Aly can apparently cry all day long because I know that must've taken hours to shoot.

Autumn

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Buffy Season 6: It grated, like something forced in where it doesn't belong.

[The Inward Sea]

OMG! I've just watched WAY for the first time ever -shame on me! - and noticed that when Tara tells Willow about the Nether Realm spell and W says twice "I trust you", the second time she says it with an amazing change of expression in her face! Its not childish Willow anymore. Is full grown woman Willow that knows exactly what she's talking about. And its not spells



I may be influenced by the Kittens POV but Aly's work there is wonderful!



Sea

[the vamp nurd]

I am the only person who thinks the spell in WAY is very sexy?

The vamp nurd.



Is it me or just some times did Amber look at bit out of it? in WTWTA when they're discussing Giles' singing, she looked like 'Hello passing over head'.

She was the only one who wasn't shocked.

And Aly's shocked face jaw drops....

Edited by: DrG at: 7/31/02 7:48:44 am

[SadandRatty]

The "morning after scene" in Wrecked--the expressions on AB's face as she goes through the whole thing--holding back on walking into what used to be "her room" with Willow, the look of fear/expectation as Willow comes in with Amy, noticing Amy, wanting to get the hell out of there, then realizing what WIllow has been up to. The whole scene is just amazingly well acted, in a very subtle way. Tara's explanation to Willow is so well done--her facial expression at the end just communicates this whole bundle of emotions: "I got stuck here with Dawn, There are no adults in this household, thus, I am forced to NOW be here and witness you coming in after being out all night with some chick!" Willow's "hey" is almost hostile, but then as the scene progresses you can see her trying to start winning Tara back--her last Tara is so sad. (Even MT was good in that scene--shooting desperate looks to Willow fix this, get Tara back, etc).

[theatremouse]

well, tara was the only one who didnt know giles well, so her seeing him singing was more of a "oh, thats nice, he's good at that" experience, than a scary type "what? he's a grown adult. he's not supposed to have a life outside of what we know" moment.... PLUS i think she's particularly cute looking all unaware and drifty in that scene.



edited for bad grammar....

Willow: It's horrible! That's me as a vampire? I'm so evil and... skanky. And I think I'm kinda gay.

Edited by: theatremouse at: 7/31/02 1:25:26 pm

[AutumnT]

Quote:

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I am the only person who thinks the spell in WAY is very sexy?

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LOL. Um, no.

Autumn

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Buffy Season 6: It grated, like something forced in where it doesn't belong.

[Tulipp]

Quote:

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Willow's "hey" is almost hostile, but then as the scene progresses you can see her trying to start winning Tara back--her last Tara is so sad.

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SadandRatty, I agree that that scene was a subtlety hall of fame moment, but I really thought that Willow's "hey" was more in the "damn, i'm caught" and the "oh my God, maybe she came back to me and here I am coming in the door after

using magic". Not hostile but stunned and reminded.



But my favorite part of that scene--forgive me if someone already mentioned this--is where Willow is standing over the stove looking at Willow's pancakes. I see that moment as setting up the fact that she will give up magic...in that and the scenes that follow, she recognizes that magic is not enough to comfort her when Tara is gone. So much expression conveyed in Aly's face there.

[AutumnT]

Quote:

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But my favorite part of that scene--forgive me if someone already mentioned this--is where Willow is standing over the stove looking at Willow's pancakes.

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Yeah that's a nice moment. Actually I just think that whole scene is fabulous. And I especially like that Tara starts to stutter and we had not heard her do that in like forever underscoring how uncomfortable she is and Willow's reaction to that.

Autumn

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Buffy Season 6: It grated, like something forced in where it doesn't belong.

[SadandRatty]

The pancake moment is so sad--just looking at it--flashing on that sweet moment "pancakes could go in bellies"--SO SAD. I also think the later conversation with Dawn, as they walk, when Willow says "the other day with TARA" the way she barely gets TARA out. Very sad.



But, still, I feel like Willow's first "hey" is more tension-y/hostile than busted. No smiling, wrinkled brow...I don't know it looks more cold to me.....

[Tulipp]

Sadandratty, I'll go back and watch that scene again; you may be right after all! And I am willing to be persuaded.

[AutumnT]

Yeah, I'm gonna talk about Dopplegangland again. But if you look at me funny I'll start in on Family - I'm just warning ya.



This is a Aly thing I just noticed on the season 4 DVDs. That scene at the beginning in Snyder's office. Willow is sitting there all shifty eyed and nervous, but when Snyder says "the pinnacle of academic achievement at Sunnydale High" there is this totally subtle and brief glint of a smug look that flashes across her face. It cracked me up.

Autumn

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Buffy Season 6: It grated, like something forced in where it doesn't belong.

[the vamp nurd]

*nods*.

The whole scene is great.

Aly really pulled the stops out for Dopplegangerland.

The vamp nurd [who freely admitts that she can tell in the libary scene which is which and knows the double's name]

[famer]

Just saw "The Body" after being somewhat avoidy (b/c it's a v. sad ep but also b/c of the stark juxtaposition of the treatment of Joyce's and Tara's deaths).



But anyway...my vote for subtle acting moment is when Xander, Anya, Willow & Tara are in Willow's room.



Just prior to X&A's arrival, Tara is clearly Willow's Gibraltar of inner strength. That in itself is nothing new -- it's one of the cornerstones of their relationship. When X&A get there, Tara continues with her inner strength schtick -- she tries to diffuse the tension and focus everyone's attention on practical considerations (e.g. patrolling) instead of dwelling on their emotional anguish. However, when Xander goes on a blaming bender -- first with Glory then the Doctors, Tara's composure breaks just a bit.



After Xander goes on about the "frickin' doctors", there's a close-up of Tara. She doesn't say anything -- all we see is Tara lowering her eyes slowly, for just a beat, then slowly opening them again. From this brief moment, it appeared to me that Xander's verbal flailing, showing both his pain and feelings of helplessness, evocatively reminded Tara of her mother's death and, assumedly, her own similar reaction. In that moment, we see Tara's remembered sorrow et al. This emotional parallelism may be what Xander recognizes when Tara comments that "it hurts" (although he doesn't know Tara's mother died).



I admired Amber's acting muchly during the single close-up moment (not in the shooting script).



As an aside, I also thought that "The Body", more than "Family" or any other episode, solidified Tara's place in the BTVS family (as opposed to the scooby gang). But perhaps that's a comment better made in the WT interacts with other Scoobies thread...

[urnofosiris]

Great observations famer. It never ceases to amaze me how much both Alyson and Amber can convey with a single look or expression in their eyes. It is fantastic and I'm sure most of it comes from them, not directions in the shooting scripts and/or on set.

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Tara: "uh Willow?"

Willow: "No dancing naked, huh?...It just won't be the same."

Tara: "That's all right, we can save it for later" ----From Wilderness, the newest WT comic written by Amber Benson and Christopher Golden

[vix84]

Another cute, 'subtle' moment during 'Under your Spell'.



When W/T sit down on the bed and Tara looks down very...coyly, the camera shows Willow smiling. Then you see - for a split second - her lips part when she realises what Tara just suggested. *Drool* You can't blame her, can you?



I also love the scene at the beginning of Entropy, when Tara and Will are chatting after class. Amber does the scene perfectly, balancing Tara's uncertainty with her excitement at seeing Willow. You see her occasionally look away and make a facial expression to herself, something like "ohmigod, I can't believe we're talking...and I'm flirting, and she's responding!"

[AutumnT]

Well, I just heard Dawn screeching "GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT" from the other room as the wife was watching Buffy tonight purely for the Blue Crush commercials. Don't ask. It's a surfing thing and frankly I'm just glad the TV is not on Shark Week right now because I. don't. want. to. see. those. damn. things. flying. anymore.



Anyway, I digress. So I wandered in to mock Dawn a little and watched the scene again where Willow admits to having saved some magic stuff in the house. I really like Amber's work in this scene because all of a sudden her eyes look like she's been crying. Tara is being firm but the revelation kills her just when she was starting to allow a little hope in.



Hmmm. Or maybe her eyes look that way because she was temporarily blinded by the light bouncing off of Dawn's hair.

Autumn

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Buffy Season 6: It grated, like something forced in where it doesn't belong.

Edited by: AutumnT  at: 8/13/02 6:50:27 pm

[pointystick]

I know others have talked about this scene but still. In "Who are you" the sensitive "I am, you know, yours" scene. The careful yet tentative way that Willow says "Mine". So many emotions in just a single word. Makes me cry every time.





Missy



I'm glad that you're doing better.

[theatremouse]

in enemies, when willow's telling buffy all to talk to angel, she's so good and so sweet because the moment is so simple and real and almost feels like ad libbing because aly and sarah are so natural together, particularly when she's all "i give you leave to go"

good moment.

Willow: It's horrible! That's me as a vampire? I'm so evil and... skanky. And I think I'm kinda gay.