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The Actor’s Duty and the Artist’s Privilege – Marlon Brando

Created at: April 16, 2025

To grasp the full significance of life is the actor’s duty; to interpret it the artist’s privilege.
To grasp the full significance of life is the actor’s duty; to interpret it the artist’s privilege. — Marlon Brando

To grasp the full significance of life is the actor’s duty; to interpret it the artist’s privilege. — Marlon Brando

Understanding Life Through Art

Brando highlights that actors must deeply understand the human experience in order to portray it authentically.

Role of Interpretation

He distinguishes between comprehending life (duty of the actor) and offering a personal interpretation (privilege of the artist).

Artist versus Actor

The quote draws a line between representing reality (actor) and reimagining or interpreting it (artist).

Responsibility of Authentic Portrayal

Implying that an actor has a responsibility to depict the truth of human existence on stage or screen.

Privilege of Expression

Brando views the act of expressing and interpreting meaning as an honor granted to artists, highlighting the creative process as a special gift.