Renowned actor Andy Serkis has made major contributions to the field of performance capture, a method used in movies to produce lifelike computer characters. Using specialized tools like cameras and sensors, this technique records an actor's gestures and facial expressions before converting the information into computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Regardless of the medium or technology used to bring a character to life on screen, Serkis's statement reflects his belief that acting is about embodying a character. For him, the goal of his work is always the same, whether he is using performance capture to play Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" or adopting a more conventional role with dialogue and physical presence: to fully comprehend and convey the character's feelings and behavior.
Consider a painter who uses both oils and watercolors. Although the method varies, the objective remains to produce a striking portrait that embodies the essence and character of the subject. Serkis, on the other hand, views performance capture as just one more tool in his creative toolbox for giving characters life.
Through his work with Weta Digital, where he not only performs but also works with others to create new techniques for capturing actors' more nuanced performances, Serkis has been at the forefront of this technology's advancement. His commitment to this cutting-edge acting style has pushed the envelope both inside and outside of Hollywood, demonstrating how technology can improve narrative without sacrificing artistic integrity.
Essentially, Serkis's viewpoint questions conventional ideas about what makes for "real" or "true" acting, arguing that the core of an actor's art is their capacity to relate to a character on-screen or through digital animation in a profound and genuine way.