Actor Alfredo Castro: The Chilean Transformer
Alfredo Castro, a Chilean actor, shared his thoughts on acting during a masterclass in Mexico. He described acting as a transformation from his real body to a fictional body, where emotions and conflicts play a crucial role in communication.
For Castro, acting is about the strong desire to change a fictional body, a literary creation, into a character that simulates a life. He emphasized the importance of understanding the values, political beliefs, and struggles of the characters he portrays. Castro explained that his characters’ bodies feed off each other to create a third body that comes to life on its own.
He reflected on his experience portraying Father Vidal, a pedophile priest in the film ‘El Club,’ directed by Pablo Larraín. Despite finding the character repugnant, Castro was able to bring him to life by embodying him fully. He explained that the transformation occurred when he transitioned from his own body to the character’s body by dressing up and looking at himself in the mirror.
Castro, a renowned actor in Ibero-American cinema, expressed his interest in projects that prioritize emotional and political aspects over rationality. He believes that these elements resonate with the audience and leave a lasting impact. Castro mentioned that when reading a script, he focuses on the scenes that evoke strong emotions and uses them as a guide for the rest of the story.
Recognized with the Platinum Award in 2024 for his role in the miniseries ‘Los mil días de Allende,’ Castro emphasized his approach to portraying characters as real individuals who experience emotions and suffering. He highlighted the importance of treating characters as humans rather than fictional entities.
Attending the 39th International Film Festival in Guadalajara, Castro received the Ibero-American Mayahuel Award for his outstanding career and presented his latest film ‘Ladrón de Perros.’ The festival features 200 short and feature films in various categories, including Mexican and Ibero-American fiction, documentary, animation, environmental themes, and LGBTQ+ community-related films.
Castro’s insights into the art of acting shed light on the transformative process actors undergo to breathe life into fictional characters. His dedication to portraying characters with depth and authenticity resonates with audiences and showcases the power of emotional storytelling in cinema.