Meaning: This quote by William Devane, an American actor, offers insight into the creative process and the dedication of actors to their roles. The quote refers to the character Constance in the film "Family Plot," directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Devane comments on how the original lines written for the character Laura were not as effective, and how the actress portraying Laura, Barbara Harris, ended up improvising and incorporating her own experiences as a mother into the role. This added authenticity and depth to the character, as Harris drew from her own maternal instincts to enhance the portrayal of a nurturing and caring figure.

In the quote, Devane acknowledges the actor's ability to bring personal experiences and emotions into their performances, thus enriching the characters they portray. This process of infusing personal elements into a role can significantly impact the authenticity and relatability of the character to the audience. It highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, as actors contribute their own insights and understanding to the characters they portray, often enhancing the original script and bringing a new dimension to the storytelling.

Furthermore, Devane's quote sheds light on the importance of empathy and understanding in acting. By drawing from her own experiences as a mother, Barbara Harris was able to connect with the character of Laura on a deeper level, infusing the role with genuine emotion and authenticity. This demonstrates the power of personal connection and emotional resonance in the craft of acting, as actors often find ways to relate to their characters through their own life experiences, thus creating more compelling and relatable performances.

The quote also touches on the idea of creative ownership within the collaborative process of filmmaking. When the original lines for the character Laura were deemed less effective, Barbara Harris took it upon herself to enhance the role by incorporating her own ideas and experiences. This demonstrates the agency and creativity that actors bring to their roles, as they are not merely vessels for delivering lines, but active participants in shaping and enriching the characters they portray.

In addition, Devane's quote underscores the significance of authenticity in storytelling. By allowing Barbara Harris to draw from her own experiences as a mother, the character of Laura became more genuine and relatable to the audience. This authenticity is a key component in creating engaging and emotionally resonant performances, as it allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level and invest in their journey.

Overall, William Devane's quote provides valuable insight into the collaborative and creative nature of acting, highlighting the impact of personal experiences and emotions on the portrayal of characters. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity, empathy, and creative ownership in the process of bringing characters to life on screen, ultimately enriching the storytelling experience for both the actors and the audience.