Who's responsible for character adaptations?

[PyroChamber]

When it comes to how comic book characters are portrayed on screen who do you think is more responsible for the end results; the actor chosen to play the character or the writers?

Granted, I think it's necessary for the actor/actress to do at least some research on the characters they play but at the same time I think the writers show do the same thing.

 

[The Morningstar]

I think it's a bit of both really. The writer needs to "get" the character and put that on paper. The actor needs to realise that character and bring it to life.

 

[SuperFerret]

It's more on the heads of the writers than the actors.

 

[hopefuldreamer]

Don't you think there's an element of the director in there as well.

I mean, the writer comes up with the line.
The director tells the actor how he wants the line spoken.
The actor speaks the line.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

The producer has to approve of the writer, director, tone of the film, and actors, so they are the most important.

But between the writers and actor, it is definitely the actor.

A good actor can take lemons (bad script) and make lemonade.

 

[The Morningstar]

It also works the other way. The actor could be given a great script, but that doesn't mean anything if the actor doesn't fully realise that character from the paper and inject them with life and personality.

 

[metaphysician]

Between actor and writer, I'd say that when things go right, its usually the writing to thank. . . but either bad acting or bad writing can tank the result beyond recovery. However, you really need all four: good production, good directing, good writing, good acting.

 

[Ultimatehero]

As a writer out here in Holyweird it's, for the better or worse, solely on us. The actors can do as much research as they want, but at the end of the day it's our lines they're saying and our action directions they're following. If we destroy the character on page, the actor can do nothing. If we dp a great job, they can add a lot by bringing it to life with their skill. Of course if you're talking level of acting rather than how accurate the character is to the comics - writers can't effect that.