Narrative technique · used in 1 film

Recast Role Within Story

Having several actors play one character, with a story reason inside the film for each face change. The shifting faces become part of the fantasy.

Examples

Where you can see it

  1. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) poster

    The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

    Terry Gilliam · 2009

    After Heath Ledger died during production, Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell took over as Tony inside the mirror. In the film, Tony's face changes each time he enters the Imaginarium. A real-world tragedy becomes part of the world's logic.

    Where to see it: Tony's trips through the mirror. His face changes as he walks into each person's imagination.

Questions

Quick answers

What is recast role within story in film?
Having several actors play one character, with a story reason inside the film for each face change. The shifting faces become part of the fantasy.
Which films use recast role within story?
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009).
What kind of technique is recast role within story?
It is a narrative technique. Related narrative techniques include Faustian Bargain Structure, Staged Performance Within Film, Symbolic Object.

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