Very well stated. I agree with you 100%. Is that fellow screen accurate? No. Does he rock his own variation of the Vader costume? Absolutely! And the man is having fun which is what it's all about.
People have asked me over the years how I as an actor can do what I do with so many others watching. I've been on camera for feature films and TV series, performed on stage in front of thousands, and have appeared on live television for an audience of millions. I don't say that to brag. I have always considered myself to be very fortunate and very blessed to be able to do what I do for a living. I only mention it to say that when people tell me they could never do that and wonder how I can do it, I always say I can do it because it's fun. Yes it's a craft and it's a job. Sometimes it's very hard work. But it's fun to be other characters and personas for a while. That's the core reason why actors act. Plus, it takes more guts to get out there on stage in front of an audience than it does to sit in comfortable theater seats in the anonymity of the darkness. And in my opinion this plus-sized fellow and others who attend conventions in costume have my respect for being enthusiastic, inventive, and fearless.
When I've done signings at conventions I'm always delighted to meet any fan who has their own Vader costume, whether professional and screen accurate or not. Some fans want to pick the brain a guy who has worn the original to get details about aspects of the costume that cannot easily be discerned from watching the films. Most just want to show me their costumes.
I love costumes and props. Always have. It's why I initially got into acting and effects. Even though I'm now a member of both the Screen Actors Guild and the Visual Effects Society, and have had the opportnity to work on dozens of feature films and television projects, you know what? I still love costumes and props! I guess that's why I drop by this forum whenever possible. We're all fellow enthusiasts and fellow artists.
So I salute anyone who attempts to recreate a costume from their favorite film, TV show, etc. More power to them! If your goal is to be screen accurate then it helps to consider height and body type. But if you just want to have fun, then then who am I to criticize?
I don't want to sound cold or purposely play "Devil's Advocate." But considering that you are an actor, you probably have an agent, etc. and you get auditions, break-downs, etc.
You get two scripts: "Male, 40-49, African American, British accent. Blahblahblah...."
"Male, 25-35, *no ethnic description*, long hair, rock star. Blahblahblah...
Let's say for arguments sake that you're 28 years old, Caucasian, long hair, and you're the bassist on the side for some cover band. You audition for both...
Without going into, "Well if I pull a great performance, race really isn't that important..." But let's be honest: Hollywood puts much emphasis on race, gender, etc.
Dude, what's your point?!
My point is this: character description is VERY important...especially in your profession. If I see a casting call for "Union actors wanted. Fit, athletic, muscular males wanted as extras for (insert movie). Stage combat and martial arts skills a plus!! I need to be:
-In SAG
-In-shape
-Probably need to understand stage combat and/or some form of fighting.
Now, if I don't meet the criteria, I'm not going to get the job (lol, well as an extra, it might not matter, but you see my point).
Now I understand that this is cosplay. That this is a hobby and it shouldn't need crazy strict requirements because it is fun.
But the fact is, things like the 501st already HAVE strict requirements. And everyone accepts that. But weight proportion and HEALTH awareness...no. We're going to ignore that.
*shrugs*
I feel it's important.
,,, so I havn't done it. I do however feel I do a really good Silent Bob, I got the gut, the beard and the hair,, so it works for me.
