Iain wrote:
I'm afraid I really don't buy this at all. To me, the difference-- if any -- between a picture of Avon and a picture of Paul Darrow exists only in the mind of the beholder.
I guess all I can do is disagree. Based on the blooper tape as cited, there is a clear difference to this particular beholder at least. I can also see the difference in offscreen shots in 'Blake's 7: the inside story', in fact there's two or three shots in that book out of costume which I guess *must* be Paul Darrow but I simply don't recognise at all.
If I were a better artist, I might be able to characterise where the differences lie (in the line of the mouth, in the eyes, in the set of the jaw ???) but as it is I'll just have to bluster.
I think it might be actor specific, as the difference is nowhere near so pronounced for Steven Pacey vs Tarrant.
Do I think the cops should be inspecting fan art to make sure none of its subjects are offended by the product? No. Absolutely not. Would I happily piss on the grave of someone who used my likeness in a manner I found offensive or degrading? Yup.
Actually I think we're in complete agreement here.
Tavia
Tavia wrote:
I guess all I can do is disagree. Based on the blooper tape as cited, there is a clear difference to this particular beholder at least. I can also see the difference in offscreen shots in 'Blake's 7: the inside story', in fact there's two or three shots in that book out of costume which I guess *must* be Paul Darrow but I simply don't recognise at all.
I find that this distinction is crystal-clear in my own mind, too, although what *makes* that distinction is nothing I can put my finger on. But I feel like I know instantly whether I'm looking at a picture of PD or a picture of Avon (costume or no costume). Indeed, there've been a few pictures in zines (*not* nude ones, for heaven's sake!) that I've found myself looking at and thinking "Hmm, that's supposed to be Avon, but it's not, it's Paul Darrow. Artist must have been working from a picture of him out-of-character or something." (Ditto for a "Tarrant" picture or two, I think.) Haven't been able to verify that, mind, but if I were a betting person, I might well be willing to put money on it.
(None of which really addresses the main point, I know, but I find that my opinions on the matter are somewhat torn and have nothing useful to add to the ethical aspect of the debate.)
Iain wrote:
I'm afraid I really don't buy this at all. To me,
the difference-- if any -- between a picture of Avon and a picture of Paul Darrow exists only in the mind of the beholder.<<
Tavia wrote:
I guess all I can do is disagree. Based on the
blooper tape as cited, there is a clear difference to this particular beholder at least. I can also see the difference in offscreen shots in 'Blake's 7: the inside story', in fact there's two or three shots in that book out of costume which I guess *must* be Paul Darrow but I simply don't recognise at all.<<
However; there are many pictures of PD where, although he doesn't have the Avon persona about him, you can definitely still see Avon in his image. As for PD as Avon suddenly being PD in relaxed mode, I would say that the difference would be very noticeable, I don't know about anyone else but I have pictures in my head of people from days gone by and sometimes, I have come across people, where I think - is that them? I am not sure, so I don't approach - however; I have come across past acquaintances and immediately recognised them - no question in my mind...I have been presented with the clear image - in the case of PD, all most people have is the screen image of Avon (or whatever character he plays)which they know is portrayed by the actor PD and they associate the two with a single image. (I know we seem to be using PD as an example and like Iain, I have absolutely no idea if he cares about this or not - my stance on this is for everyone - not just actors, however it is the actors who come in for this sort of attention rather than the man on the street)
Tavia wrote:
If I were a better artist, I might be able to
characterise where the differences lie (in the line of the mouth, in the eyes, in the set of the jaw ???) but as it is I'll just have to bluster.<<
And you would have a picture of Avon - as portrayed by Paul Darrow.
Tavia wrote:
I think it might be actor specific, as the
difference is nowhere near so pronounced for Steven Pacey vs Tarrant.<<
Which is another reason why a true representation of the actors likeness is a bit unfair. In some actors cases the screen/true image is even more closely bonded.
Iain and Tavia wrote:
Do I think the cops should be inspecting fan art to
make sure none of its subjects are offended by the product? No. Absolutely not. Would I happily piss on the grave of someone who used my likeness in a manner I found offensive or degrading? Yup.<<
Actually I think we're in complete agreement here.<<
Ditto. Bringing in plod is a bit extreme - but the final sentiment is not :-)
===== Cheryl. (My favourite 'Blake's 7' moment) What a fiasco! We could take over the ship you said, if I did my bit. Well, I did my bit, and what happened? Your 'troops' bumble around looking for someone to surrender to, and when they've succeeded, You, follow suit! (Avon to Blake. "Spacefall")
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Tavia