Directing An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

Directing An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

In the following essay, I intend to describe the different ways in

which I would portray the different mannerisms and characteristics of

the inspector from a director's point of view throughout different

parts in the play. I will look at his effect and how he is affected in

different scenarios - such as the contrast between the interrogations

of different characters. I will concentrate on how I would portray his

character, his mannerisms, speech, posture, facial and body

expression, his attire and how he interacts with the other characters.

The stage directions would give me as the director a clear idea as to

how I should portray the inspector. As well as continual directions in

different situations throughout the play, the most important

directions concerning the inspectors general character are given at

the point in the play at which he enters the Birlings home.

For example, the directions explain how 'he need not be a big man but

he creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and

purposefulness'. Basically, his physical size does not matter so much

as long as the character is portrayed as a powerful, solid, confident,

purposeful person who has a large effect on the audience and the

family. 'He is a man in his fifties, dressed in a plain darkish suit

of the period.' His age is stated, and his attire is also described -

this gives me an impression as to how I would dress the character.

Plain and dark clothing represents impersonality, he reveals very

little emotion or information about himself.

His speech is careful and weighty. He has a 'disconcerting habit of

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... is far more than he seems. He is also a 'mouthpiece' for the writer of

the play - J.B. Priestly. Priestly has very strong views on socialism,

community and responsibility. He expresses these views through the

lines of the inspector, without obviously stating it himself. It is a

play that is used to show the differences and separation between

society and the inspector acts as Priestly - trying to stop these

differences.

Priestly's strong political views stemmed from the situation at the

time when the play was set. There were huge social divisions, 87% of

the country's wealth was in the hands of 5% of the population. Many

were underfed, lived in poor housing and were poorly clothed. Eva

Smith is an example of such a person that both the inspector and

Priestly felt should be helped by a more fair and balanced society.