Atkins method of acting

In this article, Caryn James seems to make a connection between actors undergoing weight changes and the national problem of dieting and obesity. It appears to James that the idea of gaining or losing weight is not a necessity for making a movie and has more to do with generating publicity. Such frivolous glamorization of weight loss, she argues, is unhealthy for society. What I think James fails to appreciate, however, is how becoming their character(mentally, emotionally, AND physically) is essential to accurately portraying the character. James argues that such weight transformations can be achieved with special effects and body suits. While this is true, I think the cinematic experience is significantly altered. Wearing a body suit allows an actor to play a character, while gaining fifty pounds allows the actor to become the character.