Distraction in film

[flano]

Is this a technique used in films when important dialogue is being spewed out of an actor the actor is busying himself with something mundane.Perhaps making you focus in on the conversation more or something. Anyone else noticed this effect being used, any comments?

[tonymclark]

"Scene Stealing", surely an actor wouldn't draw your attention from another...

Talking heads can be very boring to watch and unrealistic.

[elgroucho]

I agree this is certainly scene stealing. A famous example is in 'The Magnificent Seven' when Steve McQueen starts cleaning his gun whilst Yul Brynner (the bigger star at the time) was making a speach.

[marwel7]

Yul Brynner had a clause in his contract that no-one could come within 10 feet (I think it was) unless they were filming a scene.Steve McQueen in particular took exception to this.