Avery Wizard
Acting Tips...to be or not to be Method or Thechnical That is the Question
... nothing more then emotional masturbation.” So for those of you who think that Brando was the King of the Method,I’m here to tell you he was also a Technical Wizard. Case in point: {The Young Lions - 1958 } Brando plays a German soldier who This controversy has been debated by college professors, acting
teachers and coaches for over half a century. For those of you who are new to acting, or if your favorite actor or actress, is an SNL alumni or former stand up comedian, I’ll explain. All thespians use some sort of system to help in the development of the character they are to play.
These are the two most widely used.
The Method Actor: utilizes sense memory and relaxation exercises as well as the use of improvisation.
The Technical Actor: sees their body as an instrument and use their voice and movement as well as planed gestures. Each camp has their favorite best actor of all time. Marlon Brando is the Poster Boy for the Method, who influenced a generation that followed, like Deniro , Pacino, Hoffman and the new breed of Damon, DiCaprio and Depp. Laurence Olivier was such a perfect technician that he once bragged that during his To Be Or Not To Be from Hamlet, while the audience was on the edge of their seats, he was thinking about what wine he was going to have for dinner later that evening. I’m here to tell that Brando was the best, hands down. But not because he was a great Method actor. It’s because he was the most gifted Naturalistic actor that ever lived. As are all of the greats who have followed in his foot steps. A NATURALISTIC actor is a complete performer who uses every tool available, and thus utilizes both systems to achieve the complete development of a character. My college Professor use to say:
“A Method actor without technique, will never be able to
project their emotions past the 3rd row. And they will be
performing nothing more then emotional masturbation.” So for those of you who think that Brando was the King of the Method,
I’m here to tell you he was also a Technical Wizard.
Case in point:
{The Young Lions - 1958 } Brando plays a German soldier who, in this particular scene, after a small tumble on a ski slope with a beautiful
woman must seduce her to go out with him. Now of course he wins! That’s how the scene is written. What Brando does to insure victory is nothing short of brilliant however. While talking to the Fraulein he starts sucking on a snowball. Sexy! A technical masterpiece.
{ The Godfather - 1972 } As The Don sits in his chair, doling out orders on who lives and dies, he is gently petting a cat. Think of it. That one piece of technical business, shows the audience exactly who this character is emotionally.
There are hundreds of examples like these found in this great actors body of work. Anyone who is training to be an actor should be required to view his films. Especially his early ones. Study them and you will see why I think you should strive to be what I call, a Naturalistic Actor. Who am I, you say? I’m not a star, or even a working actor. I did work. Not enough to be considered anyone. An everyman, a struggling actor. Remember though, there is a big difference between being a great actor and a working one. There are a lot of variables that come into play. And that’s a subject for another time. I do still however, make a few bucks from television residuals. To my peers I was fine Naturalistic actor. For those of you who like what you’ve read thus far. Here are a few Acting Tips that will help you develop any character:
1. Always read the entire play or script a few times.(not just your part)
Get to know all the characters you’re supposed to be familiar with.
Example: Your character is supposed to be a little “ off “. The key is found in a line by one of the other characters. They reveal that you had polio when you were a child.This could mean that you were left with a slight limp.This is something technical you can work with. But more importantly just think of what emotional scars you would have been carrying around since childhood.
That might leave you a little “off “ don’t you think?
2. Remember in every scene you must make choices. Ask yourself:
WHAT DO I WANT AND HOW AM I GOING TO GET IT?
you might have to make an emotional choice, a technical choice or both.
3. Many times you will be able to create a “Before Scene Life”
Example: You are entering through a door, but where did you come from? A good actor will always reveal his “Before Scene Life” to the audience during the scene they are currently in. Confused?
Lets say a scene calls for you to enter your apartment and your mate says...
Finally you’re home. Hurry up we are going to be late.
Your line is...Let me catch my breath first.
The reading of this line could be in a snapping almost interrupting manner. Or as we find out later on...your apartment is on the 6th floor and the elevator is out. So however you chose to say the line you had better be huffing and puffing while you deliver it.There.
We have a technical choice that created the “Before Scene Life” Above all never rely on gimmicks or stereotypes when developing or creating a character. Remember as long as you are making choices, even if the director feels they aren’t the right ones, he will always respect the fact that you tried. Speaking of AUDITIONS. That’s a whole other animal. Auditioning is 90% TECHNIQUE. I have some tips on this subject. If your interested check out
My RecomMANNdations
Actors Click
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If you dedicate yourself, and put in the time, you will learn the art of “quick study”and land every part you're right for.
{Every day take 15 minutes and practice reading out load. It doesn’t matter what you read from. Take 3 sentences and read them out load each time looking down for just a glance, before looking up and trying to say as much as you can remember. At first you’ll probably be only able to memorize 5 or 6 words from the first sentence. But by the end of the 15 minutes, you should be able to shout out at least the first sentence and part of the second. Don’t push yourself, or you’ll get discouraged. Your goal is to eventually be able to after only about 5 minutes of memorization learn any 3 lines.}
Can you imagine how impressed a director will be when he sees you making all the right choices and barely glancing at the script. You’ll nail audition!
Remember, always keep an open mind and listen to everyone, taking away only that which HELPS YOU.
