Good Acting vs GREAT Acting

Summary

The script delves into the subjective nature of what makes an accent or a performance great in acting. It emphasizes the extensive preparation actors undertake, including psychology, backstory development, and working with coaches. The importance of being in the moment, vulnerability, and trust in directors is highlighted. The script also touches on the actor's instrument, the power of listening, and the collaborative aspect of film-making. It concludes by acknowledging the difficulty of acting and the personal nature of what constitutes a great performance.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The greatness of an accent is subjective and varies from person to person.
• 🏆 The difference between good and great acting is nuanced and often lies in the preparation and delivery within a short time frame.
• 🎬 Understanding the craft of acting involves realizing the extensive preparation that goes into a performance.
• 🕰 Preparation for a role can be extensive, sometimes taking months, including building the character's psychology and backstory.
• 😢 The ability to cry on cue is not a definitive measure of great acting and can be challenging for some actors.
• 🎭 Acting is about being in the moment and focusing on intentions rather than trying to force emotions.
• 🤔 The misconception that great acting is about subtlety and censoring oneself is debunked by the importance of being authentic and vulnerable.
• 👥 Trust between an actor and director is crucial for vulnerability and the ability to take risks in a performance.
• 📝 The quality of writing an actor is working with greatly impacts the potential for a great performance.
• 👀 Listening is a fundamental part of acting, with great actors focusing on responding authentically to their scene partners.
• 👥 Acting is a collaborative effort, with the success of a performance depending on the entire team's contribution.

Q & A

What is the speaker's view on what constitutes a great accent?

The speaker believes that a great accent is very subjective and varies from person to person, much like the judgment of the Oscars.

How does the speaker describe the difference between good acting and great acting?

The speaker suggests that good acting versus great acting is differentiated by the level of preparation and the ability to deliver emotionally moving performances within a short time frame.

What does the speaker emphasize as an important part of an actor's preparation?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of building the psychology of the character, doing extensive preparation, and working with various coaches before arriving on set.

Why does the speaker mention spending time on 47th Street with gamblers?

The speaker mentions this to illustrate the level of research and immersion in a character's world that an actor might undertake to prepare for a role.

What does the speaker reveal about their personal experience with crying on cue in acting?

The speaker reveals that crying on cue is not easy for them and they do not consider themselves a 'tear performer', indicating that it's a skill that not all actors possess naturally.

How does the speaker view the role of intention in acting?

The speaker believes that focusing on intention and engagement rather than the result can lead to a deeper and more authentic performance.

What lesson did the speaker learn from a scene with Walkin?

The speaker learned to be flexible and adaptable in acting, as having a fixed idea of how a scene should go can hinder the performance if the scene does not unfold as expected.

What does the speaker mean by 'moment-by-moment acting'?

Moment-by-moment acting refers to the ability of an actor to be completely present and responsive in each moment, allowing for authentic and spontaneous reactions.

How does the speaker define a great actor according to the script?

A great actor, according to the speaker, is someone who can be vulnerable, unselfconscious, and is not afraid to take risks in their choices, serving the role with their full instrument.

What misconception does the speaker address about actors censoring themselves for subtlety?

The speaker addresses the misconception that great acting is about self-censorship for the sake of subtlety, suggesting instead that great acting is about being in the moment and making bold choices.

How does the speaker describe the collaborative aspect of acting?

The speaker describes acting as a collaborative sport, where everyone on set contributes to the final product, and the goal is for all components to fit perfectly into the overall production.

What does the speaker say about the importance of listening in acting?

The speaker emphasizes that listening is crucial in acting, as it allows for authentic reactions and a deeper level of engagement with the scene and other actors.