Oscar winning actor & writer Tom Hanks gives the Oxford Union an acting lesson

Summary

In this insightful acting masterclass transcript, the speaker emphasizes the importance of shedding self-consciousness and embracing the truth in performance. Through the exercise of 'repetitions,' participants explore the depth of simple lines like 'Is there something I can do for you?' and 'It's all right, I'm okay,' across various scenarios. The session highlights how authenticity in acting, regardless of the role's size, can profoundly impact audiences and create an empathetic connection, illustrating the adage that there are no small parts, only small actors.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The importance of overcoming self-consciousness in acting to deliver authentic performances.
• 🔄 The exercise of 'repetitions' is used in acting classes to break down self-consciousness and explore different interpretations of a line.
• 🗣️ The significance of delivering lines truthfully, regardless of the character's emotions or circumstances, as emphasized by Spencer Tracy's quote.
• 🌟 Every actor, regardless of the size of their role, has the potential to impact the audience through genuine and empathetic portrayals.
• 📍 The concept of 'hitting the marks and telling the truth' as a fundamental acting principle that requires both technical and emotional accuracy.
• 🤔 The exploration of how different circumstances can influence the delivery of the same line, showcasing the versatility required in acting.
• 🏪 The example of a shopkeeper dealing with potential thieves to illustrate how an actor can portray a range of emotions, including suspicion and anger.
• 👵 The portrayal of an elderly person who has fallen and the various ways they might respond to being offered help, reflecting the complexity of human emotions.
• 🏛️ The scenario of a civic employee at City Hall to demonstrate how boredom and frustration can affect the delivery of a simple line to the public.
• 🎬 The emphasis on the importance of procedure and behavior in acting to create believable characters that resonate with the audience.
• 🌈 The message that even with minimal lines, an actor can create a memorable and impactful moment through honest and empathetic performance.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the acting class exercise described in the script?

The main theme of the acting class exercise is to overcome self-consciousness and to convey different emotions and circumstances through the repetition of a simple line, demonstrating the importance of truth and authenticity in acting.

What does the speaker emphasize as crucial for an actor to do in their role?

The speaker emphasizes that an actor must hit their marks and tell the truth, meaning they should accurately portray the emotions and actions required by their character regardless of the line or circumstance.

What is the purpose of the 'repetitions' exercise in acting?

The purpose of the 'repetitions' exercise is to break down self-consciousness and to explore the various ways a line can be delivered, allowing actors to ring out every possible meaning, cadence, and variation.

How does the speaker describe the process of delivering the line 'Is there something I can do for you?' in different scenarios?

The speaker describes the process as one where the line is delivered with different emotions and intentions, such as kindness, boredom, anger, and suspicion, depending on the scenario the actor is placed in.

What is the significance of the line 'It's all right, I'm okay' in the script?

The line 'It's all right, I'm okay' is used to demonstrate how the same phrase can be interpreted and delivered differently based on the character's emotional state and the context of the situation.

How does the speaker use the acting exercise to explore the concept of empathy in storytelling?

The speaker uses the acting exercise to show how characters can participate in an empathetic process, where their reactions to situations and interactions with others can evoke emotions and understanding in the audience.

What does the speaker suggest about the impact of an actor's performance on the audience's belief in the story?

The speaker suggests that if an actor truly embodies their character and delivers their lines with authenticity, the audience is more likely to believe in the story and be moved by it.

What is the importance of the phrase 'There are no small parts, there are only small actors' in the context of the script?

The phrase emphasizes that even characters with minor roles can have a significant impact on a film if they deliver their lines truthfully and authentically, thus there is no such thing as an insignificant role.

How does the speaker relate the acting exercise to real-life social interactions and behaviors?

The speaker relates the acting exercise to real-life by pointing out that the procedures and behaviors exhibited by characters in the exercise mirror those in everyday life, highlighting the importance of authenticity in both acting and real-life interactions.

What is the role of the audience in the 'social contract' mentioned by the speaker?

The audience's role in the 'social contract' is to engage with the story and characters, responding to the authenticity of the performance, which in turn affects their belief in and emotional connection to the narrative.

How does the speaker use the script to highlight the importance of preparation and behavior in acting?

The speaker uses the script to emphasize that preparation, understanding of the character's behavior, and adherence to the truth of the moment are essential for an actor to deliver a compelling and believable performance.