Pre-Production: Inside the Actor's Studio

The acting capabilities that I possess, are rather limited it must be said. In fact, I would question if they warrant any distinction at all. Simply put, I am not a thespian - nor have I ever aspired to be one.

However, like all, I conceal an ego. I know I am the greatest actor that never was. My performances imitating memorable scenes from movies - Tony Montana taking on an army of Colombians while "high on his own supply" and The Joker espousing the Binary Opposition Theory to Batman while interrogated by The Dark Knight himself, to name a few, in front of the mirror while I brush my teeth - are worthy of recognition with a honorable Academy Award. 

But acting in the safety of a locked bathroom and acting in front of the camera are two different things entirely. 

I must break free and come to reality. 

If the artistic direction of the video is to be complimented, I must give a performance worthy of merit; a "not Razzie-worthy" performance my critics could only hope for. These "critics" to expose them, are my fellow group collaborators who have entrusted me to be the main character. I intend to humble them - and expect the applause that my acting commands, to be a worthy apology. 

To research "how to act better", I perused the many videos available on video sharing website YouTube to get my acting at the expected level that my critics demand it to be. I watched a plethora of content, some useful, some definitely not. 

One such video I enjoyed, uploaded by user hayhayhay32884, was the ideal acting tutorial I could have found and actually enjoyed at the same time. Our video will be in the vein of a silent movie, and thus, facial and body expressions will be very important to make up for the lack of vocalisation and sound. This video, to describe it aptly, was an acting video for dummies, focusing primarily on facial and body expressions. 

"Acting Facial Expression": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUfS256-jdk

Having seen a range of acting tutorials for a few hours, I thought it might be useful to hear from the actors themselves; to hear how they prepare for a role, and to acquire any tips directly from the horse's mouth on how to get in the right frame to convey emotion that a particular scene calls for. 

*Inside the Actor's Studio, a talk show between host James Lipton and a notable actor, was of great benefit. The actor being interviewed in the episode I watched was the late James Gandolfini, known for his role in The Soprano's. He discussed at great length his acting career, and his perceived public image as a tough-guy largely accredited to his selection of acting roles, which was fascinating to behold as Gandolfini comes across as nothing but a pacifist at heart. He also held a Q&A at the end of the interview and took questions from acting students, with the questions - thankfully - relevant to the art of acting. Gandolfini espoused to great lengths of how he selects his roles and how he prepares for them: a credit to his character and being; a true thespian in all regards. 

To end on an honest note, my so-called acting abilities will not elevate to a level such as Gandolfini's by taking a theoretical, lazy route. It will never get to such a standing as Gandolfini's. But it will get to a level worthy enough for the video, only if I put into practice what I learn in the virtual classroom, in the reality of a closed bathroom - or any space, for that matter.

But it is my intention to humble my esteemed "critics". 

I put in that work.

Ceysun Dixon KU ID: K1326851

   

References:

* Inside the Actor's Studio (2004) 11, 2, Bravo, recorded off air on 17 October [Recorded programme]