Okay, let's start with the basics. What is Acting? the art, profession, or activity of those who perform in stage plays, motion pictures, etc.
Okay, so now let's get get to the point. Why acting, Kinan? well I think acting is a beautiful thing. It expresses emotion. But to express those emotions, we need reasons, we need to be a truly great actor. How?
Where does the beginning of creating your character first come into
play? From what echo do you receive the first sense of something
palpable, to help you begin to weave your portrayal? As an actor, what can you study and gather from such stories
and recorded moments that you may use for your own instrument?
When you dive into the work of an actor whose performance touches
you, you are opening your soul to more than just an experience because
you too are an actor who desires to give.
There is so much inspiration to help you grow in your acting.
When you watch the spontaneous pause of a Marlon Brando in
A Streetcar Named Desire, ‘listening in’ to see if Blanche is overhearing what he wishes to tell his wife in secret.
Who can forget Kim Stanley in
The Goddess?
Perhaps the scene in
Raging Bull when Robert De Niro takes out his agony on a concrete cell block wall.
Fame and fortune can come with the territory but one must never forget what the deeper values of acting must contain.
You have to figure out what it means to you on your own. You get to
define your own moral code in your work. No one else can do that for
you.
It does not matter what religion you are, what nationality you carry in your DNA…we are all
one race and good art reminds us we all have a beating heart.
Also, it isn’t inspiration from acting alone that can enrich your soul.
Reading, attending art galleries, going to concerts and so much more feeds your craft, life and soul as an actor.
Creating A Character
First Impression
From where does the first spark take place?
In most cases your first impression with your character will come from a script.
There are situations where there may be a discussion you have with a
director ahead of time, before being offered a part. This can be the
beginning phase of character understanding and research.
In other instances, your first encounter with your character may be
presented to you in novel form, before receiving the script, if the film
or play is being adapted from an original source.
There can be a multitude of ways you are first introduced to your
character and you need to be open and ready for all aspects presented to
you.
Every script you receive will be different and every character you
play will be different, therefore the process you take when approaching
your character will also be different.
There will always remain a certain set of principles in your work.
Both internally and externally but the way in which you arrive at such
choices will all be dependent on the nature of your part and the context
of the story.
Your imagination will take on a life of its own and lead you down the right path you must take. Trust in that. Focus, you're the star of your own mind.
CONCLUSION
There is no right or wrong way to construct a living, breathing human
being. This cannot be stated enough. This article is meant to open up
your creativity and feed you with nourishing ideas for your own work
and development.
The best work is your own way of working.
Use what works for you along your journey. Continue to mind feed your
soul with ideas that will enrich you as a person, so that you may have
something more to give back to those that need it.
Any art form is a responsibility and must be taken up with sincerity for the work, commitment, passion, curiosity and enjoyment.
