Ridley Scott on Method Acting

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brianluce

Carbonite Member
Ridley isn't sure what it is, but said in an interview it's "An actor who does his homework, inside and out..."
 
That's pretty funny... but let's put this in perspective....

I know what method acting is.
Ridley Scott, on the other hand, directed Blade Runner.



Who would you rather hang out with?
:)
 
The term "Method" has been so overused that there are countless interpretations of what it is supposed to mean...some think it is Strassberg...others called Adler the Queen of the Method...but both have fundamental differences so that in itself shows how skewed the term has become...I am not surprised that Scott didn't know what it was...I am sure someone will come on now with their definite idea as to what it means but is it really important? I mean by that that the term isn't really that relevant today since so many people have confused what it stands for...

Just my opinion,,,

Stan The Man
 
Luis Caffesse said:
That's pretty funny... but let's put this in perspective....

I know what method acting is.
Ridley Scott, on the other hand, directed Blade Runner.



Who would you rather hang out with?
:)
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Hahaha . If you look like your avatar in real life you can bet many people would rather hang out with you. :thumbsup:
 
Good point Stan. I usually interpret that term loosely (meaning I don't give it much gravity) when an actor tells me they are a method actor. You can usually tell who is trained and who isn't pretty quickly, and sometimes which philosophy they subscribe to.

But Ridley does sum it up as well as any tag I've heard put upon it.
 
Okay so someone take a crack at it.

Don't make me go to wiki! *don't make me get the hose!
 
Okay...as i said, it has been misused and interpreted so many times but as a general rule the term comes from the more realistic, grounded style of acting that was ushered in by actors such as Malorn Brando...a period often referred to the birth of the modern actor...as opposed to the style of acting that existed in earlier movies of the 30's and 40's...The Method, more typically is attributed to Lee Strassberg but as I said, there are many publications that refer to Adler as the Queen of the Method and to actors that were taught by Adler or Meisner as method actors...more confusion arises from the fact that both teachers claim Brando as he also attended the Studio, (Strassberg)...If you read his autobiography though you will notice that he credits Adler for just about everything...many actors did the same such as De Niro and some use elements of both...so ...not to disappoint you but the term is not clear and I could probably show more reasons why you should be careful discussing it...even I worry about what the next person is going to say!...and I have run the Theater Dept at Stella Adler (LA) for 10 years....

Cheers,
Stan The Man
 
I personally view the term "The Method" to be attributable to Strassberg's technique...that's my opinion if that is specifically what you are asking...I can't help re-iterating though that others will have their own opinions...I choose not to use the term.

Cheers,
Stan The Man
 
To me, it suggests that the actor digs into his own psyche to take him to a "place" that he can "become" his character, rather than just the recital of lines. (Now I'm going to watch The Simpsons)
 
There are various methods, in method acting. I am currently studying the Meisner technique, and according to it's teachings, ill be done in 19 years, and can then call myself an actor lol.

The only type of method acting i am against, is, i believe, strasberg,. I could be mistaken, i would have to double check myself with google, but its the one where the actor uses sense memory to evoke emotion in a given context. Absolutely wrong :P
 
I'd love to meet an actor who pratices the method

I never have; the actors I know today don't even practice their craft. They think auditions and short films is their study.

Where are the actors in method ? In Theatre ? Improv? Rep ?

Acting is like any other artform; you gotta study and practic ethe hell out of it.

Great Method actors:

De Niro, Day Lewis, Nicholson, Dean, Newman, Penn, Pacino, De Caprio, Brando, Hoffman
 
J.R. Hudson said:
I'd love to meet an actor who pratices the method

I never have; the actors I know today don't even practice their craft. They think auditions and short films is their study.

Where are the actors in method ? In Theatre ? Improv? Rep ?

Acting is like any other artform; you gotta study and practic ethe hell out of it.

Great Method actors:

De Niro, Day Lewis, Nicholson, Dean, Newman, Penn, Pacino, De Caprio, Brando, Hoffman
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gabesr3.jpg


here's one. Kelly McCracken. played 'Gabe' in Heart of Now. when he's not working, he's in acting workshops and classes every other night. he commits like few actors do. on set, not that he wouldn't respond to 'Kelly' but as far as he was concerned, he was 'Gabe' at every turn.
 
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i wonder what branch of the method those actors have studied?

Would be cool to work with you one day.
 
J.R. Hudson said:
I'd love to meet an actor who pratices the method

I never have; the actors I know today don't even practice their craft. They think auditions and short films is their study.


They are around, but you are right in that the majority of actors are just wanting to be in front of a camera and not necessarily concerned with being artists or craftsmen/women...the desire to do on-camera classes and audition classes before they even master their craft is stupefying in some cases but some do have a great look or some tricks that they can use. If you are doing a heavy character driven piece, though, this is where they will struggle to deliver the goods for you...

Stan The Man
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Quite honestly, I don't really care WHAT the actor claims to use or not use as long as he can act and not look like he's acting...if you know what I mean...:thumbsup:
 
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