How To Be A Naturalistic Film Actor… No Luvvies Allowed!
Having been in the industry now for over 20 years, I have come to understand that there are at least two types of actors.
There is the actor who is all about the high drama, it’s all about them and they are the quintessential ‘luvvie darlings’ of the industry. The other type is the down to earth, hard working actor whose work is based in realism and naturalism. The latter are the types who thrive particularly well in TV and Film.
The type of acting that is required for film is acting that is so real that we forget it’s acting. That is how great acting is achieved on film.
There is no place for over the top, hammed-up theatrical acting. You would be laughed out the door! In fact, many actors that go through a typical drama school training in the UK really have to readjust as they enter the TV and Film arena, because so much of their training was based around theatre.
Now, I don’t have anything against theatre. In fact, I love theatre and film… when it’s done well. The thing is, a great actor will bring that sense of realism and believability to both mediums.
My acting courses and classes are focused on achieving this sort of acting. My yard stick is that if I don’t believe it, than neither will anyone else. In fact, the first step is getting you to believe what you are doing, and then so will the audience.
I believe a lot of drama schools and acting teachers don’t give enough of this kind of critique. Sometimes too many concessions are given to the fact that it’s acting, and we should ’suspend our disbelief’.
This is absolute nonsense.
Why should we suspend our disbelief. I want it as real as possible please. I want to believe every syllable. Why? Because it’s possible. It can be achieved with some hard work and honest feedback.
But the other thing is that many acting coaches, believe it or not, don’t have an eye for this. I have met some and employed some over the years that do have a great eye for truthful acting, but the vast majority whose work I have seen and experienced, sadly, just don’t have an eye for it.
My advice, when considering your acting training, is to work with the best. A great training is worth its weight in gold. We are talking about your talent here, and you want to hold that precious, and nurture it by working with the best.
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