Stanislavski
 Stanislavski
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Method Acting: The Stanislavski Factor
As actors we will always express our own thoughts regarding acting and the way we perceive our craft but let’s just stop to think about this for a minute. When we consider film for example, the whole area of performing may very well be one of the most underestimated issues in film actuates.
So looking at an actor, what actually is it that he or she contributes to film, and further to this, how does the actor go about achieving it?
This is interesting because when we look at successful film actors and performers we can very easily argue that the actors who achieve the greatest impact, ironically are the actors who actually do not act. I know that sounds a little crazy but try to hear me out here! It remains to be said that great actors can be thought of to be not acting but to actually be themselves and to ‘REACT’
These factors closely relate to a very powerful acting method known as The Stanislavski Method. This method was to get actors not to follow the customary way of doing performing on stage but rather to focus their actions, speech, movements etc, in a way that a person would conduct themselves in their private affairs.
So What Do We Know About Stanislavski?
Well, Konstantin Stanislavski was associated with the Moscow Theatre and was very well respected for some great books that he’d written about acting and in particular, for his great book called An Actor Prepares. An Actor Prepares is one of the most referenced books in conjunction with method acting.
It was at the Group Theatre that was established in New York City, USA, in 1931, that Stanislavski’s acting methods were premiered with the theatres most notable performance of Waiting 4 Lefty. Sadly though The Group Theatre didn’t carry on after the thirties but one thing that can be certainly said is that the theatre left a great impact in Hollywood and film.
Stanislavski’s ‘Method’ would get an actor to dig deep and bring out their own experiences, memories etc in order to shape the basis on how a character may express any movement and speech. Those of you who have performed professionally may have been on set and had to do a very emotional scene that has required great intense and tears. One of the easiest ways to find this emotion is do what is known as ‘an emotional recall’, all bearing the relevance of Stanislavski’s ‘Method’.
When an actor uses the method, he or she can delve deep within and become even more complex with their character portrayals, their feelings and elation. An actor is no longer put into a ‘pigeon hole’ and limited to portraying a character with just one single channel. Let’s think of this like playing either the good guy or the bad guy; Your performance doesn’t have to be limited! The method lets an actor be more creative and really EXPLORE ones self
Have You tried Stanislavski’s method?
What are your thoughts on this acting technique?
Please be sure to comment with your thoughts.
