With most British actors, it's amazing. I think they start with the character on the outside and work in.
The quote "With most British actors, it's amazing. I think they start with the character on the outside and work in." comes from Norman Jewison, a Canadian film director and producer known for his work on movies like "In the Heat of the Night" and "Fiddler on the Roof." In this statement, Jewison reflects on the acting style of British actors, suggesting that they often approach their roles in a distinctive way, focusing first on the external characteristics of the character before delving into their internal motivations and emotions.
Jewison points out that British actors tend to begin with the physical appearance and mannerisms of a character, working from the outside in. This approach contrasts with other acting methods, which may prioritize understanding a character’s psychological depth or emotional core from the beginning. For British actors, the external features, such as accent, posture, or gestures, are often the starting point, which then informs the internal transformation necessary for the role.
The quote highlights what Jewison sees as a unique aspect of British acting, focusing on how characterization through the body and physical traits can shape the portrayal of a character. He finds it amazing because this method of performance gives British actors a distinctive approach to embodying their roles, one that emphasizes discipline and precision in outward expression before revealing the inner complexity of the character.
In summary, Norman Jewison’s quote sheds light on the acting technique of British performers, emphasizing their focus on the physicality of a character before exploring their emotional or psychological depths. It praises this unique approach to acting, which results in a dynamic and highly detailed portrayal, often marked by precision and attention to outward expression.
IDImFrom Dark
This quote makes me curious about how actors balance the external and internal work of character development. If British actors begin with external traits, do they then layer internal feelings afterward? How does this progression affect spontaneity and naturalism in performance? It’s a reminder of how complex and varied acting craft can be.
TTrung
It’s intriguing how acting techniques can differ so much geographically. Jewison highlights a seemingly external-first process for British actors. I wonder, do American actors or others typically reverse this and start from internal motivation? How might these approaches influence the type of characters portrayed and audience engagement?
DDTam giac dong dang
Jewison’s remark makes me think about the diversity of acting styles worldwide. Starting from the outside and working in sounds like a very disciplined approach, possibly helping actors quickly embody roles. But how do actors ensure that internal emotions don’t get lost in the process? Is there a risk of creating a surface-level performance without emotional depth?
NAPham Ngoc Anh
This quote raises interesting questions about acting training across cultures. Is the British focus on external character elements tied to their theatrical traditions? Maybe it’s about mastering posture, voice, and mannerisms first. How does this method affect the authenticity of performance? I’d love to know if actors from other countries view this approach as limiting or enriching.
PPhong
Norman Jewison’s observation about British actors starting from the outside of a character is fascinating. It makes me wonder how this approach contrasts with methods that begin from internal emotions. Does starting with external traits help create a more convincing physical presence? Or could it risk missing the deeper psychological nuances? I’m curious about the strengths and limitations of this technique in acting.