Hello Everyone!
Happy New Year, and I hope January didn’t get you down.
Once we make it through February, there’s hope!
We’re all talking a lot about AI in media.
While I don’t think that actors can be replaced in film or theatre, the wonderful thing about live theatre is that there’s no “cut” or “take two.” In live theatre, actors live the entire story every night.
That’s why live theatre is such an important component of an actor’s training. These days, especially in North America, unless they did plays in high school, many new actors don’t get the chance to be in a play.
Rehearsing for a full play enriches an actor’s ability to go through a process. Performing strengthens belief, listening, movement, and transitioning — and repeating the whole thing again while being in the moment. It’s an invaluable experience.
It seems that many outstanding actors, like Marlon Brando, the first “Method” actors, and most modern British actors have had extensive live performance experience. We see the power and depth of their emotional, physical, and vocal connectivity in their film work.
It’s for all these reasons that I love directing theatre. One of my favorite projects was Beth Henley’s Crimes of the Heart with three fantastic actors: Sheri Godda, Natalie Krill, and Danka Scepanovic. It was at The Theatre Machine, with a wonderful set designed by me and Sophie Rooney
Recommendations
Bugonia
Really weird, unsettling acting and story. Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone continue to push their boundaries in the roles they choose.
Severance:
At first, I resisted this series. But when I finally sat down and watched it, I couldn’t get over how relevant it is! On one level, it speaks to anyone who has had a job they hate; on deeper levels, it is a mind-bending dystopian thriller that keeps you wondering and guessing
This brings me to Britt Lower’s much-discussed audition tape. According to Ben Stiller, it got her the job. If you haven’t watched it, do so. It’s inspiringly creative. And even though, with most material, you shouldn’t do things to this extreme, it validates my viewpoint that even a subtle camera angle or framing can make your audition much more interesting.
Meanwhile, Dichen Lachman’s Severance audition was much more standard. It’s interesting to watch both of them.
Blue Moon
Ethan Hawke is experiencing an amazing renaissance with multiple varied roles in the past year!
Frankenstein
What shines the most in this retelling is Jacob Elordi’s Oscar-nominated performance. His physical (and emotional) work is stunning!
Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius
With Brian Cox, Jessie Buckley, Martin Freeman, Juliet Stephenson, Judi Dench, and Helen Mirren (see what I mean about doing and knowing theatre!!), this is such an interesting investigation into Shakespeare’s life and the enduring power of his genius. You should watch it if you saw or want to see Hamnet, which I can’t wait to see!
You can watch it here on BC’s The Knowledge Network.
Train Dreams
One of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen. Great performances by all!
The Night Manager – both seasons!
All I can say is that Hugh Laurie sets the bar for intense, thought-driven film acting! (Everyone else is excellent, and the plot, pacing, and filming are riveting!!!)
