The Great Acting Blog: “An Acting Manifesto In 7 David Mamet Phrases”
David Mamet’s writings on acting, film and theatre are always hugely insightful, and, more crucially, very practical. I extrapolated some key phrases containing technique and philosophy….
“Learn to ask: what does the character in the script want? What does he do to get it? What is that like in my experience?”
“Every scene should be able to answer three questions: “Who wants what from whom? What happens if they don’t get it? Why now?””
“What is this action? The commitment to achieving a single goal. You don’t have to become more interesting, more sensitive, more talented, more observant to act better, you do have to become more active. Choose a good objective which is fun, and it will be easy. Choose something you want to do. Choose a fun action.”
“Art is about the spontaneous connection of the artist to his own unconscious – about insight beyond reason. If his insight were reasonable, anyone could do it, but anyone cannot. Only few can, and they are called.”
“The task of any artist is not to learn many, many techniques but to learn the most simple technique perfectly.”
“Do not internalize the industrial model. You are not one of the myriad of interchangeable pieces, but a unique human being, and if you’ve got something to say, say it, and think well of yourself while you’re learning to say it better.”
“Cultivate the habit of mutuality. Create with your peers, and you are building a true theatre. When you desire and strive to rise from the ranks rather than with the ranks, you are creating divisiveness and lonliness in yourself, in the theatre, and in the world. All things come in their time.”
RESOURCES
True And False: Heresy And Common Sense For The Actor by David Mamet
RELATED READING ON THE GREAT ACTING BLOG
A Lesson From John Malkovich In Bitter Wheat
David Mamet Discussing His New Play
Filmmakers’ Filmmaking Manifesto
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