Customer Reviews

Actors Turned Directors: On Eliciting the Best Performance from an Actor and Other Secrets of Successful Directing

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"Actors Turned Directors" is a probing insight into the methods used by some of Hollywood's (generally) more successful Directors. It's an excellent reference for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking, as Stevens talks at length with his subjects about their secrets and experiences. At times the book assumes a general knowledge of the filmmaking process from its reader, lacking explanations for the odd technical term. Some of Stevens' subjects are a little puzzling too - Kevin Bacon for example is not renowned for his skills or track record as a Director, however on the whole the book opens a door to not only the relationship between Actor and Director, but also the Director's role in the entire filmmaking process. Of particular interest is Stevens' style of asking the same question of different Directors, illustrating that each Director's methods are unique, and that there is no one 'rule book' by which filmmakers follow.

If you are an actor, this book is a great reference to the "off-the-cuff" thoughts from great directors. It covers what they look for in an actor. This informative, well organized book, gives the actor some insight into each director. It includes details on how these directors interview, audition, and direct their talent. The directors include Mel Gibson, Jodi Foster, Leonard Nimoy, Sidney Pollack, et al. You can be sure that upcoming directors, and other not so well known directors, are interested in what they have to say. What these directors say parallels what I have learned in training for the last three years at the Stella Adler Academy for Actors. I was amazed and excited that my training encompassed these thoughts from these directors. Again, this book ought to be considered a required addition to your reference library-especially if you get an audition with one of these directors. It could happen!

~Jon has done a terrific job of exploring his craft through the wisdom of the greatest filmmakers of our time today. What he has done is to open our eyes to how the "Greats" create magic through the art of filmmaking. I know this for a fact. I have not only read the book, I produced his latest feature film Irish Whiskey. Tom Blessing Producer