Customer Reviews

Building A Character

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Stanislavki is considered a master of theatre and often called the "father of the method." In this, the second installment of his acting technique books(very wittingly alphabetically titled An actor prepares, Building a Character, Creating a role) he goes into the external technique an actor must use to become a character.

Like an Actor Prepares, he uses fictional characters obviously based on the actors from the Moscow Art Theatre, with the director, Tortsov (think Stanislavski) being the one with all the knowledge. While a lot is to be learned from the book, one can't help but notice how egotistically the book is written. While there is no denoting how wonderfully he lays out the principles taken in building a character, I wonder how much easier of a read it would be if he just came out and said, these are our principles. Instead he cloaks himself behind a character and we lose a lot trying to muddle through a student's undying love (Kostya, who's "journals" make up the text) for his teacher. If you can get past the text, you'll learn a lot.

This book is the second in Stanislavski's series. Deals with the "external aspects" of the System. A great read, in spite of the poor translation; this book (and the entire series) completely transformed my acting almost overnight, as if a fog had lifted from my eyes. This book/series helped me understand, fundamentally, what I should be DOING onstage. I received numerous compliments on the next role I played after reading this book and several comments on my improvement, etc.

Great advice for actors. Strongly recommended for both actors and directors.

This is the classic book all actors should read and fill out their library with. I do think much (including eloquence and ease of reading) is lost in translation but it's still an important investment.

"Building a Character" is certainly one of the books that you can add to your collection if you are an actor, professional or otherwise. Stanislavski discusses the physicalisations and vocalisations that are the product of a character. He also discusses some ethics and attitudes he thinks necessary to maintain in the theater.
Highly recommended.

If you are a director or an actor and wish to develop a character, this is a time tested tome to learn from. The Stanislavski methods are tried and true!

For the thinking actor and director, Building a Character is a nice slice of help--mind expanding and approach expanding.

This book is very resourceful and informative. It teaches you the true method of the acting craft.

I thought I knew what I was doing on the stage. I knew my lines, I didn't bump into the furniture, what else is there to know? Borrowed this book from a friend and it completely transformed me and everything I thought I knew about acting. Turns out I only thought I knew what I was doing.

Wordy with almost painful detail. But a true must-have for those aspiring to acting.

This book is acting in biblical proportions and is a must for all serious actors!