Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acting

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

 

 

This book is extremely basic (and a bit age-ist). It's fine for someone trying not to look like a fool in their local community theater, but for anyone considering a serious career in professional acting, there are other books that provide a better, more comprehensive, and more practical introduction.

I bought this as one trying to return to the field after a long absence, but found "Breaking Into Acting for Dummies" to be better instead. For the basics of acting in general, Michael Shurtleff's "Audition" is the still the very best investment in a book that you can make.

This book in a compilation of the authors' little acting stories. Some of the stories have some use, but most of which don't. I have done high school shows and a few community theater shows, and yet, still found little information I didn't already know. I'm sure there are other books out there that have more and better information, but hey, if you happen to have a collection of useless acting books, go ahead! Buy it!

Based on other reviews I purchased a used copy, and feel it is an excellent introduction for parents, students, and more serious-minded "civillians" like me. It's important to rate a book by what it intends to do; this does not intend to speak to an experienced acting student looking for a tome of advanced rehearsal drills,or a wanna-be Semi-Pro who already knows many basic ins-and-outs of getting started, or perhaps has a little bit of performing under their belt and is indusry savvy. This is a book for folks staring 100% "cold." You work during the day, or you're in high school and have never done a single act of public speaking or performing, but you've got "it," meaning the desire to perform and embrace the arts in some way that fits into your obligations as a Spouse, Parent, Boss, Co-Worker, or Student.
This not the book for passionate theater lovers who already know exactly how to put together a press kit or have nice headshots. It's for those who've never heard of a head-shot and assume it's the bullet that killed Kennedy.
The reason I bought the book is two-fold. I made a decent chunk of income as a Tavern Singer for 10 years, till 9/11 and the economy killed my day job leaving me with a wife, new baby and no health benefits. I had to lay down the Arts as a money maker. Now, my child's a little older, things are more stable and I want to start getting back into performing but wanted the perspective of a true working actor who made a living at it and was excellent on stage. You see. that's the second reason I bought this book: I saw Paul Baldwin whhen I was @ 13. He was AMAZING. I never had a conversation with the man, never met him or shook hands, but when it comes to acting heroes, he's mine. In the book he mentions his many times playing Cervantes/Quixote in Man of La Mancha, specifically one time which was such a runaway hit, the Thearter by the Sea in Matunick, R.I. cancelled the remainder of the 1979 season to do a second run of the show. He was riveting. I can't say I'm a musical fan per se, but I don't dislike it either. This show blew the audience away. I saw Kiley as well in 1983 in Boston, and while Kiley and Bladwin were equally powerful, on the whole, the overall production/cast was stronger in R.I.!
Sadly, Ive been informed recently that Paul Baldwin passed away just a few years ago, shortly after this book was published. I hope the information is incorrect. If its true, then America lost a great un-sung working actor who obviously carried himself humbly, like the great Kiley before him.
If you're a total newbie, but serious about getting some great introductory info, I'd say the book's well worth it. If you're already in pursuit of that goal, buy a used copy for an enjoyable read by a great actor and, as he recommends, pursue voice and acting lessons one on one with teachers to develop your talent. The only addition I'd recommend for future printings would indeed be a small chapter which includes some typical lessons in body movement, voice excercises (vocalizes), some soliliquies, 2 person scenes, etc. It would seem to me that it would improve the books potential audience.
Should Mr. Malone, or someone who knew Paul Baldwin well happen to read this minor tome in criticism, I would love to hear from you and ask a question or two

Interesting very, very, very basic approach to acting. Will give you the basic tools, then go and find a school.

(...)

The book was OK to read, but as far as learning about acting, it didn't teach me much. Maybe a local library or a friend has a copy of this book?

Terrific book! Excellent service/ packaging. Book was is good condition, yet some what used, just as described. A very honest and accurate seller. Thank you!

Laurance Olivier was considered the finest actor of the 20th century and he doesn't appear to make it in here (he's certainly minus from the index). About what its says about overrated method acting giant Marlon Brando having the ability to speak clearly when his son was on trial and Marlon the witness stand the latter mumbled his speech as he did in most films. Maybe it took many outtakes to get MB to speak clearly for Julius Caesar as this book claimed he spoke clearly for that film. The book was way too weak, brief and easy on method acting techniques as they often call for actors to get really beaten on just for "authenticity". Shakespearean acting (as most English actors do) is preferable to method acting.

This book gives the reader an incite into the acting world never before offered. I highly recommend it to the beginning actor as well as the accomplished thespian. The helpful recommendations for auditioning will be of great value not only to the actor but to the casting directors and producers.

'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acting' is a well-written, practical manual. As Russell Crowe wrote in the Preface, 'I figured that if it worked for Jim Carrey, it'd work twice as good for me, even though I'm not a complete idiot because no-one's perfect.'