Customer Reviews

Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Though I felt that this book was a bit too touchy-feely for my own taste, it did have a lot of valuable insights into the actors mind and how to work with them in a collaborative sense. If you are a director that does not believe in running with the actors own take on a character, then this book would be painful for you to try to read. Nevertheless, if you are looking to have a truly collaborative experience (not all of us are), the advice contained within is very solid.

Weston breaks the process of working with actors down to how to give concise words to help get a performance. She further spends time developing adjustment techniques. I think this book is particularly strong in its discussions on script breakdown, and having multiple approaches to playing a scene. It gives some helpful advice on casting as well, and really challenges a director to cast the best person in a role as opposed to the one that they feel "nailed the part" based on ones preconceived notions.

The biggest weakness in this book is that really favors the actor over the director at times, and leaves me asking (as a director) why would I want to have this relationship. I do not believe, as Weston proports, that a director should always allow the actor to find the voice of his or her character without explicit direction. Nevertheless, it certainly challenged my own technique, and I am a better filmmaker from having read it.

A practical, technique oriented introduction to directing actors. It's really from an actor's perspective, and has a very condescending attitude toward directors. But this is useful. The anecdotes are really enjoyable. Not a substitute for acting and directing experience, just one set of possible tools to try to put into practice. Harold Clurman's "On Directing" is of the same aesthetic perspective, but at the same time broader and more succinct, and more sympathetic to directors.

Completely unpretentious. Thoroughly knowledgeable and confident. Allows you to discover the concepts yourself, rather than spouting them at you. And yet...also completely able to be referenced.

In other words... the best book on directing I've ever read. The only I will ever recommend. To actors and directors alike.

I hate to call it "hype," but after reading the book feverously (which, for a book on directing, is almost unheard of), it is safe to believe it here. All the endorsements on the back cover from people working "in the industry" no longer ring of marketing salesmanship, but of complete honesty. There are few things in this world I would endorse, given the chance. This is one of them.

I don't want to say it "changes you." But I will say I had more thoughts and ideas OF MY OWN while reading this book that ever before. The reason? It's like any craft: if you sit down to make something, you usually don't really know what to make specifically until you get to know your tools. Then--once you know what you can be done, what things are available to you to use, the ideas of what you can do with these tools start flowing.

I'd like to thank Ms. Weston for introducing me to some of the tools. Actually, I have thanked her. She called me back. I'm still floored by that.

Judith does a masterful job of educating on the fine art of communicating effectively and constructively with actors. Many of her insights and recommendations translate very easily into the "real" world, allowing you to not only practice these techniques more frequently, but also hone you communication skills with those around you. A series of "quick fixes" are offered up that are effective ways of getting you to think "outside of the box", and each is elaborated on and folded into more in-depth techniques. All in all, one of the best of MANY books I have read on directing and communicating with actors!

First off -

if you are serious about directing, then I highly recommend taking a directing class ---- the personal interaction is the best way to learn this stuff --- in addition, just making movies or working with actors also helps, but its only in a directing class where you'll learn the best techniques

with that said ---- Weston has written a terrific book!

I am a grad student in Film Directing, and I would have to say that the best lessons I've learned are all outlined in this book

Weston has a great directing philosphy --- make directions simple and make your actors feel comfortable --- as simple as it sounds, there is an art to it, and Weston does a great job of explaining it

Mostly, I appreciate Weston's list of VERBS to use when directing --- those pages, alone, justify why every director should have this book around, simply as reference

For all though, especially students ---- I do recommend purchasing this book, but make a POINT of practicing what Weston's preaches ---- from there, you will give yourself the best chance of developing a unique directing style, that still caters to most actors

HAPPY READING!!!!!

So many film directing books just focus on the visual or production aspects, but part of the joy of working on the film is working with actors. Judith Weston's book is about exploring the relationship between the director and actor with knowledge and tools, even when an actor is only there for a one-day shoot. There's nothing like this book when it comes to describing how to manage that relationship for the ultimate creativity and collaboration.

A lot of this book is about motivating actors to perform and respond to director requests. I found the book useful but a bit too academic in places. My own approach, as a director of amateur ators, has always been to get an understandign of the limits of the emotional expressivity of each actor and work back from there into the charaacter. I was glad to learn that the book approves of this tye of method. Overall, it is a useful book, but there is a mechanical component to its instructional model which may jar with the European outlook. It is a personal opinion of course.

I'm an independent director and this book really revolutionized my thinking about working with actors. I've applied the approach and techiques in the books after reading it a couple of times over the past two years and have been amazed at how well it works.

In listening to DVD commentaries of various directors and watching other directors work, it's pretty clear that Judith Weston has tremendous insight it how to create that memorable performance.

This book is a must for any aspiring director or director that wants to be a "actors director".

All I can say is "Look no further!" Before you think about reading another book, make sure you pick up Directing Actors. I've read it about five times, and keep finding of useful information. Whether you're an actor, director, or simply interested in the craft, make sure you pick up this book. It'll be the best money you'll spend this year...I promise!

Judith Weston has outlined for the director (of any performance, not just film) quick and effective ways to communicate and elicit the performance you want... at the very least, you will get something different. I am an actress who has had the privilege of working with Judith and her directors. I have seen the process in action. I've used it. When someone has truly applied the techniques that this book recommends, it doesn't matter if the actors have just started, or if they're old pros, with vastly different methods, the performances are fresh. The performances change. The performances improve! READ THIS BOOK!