HOLLYWOOD ACTOR PREP by Dana Kaminski

“Matt Damon Is A Journeyman [Actor].”

That’s what Morgan Freeman said, in the NY Times article that I quoted yesterday. One professional actor, commenting on the work of another. Dennis Lim, the author of the piece, considered what Freeman said about Damon, a compliment. Why, do you think, Lim recognized it as such?

–Click to  read referenced Hollywood Actor Prep post.–

Then, Morgan Freeman said, “He always gets the job done. There’s no strain in his work.”

For me, that’s huge. This simple sentence describes, in very few words, a very high level of quality, of acting. One of the rarest and finest attributes an actor can be able to pull off. Oddly, it’s one of those acting traits, that is assumed, expected; but that you rarely see, in performance. Not often noted, by critics, yet it doesn’t require an eye of a connoisseur. It sounds so simple, even the description is as simple as can be; yet, it is something that not only is not found often, and is very hard to do (!), but many actors don’t seem to be aware of this higher standard. Often, it doesn’t appear to be attempted.

Most actors, and I do mean, most; are very busy “acting”. Performing. With very visible “acting” and “performing”. The “acting-without-strain” that Freeman mentions, is a rarely talked-about, written-about discernment, but it’s profoundly different, in terms of acting artistry. In terms of quality of acting, complexity, and ability. It’s a subtle difference, perhaps, but very different.

There are two important effects that occur when there is “no strain”.  (I usually use another word: “seamless”.  Another term is un-self-conscious acting.)

It allows more room for the story. The script then becomes the central focus, rather than the acting, or the actor.  In order to get there, the actor has to honor the writer, the script and the story, the whole project, more than his or her own ego. (I could describe this with more finesse, I just don’t have time!  See prior post …)

I’d guess, that the audience is more involved, then, as well. Audience participation may be silent; but it is their active participation in the story, that is the goal of every production, any kind.

What do you think about Morgan Freeman’s statement? Comment here, tell me on Twitter…I’ll probably set up a forum soon, so we can get into this. I’ll write more throughout this week, too.

Best,

;~Dana

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Terrence Howard talks about acting, and emotions; about the death of his mother; his once-imprisoned father (manslaughter); and how tough it was to be bi-racial, as a child.

::Actor Prep:: Terrence Howard Interview NPR

Recent big news, announced in the Hollywood Reporter, on Oct. 14, was that actor Don Cheadle would be replacing Terrence Howard in “Iron Man 2″. Not much information was given as to why Don Cheadle would be taking over Howard’s role. Unusual, that after creating, and establishing, a character in a movie; an actor is replaced in the sequel. Unusual, too, that there was no public explanation; and according to Howard, he was not informed personally.

Firing, in Hollywood, does happen. It is rare, but can occur. An actor can simply be found to be incorrect casting, once the production begins. Sometimes, unknowns are fired for not having the craft enough, to handle what’s necessary to play the role. Or if the actor is irresponsible on the set, and slowing down the process of the filmmaking; is on drugs, unstable; or is arguing and creating too much conflict…these are reasons to be fired.

I don’t know anything about Terrence Howard, personally. I don’t have a clue about what could have caused those in charge of “Iron Man 2″ to replace him. I expect that some small inkling will get around soon, or something publicly stated, somewhere, in the press.

On NPR, the actor did an interview within a few days of that role replacement. (Which they put on their website, and I link to below.) Howard doesn’t speak about “Iron Man”, not directly, but he does allude to it.

In deeper, darker spirits, than one may usually hear from a well-known actor; he discusses how he got into acting, and some negative views on acting, some technique, amongst other creative insights.

His insights may or may not be affected by the recent, sad events. It’s an interesting interview to hear, unique. Howard is certainly an artistic person, and contained; yet with simmering emotion that almost makes a leap to the surface, at any moment. The sad, overall tinge of the interview is palpable, moving.

I do have some strong disagreements with his points of view, especially with what he says about acting and “escaping emotion”. I wonder, too, if he has a different perspective, when not under the influence of darker life events.

Here is the link to Terrence Howard interview, conducted by Scott Simon, on NPR.

Best,

;-Dana