What are you willing to leave behind?
I was speaking to a director friend of mine the other day, and we were discussing what makes an unforgettable performance.
Our conversation steered towards the incredible John Cassavetes. Starting his career as an actor, he was likened to Marlon Brando in style and screen presence, but he transitioned into directing, essentially becoming the founder of independent cinema in America.
He was known as the 'Actor's Director', and would famously give his actors free reign in the scene. He would speak very few words to them about what he wanted. He would simply give them the script, set up a camera and allow them to do whatever the hell they wanted.
What a dream, right?
This freedom came with great responsibility, though. They could do whatever they wanted
as long as it was a truthful, authentic response to the circumstances and they expressed themselves fully and left nothing behind.
Still confused Watch this video. It might help you understand! Take note of:
“During the actual filming I’m not really listening to dialogue, I am watching to see if the actors are actually communicating something, or expressing something. I’m just watching a conversation. You’re not aware of exactly what the actors are saying, but you are aware of what they’re intending and feeling in that scene.”
Cassavetes knew that the most magnetic thing to watch on camera was the full, unself-conscious expression of someone risking everything.
So, are you willing to show the dark side of yourself in front of the camera?
Are you willing to give yourself fully to love? To grief? To vulnerability?
Are you willing to use the scene to discover a truth about yourself you have never considered before and then let go and leave it behind?
Do this and you have the power to change peoples lives with your work.
All it takes is courage and a strong belief in yourself and the story you are telling
