Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television Reviews

• Though a bit Touchy-Feely

  
  By A17QAS8K17V9EC on 2001-05-29
  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.
  
  

• Very useful heuristics for motivating performers

  
  By A3F7XLGCTTUMWP on 2003-08-26
  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.
  
  

• An actors best resource

  
  By A3IB0A8TYD5M3B on 2000-02-08
  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!
  
  

• This is an EXCELLENT book on the subject!

  
  By on 1998-03-23
  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!
  
  

• The Only Book on Directing I Have Ever Loved

  
  By A383P5V1UAHR74 on 2003-12-08
  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.
  
  

• The METHOD for Directors
  By on 2000-02-24
  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.
  
  
• Great reference for all directors!
  By A33FS5H3CPDR6D on 2005-09-24
  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!!!!!
  
  
• better shop around
  By on 2001-03-22
  i was really disappointed when i received this book. the book is poorly organized and confusing. the directing/acting techniques are basic. and the whole thing is written with this weird dianetics style.

  luckily i discovered "the actor prepares" by stanislovsky. its THE acting book. and written from the point of view from a director trying to improve the performance of his actors.
  
  

• Best book on directing I've seen
  By AHVGNIBM269JI on 2003-10-08
  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".
  
  

• Director Beware
  By on 2001-08-25
  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.
  
  
• Essential book for fledgling filmmakers
  By AI5R5AXC4UPZ1 on 2000-12-29
  This book is in my collection of 10 favorite books about the filmmaking process. This book singularly stands out from the noise of the many books currently in existence that purport to convey some useful information about the filmmaking process. This book is critical to understanding the actor's mind and how actors construct a character and weave them into the story that is being created. I rigorously recommend this book to anyone (at all) who is or wants to be involved in filmmaking. May you appreciate the fine craftsmanship of actors and directors alike.
  
  
• Full of insight
  By on 2000-07-27
  A thoroughly well-written book from a knowledgeable author. I bought this book upon recommendation from a friend before starting my own short film project. I know that simply because of this book, the performances will be a lot better than they would've been otherwise.
  
  
• A Tremendously Helpful Guide
  By A1AOCL7364V16J on 2001-08-13
  As I prepared to direct my first feature film this book proved to be incredibly valuable. It greatly improved my "actor vocabulary," enabled me to anticipate a number of questions the actors ultimately asked, and provided me with an excellent array of rehearsal techniques. I highly recommend this book for directors, writers, and other creative persons who desire to more fully understand and appreciate the actor's craft.
  
  
• A Directors AND Actors MUST!
  By A3VQRK9937IXZG on 2001-12-13
  'Directing Actors', is absolutely fantastic. I tell every Actor I know to "Read it! Devour it!" I've read (it feels like) everything out there - & so much of what's out there makes me feel like they really don't get it or know what the heck they're talking about - but they're supposed to be an expert?! I know the Actors I'm watching and admire can't be doing this (...stuff). Too technical, too manipulative, too analytical, too cerebral - NOT PLAYABLE - & if it is - the Actor is anything but real & truthful.

  This book more than any other book or person out there gave me permission to trust my gut, be simple, be real, be truthful to the 'real' moment in front of you, as opposed to some imagined or contrived one...

  God what a beautiful world it'd be if the directors I audition & work with would "Get it"! (...)

  I refer back to this book often when I need to revalidate myself & my approach after a few of those auditions were the gatekeepers start getting me to doubt & question myself... (What do they know? I've always maintained that if one could control and summon up their emotions at will, we'd have no need for all the therapy & medications out there. But, we're human beings and we don't work that way. We 'feel' and are 'moved' unimpeded, freely and innately when we are truly involved with things outside of ourselves and not aware of ourselves (self-conscious). And to do that one can not be following a mental game plan in their head of what to 'pretend' to feel at this, that, or some other moment in a scene... That's called pretending NOT "Living Truthfully" in an imagined blah, blah, blah...)

  The bottom-line: This is a must read for Directors AND Actors who want a better appreciation of what the DeNiros, Pacinos, Walkens, Streeps, Langes, Brandos, and the like are more likely doing when they're Acting rather than what the academicians would have us believe... Read or listen to these actors in interviews discussing their approach and more often than not they'll sound like they're paraphrasing much in this book.
  
  

• Mind opening
  By A3KSAXYBEZQQP on 2002-01-16
  Any aspiring director is intrigued with how to make actors understand what you want. Well, according to J. Weston, you don't want to make them understand what you want! You want them to do it without them knowing what result to give, because that's where it all start to look fake.

  You may find her approach quite hard to manage, but you don't become a good director in a thunderstrike. Above all, either you agree with Weston or not (you always give and take a few things), this book is a huge mind opener, very useful concerning how to understand the actors working techniques, very useful to find out how to obtain the best results, and quite invaluable concerning the sense of gambling any good director need to possess in order to create (along with actors) a memorable performance. In the top 5 books any aspiring director (even writer and perhaps Tech staff who know nothing about a director's job) should read, like a required obligation in order to take a good two step foward.
  
  

• The best
  By A3VME7LX6GG7CU on 2004-06-04
  The best and probably only guide to directing actors on the market. I used to be an actor and was directed by a multitude of directors who didn't know a whit about acting, nor cared to know. I now teach film directing and screenwriting at a film school and give workshops to young film directors on working with actors. This is pretty much the only book I recommend to my students. My only caveat is that much of what she writes about must be practiced and observed first-hand, live, before you can actually understand what she means. But if you have the opporunity to rehearse and work with actors, or even with other students, use this book as your Bible.
  
  
• Great beginner book
  By ASOPBD0Z5WW06 on 2005-10-13
  I agree with Thor Vadir's review in that it did favor the actor more often than not. But that is ok as long as you are aware ahead of time.
  
  As a very first time director, I read this book through 2x before my shoot. It is a 40 min short film with paid actors.
  It was very helpful as a true newbie.
  
  This, coupled with some experience under my belt, has given me a great start to my (hopeful) career.
  
  
• No other book on acting or directing comes close
  By AJSJEDQR13SNH on 2006-10-17
  This book isn't just for directors. It is an invaluable resource for actors as well. I've taught film and video acting for a number of years and never found a book that was worth having students read even part of. Until this one. Unlike most books on acting which focus on techniques that may work great on stage but are worse than disastrous on film, Judith Weston goes under the surface of acting and directing to the core of what a close-up camera needs to see. That, in a nutshell, is "lending the character your unconscious," so that absolutely nothing looks (or is) fake or "pretend." Even more importantly, she provides down-to-earth, extremely effective techniques for directors that support and demand genuine, affect-free performances. She discusses the creative process of the director at a level that is not idiosycratic or based on her personal "style" (as so many books for directors and actors do). Her advice is both common-sensical and deeply insightful, it's what every good director knows but often can't articulate consistently enough. Don't miss this book if you work in film or video, whether you are a director, actor, teacher, editor, DP, AD, or even a gaffer. After reading Weston, you will see every aspect of the actors performances more truly and clearly, and find yourself finding new ways to get the most out of every second on screen. One of those books that changes your life by telling you what you already knew more clearly than you ever thought it could be said, and giving you fresh new ways to put it into practical use. Highest recommendation.
  
  
• Simple techniques that WORK!
  By A2SUMUD9JGLOJD on 2007-02-05
  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!
  
  
• Yes, I'm another fan
  By A1I0POKKY9ZZWU on 2000-01-06
  This book is an inspiration. I spent time with Judith several years ago at one of her classes at the Maine Photographic Workshops, and then soon after her book came out and it felt as if I never left. Her message is tough (and introspective) because it is so simple. But then, anyone making movies knows that simple _is_ tough to achieve. Once again, thank you Judith. Best Regards.
  
  
• Visions of Life
  By A1NH35L4O2KG4E on 2001-08-23
  Although I had studied acting in school and done my share of roles, how I got to "that place" was only a mystery to me. I didn't know how to do it consistently, or how to give it to someone else.

  Then I started reading Directing Actors, in anticipation of my first workshop with Judith Weston, and I was overcome with feelings of exhilaration as well as trepidation. (Could I really do these exercises and get a performance?) At the same time, I was amazed that someone was able to finally transcend that touchy-feely Milky Way into a Galaxy where there was order and form and process. A real handbook for unchartered territory! Someone finally had the vision to explain acting as a reflection of real life.

  To get more to the point, the techniques in Directing Actors work; they are learnable, understandable, and very practical. And most importantly, repeatable.

  Having participated in two of Judith's workshops, I can say that the woman behind the text is the real thing. Judith's research is the result of years of navigating through the stars, and the stardust. You will be amazed at how the exercises work, and you will learn to look at acting in a new light. No more mystery where it shouldn't be.

  You have read other books that speak of intangible things, or theory, or "magic". This book is different. It is a textbook, the one and only book you should own if you want to act, direct, or even write, in my opinion. Why? Because Judith gets molecular with the process of making a performance real.

  When you look up into the sky you see scores of stars. But there are a thousand times more you cannot see. Judith gives light to those black holes - so that you will always have a bearing on where you are going in any acting or directing situation. You will have tools to keep an actor in the moment.

  Buy this book. It will answer most of the questions you have ever had about the craft. You will be asked to do a lot of work in this book - and the result will be a set of skills that you will own - inside. Skills you will be able to use. And that will give you confidence, purpose, and the end to the dreaded "freeze". Never again will you be without ideas or options.

  Judith, I hope you read this. You and your book are amazing. Thank you. I know now that I could absolutely, positively direct a feature length film. And I did not know that before I was enlightened with your training. Your book was the first step.

  I have used the techniques in Directing Actors, and have also found my own center and my own variation on the methods - because I have received an education, not just a book.

  Buy this book today, and get the secret map through the nebula of this thing we call a performance. Five stars indeed!
  
  

• the best book on directing actors
  By A35Z9189H0F87K on 2006-02-17
  This book teaches the most important skill a director can possess: getting great performances from actors.
  
  She breaks things down into logical bits and helps you avoid many common mistakes directors make, such as giving unplayable directions, giving too many directions, talking too much, etc.
  
  She writes with wisdom, insight, and humor.
  
  If you're a director or a wannabe director, do the world a favor and read this book so the world has better performances to watch.
  
  This book is the best kept secret in show business. An even more valuable secret is her workshop, which she teaches regularly in L.A. as of this review (Spring 2006).
  
  
• Directing Actors by Judith Weston
  By A39Y1XOAP4KXTV on 2001-10-19
  Judith Weston's book "Directing Actors" provides the wisdom and common sense knowledge to empower any director with the tools to collaborate with actors in the creation of vivid, and exciting screen performances. This book is a must for anyone seriously interested in narrative film making.

  William Farley
  writer/director
  
  

• Going to work with actors? You NEED this book
  By on 2003-03-29
  If you aren't able to attend one of Judith Weston's Directing Actors workshops, this book is the next best thing. You will use it over and over again--not only on the set, but when you are planning your next film or writing your next screenplay.
  
  
• How to Direct Actors
  By ASENRDYKONZWM on 2003-08-10
  "A good read for novice directors, especially those who do not have much experience working with film actors. It not only gives you methods for directing actors on the set, but also solid advice on casting and rehearsing." -- RMS
  
  
• IF YOU READ JUST ONE BOOK ON DIRECTING...
  By A7L5BHDJO2AJY on 2005-07-06
  Judy's book will change your entire way of thinking about directing and about actors. It's so rich, so practical, so applicable, and will make you proud to be part of this profession. It will blow your mind, expand your ideas about your art, and give you the courage to dive in and do it.
  
  
• a marvelous work of literature
  By A1T2041VS9XQ3P on 2005-08-15
  
  After reading a number of more general books on filmmaking, i wanted a book focusing on the difficult task of working with actors. This book was exactally what i was looking for. The minute i reached the last page i immediately returned to page one to enjoy it again. This book made me realize why my past short films had been plagued with mediocre acting. It made me realize that basically every thing i was saying to my actors was worse than not saying anything at all. If you're a filmmaker who wants to get better at directing actors, order this book, and while you're waiting for it to arrive, read the "look inside this book" sample over and over again.
  
  
• Buy this book now!
  By A1ONRCZAWN784I on 2007-04-15
  If you are even thinking that this book might be of some interest to you, I can assure you it will change the way you work -- all for the good. Weston has boiled down and focused the art of getting a performance in a clear and brilliant manner. What else can I say, why are you still reading this - buy it. Simple.
  
  
• crud
  By A3OHVT18YZTQW8 on 2005-06-22
  I know this is going to sound like blasphamy, but this book is complete and total garbage; Judith Weston may be a wonderful human being with a lot of friends in the industry but her book is like a hack magazine article padded out to book length.
  
  
  
  
• No nonsense.
  By A1OT246STJB213 on 2001-07-20
  As a director specialising in performance based commercials, I found this book immensely helpful. It is solid advice, presented in a way that is easy to understand and put into practice. What's more ... it works.
  
  

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