So...how do you practice?
Just like a musician can work everyday to increase her understanding of the instrument, you too, can also take time everyday to further understand yours.
Now, if you've ever had a musician friend (or ex-boyfriend), you know those guys are passionate. They love their instruments. A dude can sit at Guitar Center for 2 hours wailing away on a guitar he knows he will NEVER be able to afford, but that's ok--it's not about that. It's about the love of the instrument, the feel, the action, the tone--all those things that make every guitar different, and therefore, special.
Characters are the same way. And characters are people. To be a great actor, in my humble opinion, you must become a LOVER OF PEOPLE. Ok, so I agree, maybe it sounds a little new-agey and maybe just weird, but it's true.
Another maybe more scientific way to think about it is: You must be a student of human nature. A lover of human nature.
Mmmm..OK, so I seem to not be able to get away from the word LOVE....interesting. Now, I'm really not a mushy guy (Least I don't think...), but I really do think that love, in the case of understanding humanity, is extremely important.
And here is the common thread:
ALL PEOPLE, WHETHER HERO OR COWARD, STRONG OR WEAK, ARROGANT OR MEEK, HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON: THEY ALL LOVE SOMETHING. AND THEY LOVE IT TO THE DEATH.
Hitler loved Eva Braun. And his own image. To the death.
I bring up Hitler, of course, because I think we can all agree that there probably is not a worst example of a Human being.
Yet, as actors, we are called to walk in the shoes, see through the eyes, love through the hearts, and stay true to the programming (more on this in a bit...) of EVERY character we play--even Adolf Hitler. I'm certainly not saying that I think you should accept the role of Hitler--that will have to be your decision based on your own personal code of ethics. What I AM saying is that if you do accept the role of Hitler...your job is to represent a real human being. In order to do that you must get rid of all judgement, thoughts, opinions, etc. that you may have about such a horrible character--you must start from scratch, and from love.
FIGURE OUT WHAT THE CHARACTER LOVES TO THE DEATH.
Is it inner peace? Power? Wealth? Adventure? Recognition? Companionship? You get the idea...
In my opinion, stay away from finding the 'tragic flaw' in your character--trust me, if you're playing a human being, you have one. Instead, think of it as 'PROGRAMMING'. Yes--find the PROGRAMMING. I use the word 'programming' because it is a sterile word. It does not evoke anything of moral or ethical sorts. In fact, it sounds much like...a computer. Not very human, I'll admit, but stay with me on this...
All of us, human beings on the planet react to the world based on our own personal experiences, hurts, traumas, etc. Most of these occur very early in life, and they shape who we are our entire lives. Hence, therapy (re-programming), and why it seems to work.
KNOW ALL PEOPLE BY FIRST KNOWING YOURSELF.
It is worthwhile, as actors, to spend time analyzing ourselves throughout the day. Noticing our own reactions to things/events/challenges.
Why did that piss me off so fucking much..?
Why does that bitch get under my skin so quick..?
Why did I just tell a lie..?
It's a sort of "high observation" (Nothing to do with cannabis, guys...). It's almost like agreeing with yourself to operate above your own emotions so as to recognize your own true intentions behind things. When you start to recognize these things within yourself, you will start to recognize the same in others. You will no longer be a victim of projection, because you'll know that that person pisses you off because you see in him the same thing you hate about yourself. Very liberating, indeed...
Find the Love. Find the programming. And add yourself.
That is your job. And a very noble one, if you ask me.
Until next time!
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