More Questions

Did I do something wrong?


When I am expecting an answer or reaction, will it be unexpected because I fucked up?


Does your character think he or she is always right?


Was your character delivering an authentic or influenced line?


Communicate the beautiful.  What is the mood of the scene, moment, or line? Your purpose.  There's a moment in "Contact" when John Hurts tells Jodie Foster, "wanna play?", that is an example of this concept.


Does your character hide his feelings?  The old cliche, it's all in the details.  Christopher Walken in the "Dead Zone" accepts a beer from the rich and powerful businessman.  It is a two second moment, and yet so much went into it. William Hurt, in the "Accidental Tourist," quickly smells his soup before tasting it. Meryl Streep and all the beautiful sighs in "Sophie's Choice..." Look for these in your favorite performers.


This is one of my favorites - one that helped me understand objectives. (how many times has a director or teacher shouted at you, "what is the objective of the scene" and you look dumbfounded) Ask yourself this: What are the dreams of your character.  What are the "ifs", that if they come true their dreams are realized?  What are the nightmares of your character.  What are the fears that ultimately create the struggle in their lives? Bring that down to the scene. I guarantee you will never look like a deer caught in headlights when the objective question is asked by your director or teacher.


Does your character "pick" words to communicate something about their feelings? A writer to his wife: "Have you read my little script?" How is that writer concerned or manipulating a reaction?


Here's a another famous teacher and director question. What is the subtext of this line or that line.  Once again, headlight straight into our eyes. I think the classic mistake has been to put the attention into ourselves and not into our scene partner.  Here's another rescue piece of advice: The subtext of your line is often a defense of your character's position in response to what he or she thinks was said to them.