Performance Approach Quotes

When I'm doing a drama, I like to find the comedy; when I'm doing a comedy, I like to find the heart and drama.

When I work, I really try to get absorbed in the character. Unless I want to do something playful with the camera, I'm not too worried about where the camera is or positions.

As first and foremost a character actor, I've always resisted the temptation to cure any of the people I've played or make them lovable in any way; you've just got to celebrate them for what they are.

Some actors need to be rattled and some need to be focused.

I would never put any growl on my voice in concert - it's not the kind of music I sing.

Since I was from the theater, that's how I learned how to go through the process of being a character. That's how I learned, and that's what I was comfortable doing. And then, the first feature films, I'm sure I was no fun because I did not want to be spontaneous in that filmic way that really can work for you.

I think people have a misinterpretation of Method acting, because Method acting is a wonderful thing. The thing is, if you take it too seriously, it's like religion. You start to think it's the truth. But it's not the truth. It's just a way to get somewhere.

I'm not really into method acting - the way I was taught was the good old-fashioned British way of just doing your research and getting on with it.

It's tricky with monologues, and I never like to use that word. Like I told the actors, you are talking to somebody; there is no such thing as a monologue.

I'm not an instinctive actor.

If I am playing a historical character, I try to watch the person in newsreels and read about them, but I will not imitate them.

I think substitution is a huge part of acting, but I don't personalise my work that much.

You can't generalise, of course, but there is a school of American acting where there is a kind of pride in the number of takes you can do.

I don't ever sing classically when I am singing a contemporary score - I kind of try to fit in whatever needs to happen.

With most British actors, it's amazing. I think they start with the character on the outside and work in.

I'm not the kind of singer that's always super, super careful.

There's an impression that actors make a lot of choices. I just take what's there.

Comedy's my first love. I love that so much. You play comedy in drama, too. The difference between genres doesn't really change the method of acting.

Acting classes, I guess, are good and I would like to maybe sometime take one. But I would feel like I was learning someone else's technique. I like mine.

I played Othello, but I didn't sit around thinking how Laurence Olivier did it when he played it. That wouldn't do me any good.

If I can keep it light in between scenes, then that helps me dig down further than if I try and stay at that constant place all day. That's just me. Every actor's got their thing. But that's what I do.

I come from a broadcast background where I just prefer a lighter approach to my performance.

I'm not a method actor because it refers to a certain kind or technique of acting that I have studied about, and I know I'm not one of them.

I'm not a Method person, so I'm not like in character all the time.

You don't have to make a grand, exaggerated sound to sing opera.