Book From Tape: Acting Podcast 9: David Mamet's True and False
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Mar 11, 2019 A lively debate about David Mamet's bold, sometimes provocative stance on acting. They clash over illusion versus becoming the character and favoring outward, task-based action over manufactured emotion. Conversation covers memorization, finding line objectives as punchlines, using notes without getting stuck, and training to stay present and embodied.
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Play Outward Tasks Toward Your Partner
- Do prioritize outward-directed tasks toward your scene partner rather than manufacturing inner emotion.
- Julie and Jordan stress playing objectives and responsiveness so real reactions, not staged sadness, drive the scene.
Cut The Mid Scene Huff
- Avoid mid-scene huffs and planned beats that expel natural emotional response.
- Jordan calls the small breathy huff before an emotional moment a scene-killer that replaces genuine response with a staged reaction.
Memorize Then Deny Nothing
- Memorize fully and stand bravely without inventing or denying impulses during performance.
- Jordan and Julie recommend denying nothing and not embellishing while allowing genuine in-the-moment impulses to guide you.
