EFB 116: Talking about the play, acting together, getting into character
116: Talking about the play, acting together, getting into character
To be an actor, one must be professional, focused, dedicated, and persistent.
Han Wen is on his way to becoming an actor, and there are many things he doesn't understand. As for things like sacrificing for art and unleashing one's true nature, he doesn't quite understand them either, so he just mentioned them to Teacher Yu.
Ms. Yu is a four-year undergraduate student in the acting department of the Beijing Film Academy. Although she doesn't have many opportunities to act, she is definitely an actress.
"In the entertainment industry, many artists do make sacrifices for art. However, what they sacrifice is their energy, time, effort, physical strength, and even health."
It's not like the kissing, hugging, sleeping, and undressing that's common in the entertainment industry today, or the exchange of benefits.
In reality, this is just an excuse. Many people still have a sense of shame and want to cover themselves up to avoid making a scene.
As for what you call "releasing one's natural instincts," that's actually a crooked approach. Natural instincts are already there; they don't need to be released. What we call "natural instincts" are probably more accurately described as inherent nature or animalistic instincts.
This isn't about liberating the actors; it's about making them abandon shame and morality, and perform actions that defy common sense. It's far from acting.
However, as the saying goes, "No madness, no life."
When some people are forced into a corner and have nowhere else to turn, they may resort to unconventional methods and become obsessed, which can make their acting skills seem incredibly impressive.
However, this is a demonic art; it can be used and is very effective. But it is also prone to backlash.
Because he will only be able to play crazy roles from now on, his acting range will be narrowed, or even eliminated altogether.
True actors diligently hone their skills and accumulate acting experience. They would never resort to unorthodox methods that would undermine their abilities.
Then, as their skills or acting abilities improve, they can convincingly portray any role, or even become that role themselves.
Hanwen, you must be a talented and gifted person. Otherwise, Jiang Wen wouldn't have chosen you, who has absolutely no acting experience, to be the male lead in his new movie.
Of course, it might be because you are the author and have a strong ability to portray characters and control the plot.
In this way, it's actually quite easy to grasp the character's personality, temperament, and other aspects in the script." Teacher Yu said while thinking, "In short, no matter what, I still believe in you and have high hopes for you."
So, from now on, I will teach you acting skills seriously, and you must learn them seriously.
Otherwise, not only will my efforts be wasted, but you will also gain nothing. Moreover, it will be a waste of time and energy.
Besides, I took so much money from you; if I don't teach you well, I'll feel really bad about it.
"No need, Teacher Yu, I have money, you don't need to feel embarrassed." Han Wen shook his head and smiled, "Don't worry, Teacher Yu, I will definitely study hard."
"Okay, then I'll teach diligently." Teacher Yu nodded, encouraging herself: "Actually, my personality is not like Milan's, so I'm afraid I won't be able to perform exceptionally well."
"If you replaced me with Jiang Wenli and had her act opposite you, it would definitely be twice as effective."
Han Wen had heard of Jiang Wenli and knew the actress. She was from Jiangnan Province and was currently working in Beijing, but had not yet made a name for herself.
"If I have time in the future, I hope I can learn some acting skills from Teacher Jiang," Han Wen nodded and said with a smile.
"We'll talk about the future later. Okay, let's begin." Teacher Yu said with a smile, "Come, sit next to me. Let's read the original work first, analyze the characters' personalities, and grasp the plot."
Han Wen nodded and sat down next to Teacher Yu.
Then, the two of them pressed their bodies together, their heads close together, pointing at the book with their hands while whispering to each other.
As a rising star in the literary world and a semi-literary figure, Han Wen is indeed skilled in character portrayal and story control.
After watching "Animal Fierceness" several times, he became familiar with the characters and grasped the plot.
Then, the characters in my mind slowly came to life, gradually acquiring life, love, hate, joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.
At the same time, images of the story's setting appeared in his mind. Like storyboards prepared before filming a movie, they played back frame by frame repeatedly.
At this point, he was no longer reading a book, but rather looking at what was in his own mind.
Then, you gradually immerse yourself in it, becoming completely absorbed, as if you have become one with the characters and images in your mind.
"Alright, Hanwen, we've now become familiar with the characters, understood the story, and grasped the historical context in which it takes place."
"Now, let's try to immerse ourselves in the roles and step into the story." Teacher Yu felt that Han Xue was learning very quickly and was very excited: "Let's start with a simple scene. You are Ma Xiaojun, and I am Milan."
We thoroughly understand every little detail that happens in our lives, and then we express it.
"Understood, Teacher Yu. Don't worry, I won't let you down." Han Wen nodded.
Then, Teacher Yu selected the scene and story, and Han Wen and she began to perform.
There were only the two of them in the huge classroom. Although the surrounding environment had not changed at all, the two of them had already engraved the scenes from the book in their minds.
They weren't there now, but more than a decade ago; not in a classroom, but in a military compound.
They weren't Han Wen and Teacher Yu, but Ma Xiaojun and Milan. They weren't master and apprentice, but a young man and the girl he loved…
Any performance must involve skill and experience; there are always traces to follow, and each will leave behind a mark of its craft, making it less than perfect.
However, if you become immersed in the role, not just acting, but *the* role itself, then everything will flow seamlessly, leaving no trace.
However, this situation is extremely rare, even more terrifying than being possessed by a demon.
After the two rehearsed several scenes earnestly, Ms. Yu was utterly astonished. She felt as if she were facing not Han Wen, who played Ma Xiaojun, but Ma Xiaojun himself.
Han Wen may not be fully immersed in the role yet, but he has thoroughly grasped the character of Ma Xiaojun, his personality traits, and something deep within him. His blood is flowing, and life is beginning to revive.
"I'm worried that once you get completely into character, you might actually hug me forcefully." During a break, Teacher Yu joked with some concern to ease the tension.
"No, Teacher Yu, I'm not that kind of person." Han Wen shook his head and assured her, "I'll try my best to keep my head calm when the time comes."
"Hanwen, what do you mean? Am I not pretty enough, not sexy enough?" Teacher Yu asked with a smile, "With my damn charm, isn't it enough to drive you crazy?"
"Teacher Yu, to be honest, I'm not sure either." Han Wen nodded and answered seriously, "Perhaps we'll only be able to find the right feeling and get to the bottom of things when we rehearse this scene together."
"If you really get into character and go crazy, I'll be in big trouble," Teacher Yu said with some worry. "You're so tall and strong, if you really try to hug me, I really won't be able to resist."
"Teacher Yu, you forgot one thing, I'm quite handsome." Han Wen laughed: "If you can't resist when the time comes, just give in. Don't worry, I'll take responsibility."
"You wish! How dare you harbor ill intentions towards your teacher? That's outrageous!" Teacher Yu shook her head. "You only gave me such a small amount of money, and you expect me to make such a huge sacrifice? How could that be?"
"Teacher Yu, please stop talking. I understand, I'll add more money." Han Wen was incredibly straightforward: "I'll bring cash with me then. I can't guarantee more, but within ten thousand, just name your price."