David Mamet is truly awful.

His work has often left me with a sense of dissatisfaction. In fact, I almost gave this book only 1 star because of my general dislike for Mamet.

However, to my great shock, I found that this is one of the best acting books I've ever read.

It has had a profound impact on me, even giving me bad dreams. Every page of this book has presented a challenge to my understanding and perception of acting.

The statement "It is not a sign of ignorance not to know the answers. But there is great merit in facing the questions" really struck a chord with me.

It made me realize that the process of learning and growing as an actor is not about having all the answers but rather about having the courage to face the difficult questions and seek out the answers on our own.

This book has forced me to confront my own limitations and has inspired me to push myself further in my acting journey.

Despite my initial reservations about Mamet, I have to admit that this book is a valuable resource for any actor looking to improve their craft.

In life, there is no emotional preparation for seeing violence, grief, surprise, betrayal, and discovery. On the stage, there is also nothing like this in the work.

Consider the political maneuvers of our friends. The political maneuver that presents its respectful parts with dignity, its offensive parts brutally, and its emotional parts sensitively is a fraud, and nothing that it wants you to believe is true... Their way of expression is all a lie. They have lied to you about what they feel in order to influence you. We do not betray the things that we value deeply in our hearts to them.

It is important to be able to see through such false facades and not be easily swayed by the deceptions of others. We should rely on our own judgment and intuition to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Only by doing so can we protect ourselves and make more informed decisions in life.

Moreover, we should also strive to be honest and sincere in our own words and actions, and not engage in the same kind of political maneuvering and deception. By building relationships based on trust and mutual respect, we can create a more harmonious and positive social environment.

As the character played by Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society said:

- “Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”

Mamet in this book doesn't just criticize the school, the incompetent teaching staff, and the mechanism generated in society. That too. But he emphasizes talking about what truly makes us not robots. Feelings, emotions, the heart.

Basically, for me, it sums up to not forgetting to feel, because since we are born, our emotions and feelings are oppressed. Whether by the adults around us, by the monotonous society we carry on our backs, or by damages.

Mamet reminds us how fortunate are the people who choose the profession of being an actress/actor. Because being one involves feeling, giving truth, looking into the eyes, opening up, having fear, feeling nervous. To feel.

It's curious how something so essential for life is oppressed, forgotten, or simply nullified because we don't have time. Feeling is like breathing.

With his anarchic touch, he reminds us that we should not bow our heads or silence ourselves in the face of anything. To be rebellious, brave, free. We must not forget who we are, and we have to prove our worth so as not to let anything or anyone step on us. We have to learn to take the reins of our lives, especially as artists. We have to read, write, remember why we are alive and try to give meaning to life. Try to make it more beautiful, healthy, and just than it is. To tell, to claim, to speak, sing, and shout. To give voice to those people who need it. In part, I feel that we have a responsibility. The responsibility of opening eyes, of making people laugh, of making them cry, of exciting them. Feeling is one of the most beautiful things that exist. It is a light that since we are small, they try to extinguish, and we have to relight it. In ourselves and in the other people who decide to go to a theater, to a cinema. Because that's what we go for. We go to listen to our story, empathize with it, feel it, and cry if necessary. Because the theater is an excuse to be able to do it. All for those people whose voice has been taken away, also to open the eyes of people who have them closed, so that there are no emotional shortages, apathy, to learn to be better people. It is so powerful and strong that it is a high-voltage weapon.

And all this, why do we decide to do this? What has happened in our lives to develop this “superpower”? It's not that we have an incredible emotional intelligence, but perhaps, we were also a product of society, perhaps our light was also extinguished, perhaps we were treated like garbage, or perhaps we like to look into the eyes and listen. I don't know. Perhaps there is no answer. Perhaps all this is so scary that many people don't dare and prefer to conform, that's why Mamet tells us to be brave, to take risks, and to be real, both in life and in the theater.

At first, it kind of scared me.

The unknown and the challenges that lay ahead seemed overwhelming. But as time went on, something changed.

By the end, it inspired me. His perspective was like a breath of fresh air.

It made me see things in a whole new light. It reminded me of Bill Belichick, the renowned football coach.

He is known for his unwavering focus and his mantra of "Do your fucking job."

This simple yet powerful phrase encapsulates the essence of what it takes to succeed.

It means being dedicated to your task, no matter how difficult or mundane it may seem.

It means taking responsibility for your actions and not making excuses.

His perspective and the example set by Bill Belichick have motivated me to strive for excellence in everything I do.

Really appreciate the encouragement on finding your true self and voice while making a living in the entertainment industry.

It is of utmost importance to not compromise on your values in this highly competitive field.

One should strive to maintain their integrity and authenticity, rather than being used and abused by the system.

Although the focus here is on Acting, many of the instances and concepts can be applied widely.

The entertainment industry is filled with challenges and temptations, but it is essential to stay true to oneself.

By doing so, one can not only achieve success but also make a positive impact on the industry and society as a whole.

Finding your true self and voice may take time and effort, but it is well worth it in the end.

So, keep believing in yourself and your abilities, and don't let anyone or anything hold you back.

Remember, you are unique and have something special to offer to the world.

If the script clearly states, "Henry walks across the room and opens the door", then one should simply walk across the room and open the door. There is no need to overdo or "act" in an exaggerated way. This is precisely the reason why Cary Grant was so outstanding. He had an unwavering trust in the writers and the viewers. He understood that by simply following the script and presenting the story in a natural and believable manner, he could create a more engaging and memorable performance. Cary Grant's approach to acting was refreshing and unique. He didn't rely on flashy techniques or over-the-top gestures to convey his character's emotions. Instead, he let the story and the words on the page do the work. This trust in the creative process allowed him to bring his characters to life in a way that was both authentic and captivating.

There were indeed some truly remarkable thoughts presented in this book. The author most definitely does not shy away from expressing his point of view. As an actor, there are two particular passages that have really stayed with me.

Firstly, "Good writing does not need the support of the actor, in effect, narrating its psychological undertones, and bad writing will not benefit from it." This statement makes me reflect on the power of good writing. It implies that excellent writing has its own inherent strength and can convey deep psychological meanings without relying solely on the actor's interpretation. On the other hand, bad writing may not be able to be salvaged even with a great performance.

Secondly, "Invent nothing, deny nothing. This is the meaning of character." This simple yet profound sentence makes me think about the importance of authenticity in portraying a character. As an actor, it is essential to stay true to the character as written and not add or subtract anything that is not in the text. By doing so, we can bring the character to life in a more genuine and believable way.

These two thoughts have had a significant impact on my approach to acting and have made me更加appreciate the art of writing and its relationship to performance.

A very refreshing take on the art of acting!

I don't entirely agree with everything Mamet says. For instance, he implies that researching your character's background is a waste of time. Nevertheless, I can't help but have a great deal of respect for the way he effortlessly demolishes all ideas about 'technique'.

This book is actually quite uplifting to read as an actor. It reminds you that you are sufficient just as you are, and that the choice you made to become an actor demonstrates a significant amount of courage.

At times, it does become a bit repetitive. Some chapters, even though they were all short, seemed like restatements of previous chapters.

However, this has definitely had an impact on how I approach acting now and will likely be something I'll come back to in the future. It offers unique perspectives and challenges the traditional ways of thinking about acting, which can be both enlightening and inspiring for actors looking to expand their understanding and approach to the craft.

Acting is an art form that requires dedication, skill, and a deep understanding of human behavior. For any actor, there is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to be gained from reading. Reading can help actors develop their characters, understand the context of a script, and improve their overall performance.

One of the most important things for an actor to read is plays and screenplays. By studying different scripts, actors can learn about different writing styles, character development, and story structure. They can also gain insights into the historical and cultural context of the work, which can help them bring the characters to life more authentically.

In addition to plays and screenplays, actors should also read books on acting technique. These books can provide valuable tips and exercises for improving vocal projection, body language, and emotional expression. They can also help actors develop their own unique acting style and approach.

Finally, actors should read widely outside of the realm of acting. Reading literature, history, and philosophy can help actors gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and develop their empathy and emotional intelligence. This, in turn, can make them more effective actors and better able to connect with their audiences.

This book was truly so contradictory.

He seemed to believe that he was being unique, yet at the same time, he was asserting that the method was incorrect.

And then, rather surprisingly, he went on to tell us precisely what to actually do, and lo and behold, it was the very method that he had just criticized.

It left the reader in a state of confusion, wondering which stance the author truly intended to take.

Was he trying to be innovative by presenting a convoluted argument, or was there some deeper meaning that was lost in the midst of this contradiction?

The book's inconsistent approach made it difficult to fully understand and appreciate its message.

Perhaps with further examination and analysis, some clarity could be gained, but for now, it remained a puzzling and somewhat frustrating read.

Well,

that explain's Mamet's directorial work. He has his own unique style and approach in the director's chair.

I like a few of the things said. There are certain aspects of his work that have caught my attention and impressed me.

However, I don't trust him as a source of acting wisdom. While he may have a good understanding of the overall filmmaking process, I'm not convinced that his insights into acting are as reliable.

Perhaps it's because his directorial style emphasizes other elements more than the nuances of acting.

Or maybe it's just my personal opinion based on my own experiences and perspectives.

Nevertheless, it's important to note that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and Mamet is no exception.

His directorial work may have its merits, but when it comes to acting advice, I would look elsewhere.

This book slays the "sacred cows" of performance.

It is truly one of those remarkable books that I make it a point to read once a year. The reason being, it endows me with the courage to go against the prevailing trends.

Mamet's advice, which is to simply open your mouth and blurt out the response as soon as you hear your cue, is some of the finest and yet most terrifying acting coaching I have ever come across. It compels you to have a thorough knowledge of your lines and to trust both the moment and yourself. This approach leads to an abundance of honesty in the performance.

If you have a desire to read about a Theatre that is firmly grounded in reality, with its feet in the dirt and sweat on its brow, then without a doubt, this is the book that you should pick up. It offers a unique perspective and valuable insights into the world of acting and Theatre that are sure to inspire and challenge you.