I've just been reading RB's "Coffee & Content" . It contains a video essay about the film Jaws and how much money it made at the box office. It got me thinking off on a bit of a tangent about what it would be like, as an actor, to play in a movie that is adapted from a book. I love doing research so when I have had a script based on a novel I have enjoyed reading the novel to develop my character (Big Little Lies and White Oleander. But you may feel differently?
So my question to you is: if you’re acting in a film based on a book, do you like to read the book for extra insight into your character—or do you prefer to stick just to the script? How do you think it helps or complicates character development?
Here is RB's blog link https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-pitch-with-precision-hook-yo...
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Personally, I would start with the book. The original is always the best.”
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PS: I believe reading the novel only accelerates things for an actor. You’re experiencing the characters how the author intended. A script is merely a translation of that.
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Great question Alexandra Stevens I did a scene for The Hours and I did read the book. I would read the book as so much is cut from it to turn it to a screenplay and I think actors can find so much about their characters that aren't in the film script. When I see a movie that is based on a book that I haven't read and I really like the film, I will read the book. I get so much more out of it just as a reader, that as an actor, anything the author has to say about my character, I am going to inhale.
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Ponce Deleon yes I agree.
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Suzanne Bronson Yes I also agree with what you say. Except for reading the book after I saw the film. Call me superficial but somehow once I know the ending I lose interest ;) For the same reason I never watch a film twice which i guess may come across as weird. How about you?
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I have done both Alexandra Stevens I have loved a movie so much that I have read the book after. True I do know what happens, though sometimes the ending in the book is different than the movie. I know they cut a lot of things for the movie. I have watched lots of movies multiple times, if they are favorites. The LOTR trilogy I watch every year.
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I prefer to begin by the novel. In fact, the literature is the mother of the cinema. It's better to read more than to watch if you wanna be a original screenwriter.
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My first acting gig was playing real life men as they lived in the year 1627 in the newly established colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts. I read all known information about these men from primary sources and continuously learned as much as I could about their trade and way of life. It was a living history museum (still there) and my work was constant improvisation from 9-5 as I interacted with the audience and other characters on the stage, which is an early 17th century village we actually build and maintain ourselves. It was unspeakable fun!
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Erik David sounds like a really cool first acting job!
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Alexandra Stevens the coolest parts of the job, the world will never know :)
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Ooh! Would love to hear more about some of the coolest parts of the job that you have encountered.!
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Erik David Great preparation in gobbling down all pertinent details for sure. Great first acting gig!
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Alexandra Stevens I promise I will tell you details over coffee or wine, but you can tell nobody. We portrayed the "Pilgrims" who came to the New World on the Mayflower and later other ships. They are Americano Saints. I could never disclose anything in public to tarnish their reputation...or start an investigation...I will just say that we had 24-hour access to the village, and we made ourselves at home 24/7...this was back in the Golden Age when to be properly accepted in the cast we had to piss on Plymouth Rock...usually happened after the bars closed...oops!
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Erik David sounds like you had the time of your life!!!! I can't imagine. What fun to be able to play on and off set.
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Alexandra Stevens It's all fun and games when nobody gets hurt