I wanted to share this video because it offers a fantastic acting breakdown of how performances truly come alive through contrast, especially in ensemble work.
Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyIIAXb2Xd8
Using One Battle After Another as a case study, the video digs into how Paul Thomas Anderson gives actors the space to collaborate, improvise, and build characters that don’t align perfectly, even when they’re technically on the same side. What stood out to me most is how much of the storytelling happens physically rather than verbally.
Some great takeaways for actors:
Contrast fuels conflict. Characters don’t need opposing goals to clash, they just need different energies, fears, rhythms, or worldviews.
Small physical choices matter. Eye movement, jaw tension, posture, breath, stillness, or the lack of it can communicate volumes.
Confidence vs uncertainty is often shown in how someone moves through space, not what they say.
Fear, hesitation, control, and power are frequently revealed in micro-behaviors, not big moments.
PTA’s close, lingering camera rewards actors who can think on screen and let emotions land without dialogue.
Imperfection, stuttering, nervous ticks, and inconsistency often feel more truthful than polished delivery.
It’s also a great reminder that: You don’t shine by matching your scene partner. You shine by being different from them.
I’d love to open this up to the Acting Lounge: For auditions, how do you balance specificity with flexibility when the other characters aren’t fully defined?
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Must-watch video for actors, writers, directors, and others, Ashley Renee Smith! "Small physical choices matter. Eye movement, jaw tension, posture, breath, stillness, or the lack of it can communicate volumes." I do that in my scripts, but I can do it more. Thanks for sharing the video!
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This is really interesting, and lends insight into an actor's mind and they choices they make when they act along ensemble. I remember RB talking in the office about some choices he made in the film he just acted in that helped shape some of the characters around them and elevated the comedy in the story. Very powerful stuff. We actually have a really cool webinar that covers some of this stuff: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/actor-heal-thyself-take-comma...
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I agree Ashley, this was a great video for actors. I loved all the contrast in this film. So exciting. Couldn't take my eyes off anyone! Ha! So, to address your question: when the other character in your audition scene isn't defined, you just have to do what's best for your character by working that audition technique to the bone. I recently worked with Nic Cage in a period piece, and I didn't have a clue what he was going to do, but I knew what I had to do for my character. It worked out great, my character was a total contrast from his. Technique is so essential.