Comments & critiques on cultural events and New York City happenings.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Tight Rope, Doc. Film on Peter Brook's Acting Exercises
Simon Brook, son of Director extraordinaire, Peter Brook, filmed his father working with 8 actors that displayed Brook's techniques for trainings actors to hone their craft. Peter Brook beings by saying "We are exploring something that is impossibly challenging." The film which switches seamlessly between English & French (without subtitles) is titled TIGHT ROPE. "Tight rope" is a major exercise Brook utilizes when working with actors "to link imagination to the body itself." Actors are asked to move along an imaginary tight rope to "free parts of the body" to "see what is impossible is possible at the same time." Viewing the film is tantamount to being "an annoying fly on the wall" watching Brook at work & actors languishing to fulfill what is asked by their esteemed mentor. Brook watches with astute observation as his students perform and his students unabashedly fawn over his every word. The film is a rate glimpse at a master class on acting taught by one of the greatest living directors. "Joy" is what Brook maintains is essential behind every actor "to make it real." I have no experience or desire to perform. The tight rope walking & number counting aloud appeared foolish to me. For those outside the acting profession, there is little to enjoy from this documentary.
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