Customer Reviews

Respect for Acting

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a staple for any actor's library. Reads well and has detailed explanations of some of Uta Hagen's essential acting exercises, which are great tools for serious actors. I was glad to have purchased the book in this hardcover format as it will be one of my frequent books of reference.

Uta Hagen's "Respect For Acting" is one of the most informative, helpful books I have ever read on the subject. An important "how to. . ." book for both the amateur and the professional, whether novice or seasoned veteran, it can be read and re-read endlessly. Every reading will impart more wisdom from this remarkable woman

I had already delved heavily into the Uta Hagen DVD set, and I almost made the mistake of relying on it entirely for her tutelage; incorrect. I strongly advise the purchase of the book as well, if only for the character building portion of the book (1/3 of the book dedicated to it, very little on the DVDs).

This is a deep, detailed work about the craft of acting. It is definately not for those just dabbling, as it will seem boring at best. But for those truly devoted to learning the craft, this is indespensible.

First of all, I would like to let you know in advance that I'm not really a book person. I'll clarify and respond the best of my abilities. When I first read Respect for Acting, I was amazed at the authority with which Ms. Hagen wrote her book. The more I read, though, the more I began to understand this authority. Incorporating basic acting concepts, individual "object exercises," and methods for working on a character in a play. I particularly enjoyed the specificity of the writing, and the means by which Ms. Hagen explained every statement she made. I think this novel is a brilliant piece of work.

Uta Hagen has an excellent writing method, and "Respect for Acting" is understandable and effortless to read. She has many amazing ideas. In her introduction to "Respect for Acting", actress and teacher Uta Hagen talks about a time when she herself had no respect for the art of acting. I learned that great actors do not perform naturally, or merely through learning the appropriate tricks and cheats to influence an audience. Great acting is about the difficult mixture of intellect and action about sincerely and truthfully connecting to the moment, you're fellow actors, and the audience and Hagen's thoughtful and reflective book contains a sequence of observations and exercises to help an actor do just that.

Her writing style is very clear and filled with examples from her own lengthy profession both as a performer and in the classroom. While her exercises in sense memory and basic objects skirt close to the sort of self-absorption that followers of "the Method" are routinely accused of, they are presented clearly and with a focus on practical results. And in such places as her chapter "Practical Problems," which includes deliberations of stage nervous tension and how to stay fresh in a long run, her straightforward advice is invaluable.

I found this book next to impossible to get through when I had to read it for my theatre class. Unless you're good at holding one idea while reading another (because you have to remember what maxim applies to what situation as you read), the sage advice of Uta is almost unbearable to wade through. Almost my entire class agreed that she talked about herself for an inordinate amount of this piece. However, her advice is very wise, and if you can manage to figure it out and ignore the stuff that you might not need to know- such as experiences with two different ladies and their ways of handling some role- you will find yourself a better actor for the trouble.

An amazing overview as well as in depth book on acting. Her exercises, expiriences and teachings are incredibly usefull for an actor of any age and any level. An absolute classic. I am currently enrolled at Julliard as a drama major and this book is my Acting Bible.

Uta Hagen has a great writing style, and "Respect for Acting" is clear and easy-to-read. She has many wonderful ideas, and I would definitely recommend this book to aspiring actors.
However, her methods (particularily sense and emotional memory) don't work for everyone. Be sure to also read Meisner, Clurman or Adler for more ideas, and find out what methods work for you.

I found that Uta Hagen's personal experiences from the time she began in her profession to where she is at when writing the book were some of the most helpful parts of this book. Also, the bit on Scoring the Role has helped me with many plays and characters that I have done up to this point. An absolute must for any person serious about Acting!

The woman opens her mouth, and truth pours forth in this book. My mentor and friend strongly recommended this book to me (and to anyone who intends to make acting their life), and I cannot thank her enough. Uta Hagen's writing style is straightforward, no-nonsense and imbued with human warmth...and her book contains some of the best advice any actor could hope to receive.