Let me start off by saying this: I love this book. Many recent acting "how to" books seem overly basic, presenting a cursory look at the fundamentals. Most are written for the beginning actor and deal with landing a job or acing an audition in broad, general strokes. Those that focus on acting technique often do so in a lightweight manner, either presenting just a pencil sketch of the work or delving deep into one aspect, to the exclusion of others. I have often felt the authors were writing quickly, maybe just getting something down on paper, so they could publish it and make a few bucks.
Not so with Chubbuck. Among these lightweights, her book weighs in full and robust. She has crafted a deep, thorough, intelligent, interesting, and complex guide. On top of this, it's a good read. She peppers the lessons with juicy tales of her work with innumerable stars. I would find this approach irritating in lesser hands—after all, if I want to read about stars, I can pick up People—but Chubbuck's stories about their acting struggles are humanizing and familiar, lessons all actors can all relate to. It is a boon that these actors are doing major work, as we can see the finished product. We can go out and rent copies of the case studies, seeing Chubbuck's technique in action.
The book is structured in a 12-step approach, with a bounty of information both related to and in addition to those steps. If the title reminds you of other 12-step programs, the comparison might not be entirely unwarranted. Chubbuck makes use of substitution and emotional recall techniques that may be a little too much in the "acting as therapy" realm for some. And thus my only real criticism of the book: It would be unwise for a beginning actor to use this text without the guidance of an experienced teacher. Some of Chubbuck's techniques—such as using current events and real-life trauma in your work—are somewhat controversial in acting training and may be a bit tricky for the novice to negotiate. However, in a world replete with sparse manuals and uninspired mentors, Chubbuck's book is a welcome change. Like a five-star feast after a month of fast food, her book is immensely satisfying.
—Jackie Apodaca
Gotham Books/Penguin Group (USA) Inc. 2004. $27.50
Karen Ludwig and Pennie DuPont
There's a moment in the new, two-disc DVD Uta Hagen's Acting Class that beautifully illustrates the late actor/master teacher's gifts. Lindsay Crouse is struggling through a difficult scene from Uncle Vanya. After the second, rocky go-round, the actor is clearly discouraged.
Gently, Hagen indicates the source of Crouse's frustration: She's too anxious to achieve perfection, and her film career has allowed her scant opportunity in recent years to pursue her deep love: the stage. At this astute diagnosis, Crouse's eyes fill with tears. Her scene partner wells up, too. And so does the compassionate Hagen.
The DVD, produced and directed by Hagen disciples Pennie Du Pont and Karen Ludwig, is a mix of classroom scene work and Hagen's famous "object exercises," followed by critiques, Q&As with students, and talking-head tributes from Jack Lemmon, Amanda Peet, Whoopi Goldberg, and other stars.
For those of us who never had the privilege of studying under this warm, funny, and obviously insightful instructor, it's an opportunity to see her in her element—endearingly funny hats, pet pooch, cigarettes, and all. You can fast-forward through some of the lengthier student scenes, because listening to Hagen's down-to-earth feedback—always followed by, "Thank you. Very good work."—and general comments is what's most useful. She tells some hilarious personal stories, too.
There's no such thing as doing "too much," Hagen remarks at one point—unless you're indicating. "Emotion takes us; we can't take it. Don't force it!" And she emphasizes that the whole point about having authentic feelings and emotions while acting is that they make you do something. Also, if you're using a substitution, don't hang onto the source of the substitution: Translate it into action.
"There isn't a mistake you make that I haven't made—over and over," she says. What comment could possibly be more reassuring?
—Jean Schiffman
Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, 2004. $39.95 ($49.95 in VHS).