The System vs The Method
Rehearsal approaches
Stanislavski and The System (created 1900)
There are six main of the Stanislavski Method, the ‘Magic If’:
Stanislavski and The System Part Two
4. Tempo-rhythm: Stanislavski’s technique aims to create a rhythm or tempo in the play in congruence with the emotional intensity of the performances.
5. Method of Physical Action: The method of physical action was a later development of Stanislavski’s. This was a shift, as it led to greater emphasis on physical movement and
improvisation over verbal discussions and reflection.
6. Subtext: Stanislavski believed that the overall meaning and emotional thrust of the play was only partly implied by the text, and so part of the role of the actor was to discover and understand this submerged content, which he called the subtext of the play. The actor then expressed this subtext through the details of his or her performance.
Stanislavski’s methods might seem obvious to us now, but what he did was put structure to acting. He wanted acting to be more realistic, not just people messing around on stage, he changed everything. Stanislavski’s impact on acting will never be forgotten, every actor now adays has used his methods maybe without even knowing it, his meotheds pathed the way for modern theatre and screen acting.
Strasberg & Kazan:The Method (created 1930)
Lee Strasberg's method, also known as The Method, is an acting technique that aims to deliver authentic and nuanced performances by using the actor's own life experiences, imagination, senses, and emotions. It is based on the work of Konstantin Stanislavski, but differs from classical acting styles that feature exaggerated emotions, it is widely used in films and movies by famous actors like Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and others.
The impact of this method on the actors has a lot of different outcomes. For a few actors it has helped them to fully immerse themsleves in the character. Whereas using only something like ‘emotionally memory’ would not necessarily bring about the best from the actor. Method acting involves living in their character’s world, being their character not only on set but in real life as well has helped them. However, for some this goes too far and it has been believed to be damaging for some actors mental and physical health. Most notably Heath Ledger being one of the most famous cases, he has been believed to have overdosed on pills after his battle with the method acting as the character ‘The Joker’.
Comparison of Approaches
The two methods may seem similar but nonetheless have key differences. Stanislavski’s approach was to use your own memory and in general was more about using your mind to imagine yourself in your characters shoes. However, with some roles that just isn’t possible. If you were playing a sociopath you have no real connection there, so when Lee Standberg came up with ‘The Method’ it was more about being that character, taking that extra step and placing yourself in their shoes to make it even more real and believable. You would play that character at all times even out of the theatre/set etc.
Conclusion
Both these techniques changed the acting world forever and have both been used many times by the best actors to actors who work on school productions. They have changed over the years but have made acting into what it is today and they are easy to understand. Yet, also extremely helpful to an actor if researched and used properly. Some may say the method is dangerous, however that only depends on how far the actor goes with it and that is their own choice. Great acting is about being the character your playing and these techniques will help you do so. So these techniques are both vital to modern day acting.
Bibliography