In cinema, the leading player is the director.
Ben KingsleyRead
The camera does not like acting. The camera is only interested in filming behaviour. So you damn well learn your lines until you know them inside out, while standing on your head!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and preparation in acting.
Ben Kingsley highlights that while the camera captures performance, it truly reveals genuine behavior. Actors must fully understand their lines and characters to authentically portray them, suggesting that hard work and a deep connection to the material are essential for effective storytelling in film.
Themes
ActingPreparationAuthenticityPerformanceFilm
In practice
Example use cases
In a drama workshop, a director might use this quote to inspire actors to immerse themselves in their roles.
More from Ben Kingsley
All quotes →Somewhere in your career, your work changes. It becomes less anal, less careful and more spontaneous, more to do with the information that your soul carries.
Ben KingsleyRead
When I choose a role it's either because I recognise the man, or that I'm very curious to know him. If I neither recognise nor know him, then it is better that I don't play him.
Ben KingsleyRead
It is better for me to serve a charity as an actor or a voice, rather than at a luncheon being just a celebrity.
Ben KingsleyRead
I think that all of us either lose touch with the child inside us or try and hold onto it because it so precious to us and it's such an extraordinary part of our lives.
Ben KingsleyRead
I do remember, as a child, that I always imagined, when I was maybe 6 or 7, my fantasy was that everywhere I went I was being followed by an invisible film crew.
Ben KingsleyRead
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