The Shawshank Redemption!
The Shawshank Redemption is a classic movie. The direction was once in a life time acheivement according to Frank Darabont. “It’s hard to make a Shawshank everytime you make a movie. If it were easy everyone would be making one!”
The movie made it’s debut in 1994. It stars Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, Gil Bellows and many other talented actors. The movies archetypal exposition or point of view, is expressed through the entire movie as “the struggle and triumph of the human spirit!
The movie was based on the short novel, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption” written by Stephen King. It is a short story from a larger book called, “Different Seasons.” The settings or film language that Director Frank Darabont chose communicates simply and effectively from the drab dark tones fo the prison walls, the quiet serenity of Maine and the breath taking splendor of the beach scene in the Virgin Islands!
Bob Gunton Played the role of the self righteous warden, Samuel Norton. Bob has the same raw talent of veteran actor Anthony Hopkins. After serving in the Vietnam war from 1969 to 1971, Bob spent the majority of his career in theatre. In 1989 he landed the starring role of Benjamin Barker in Sweeney Todd! Bob has done many other fine films since Shawshank, although everyone remembers him for the cruel warden Norton.
When Andy finally ecsapes from Shawshank he finds himself going through the sewer drain pipe. It is 500 yards of human waste, similar to the 19 years he had to live through in the form of rape and brutality. His travels through the pipe can be compared to the journey from the womb. He is struggling and fighting his way to freedom and new birth.
The roles that an actor, director, producer, cinematographer, writer or location manager are very exacting. Decisions for lighting, camera angles, background and other choices are what create a classic or a flop.
For more indepth analysis of The Shawshank Redemption please visit: Analysis / Shawshank
David Wayne
A Quote from Dr. Seuss!
“Be Who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind!”
A Word about Eating on a Healthy Budget..
Here are a few articles that will benefit the actor! Pick up a fork and Read!
Tai Chi for Actors!
Tai Chi is a form of Chinese exercise that delivers powerful health results in a gentle but effective way. Tai Chi is over five hundred years old and is taught in five different forms. It is an excellent way to get the actor’s instrument in tune! It costs little to start (about 10.00 for a DVD/Book combo) and can be practiced daily at home. This is great for those of you who are on a tight budget!
It is an art form with movements similar to Ballet and Ballroom dancing. Tai Chi appears easy, but be prepared for sore muscles and quite a bit of sweating! I am excited to bring this to the actorsmotivation blog. I have been practicing Tai Chi for 3 years and this art/exercise is not something to be missed!
If living in Manhatten, Tai Chi is practiced in Union Square! It is easy to find (see map) and provides an oasis in the midst of the busy NYC life style!
Tai Chi DVD/Book David Wayne
Warning: as with all exercise check with you physican first before attempting any athletic endeavor.
What sort of Actor are you?
Who you are inside will largely determine what sort of actor or actress you will become. There are specific questions that must be asked in order to discover your acting type. For example, what sort of things do you enjoy doing? Extreme sports such as hang gliding, motor cross, flying an airplane or jumping out of one are the makings of an action hero. Some actors enjoy culture such as museums, opera or theater. These interests could fit character roles such as professors, lawyers, artists or doctors.
What you look like or your physical type also will have a profound effect on your acting career. Directors in film and theater are always looking for different types. There are as many types of actors as there are people in the world. Models are usually between 5’10” and 6 foot. Character actors can range from short and rotund to tall and skinny. It is imperative that an actor knows who they are and what physical type is best for them. Our acting and physical types change over time.
Relationships alter our lives and our acting. Marriage, parenthood, divorce, deaths, education and other choices cause the actor to grow and expand his or her choice of roles. We should remain sensitive to these changes so we may represent ourselves in the best light possible. Knowing our type makes the job of an agent and casting director that much easier!
Vulnerability is one of the most valuable tools an actor can possess. This comes through education in the classroom and our life experiences. The Meisner technique and the Stanislavski method are two types of acting that will challenge the actor. Many actors of the past have relied on these techniques to hone and perfect their craft.
Actors such as Christopher Lloyd, Jeff Bridges, Joann Woodward and Grace Kelly studied at The Actor’s Playhouse in New York where Sanford Meisner established his classes.
The Stanislavski Method has sharpened the talents of other actors as well. Al Pacino, Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro immersed themselves in this type of acting.
Uta Hagen, one of the most gifted teachers on the technical craft of acting wrote:
“Theoretically, the actor ought to be more sound in mind and body than other people, since he learns to understand the psychological problems of human beings when putting his own passions, his loves, fears, and rages to work in the service of the characters he plays. He will learn to face himself, to hide nothing from himself – and to do so takes an insatiable curiosity about the human condition.”
David Wayne
Is an Actor’s Life for you?
An actors life is not for everyone. Here a well known actor sings about this very question~!
Tony Robbins Motivate you in 20 mins
Get motivated! Get started with your Life Today! Discipline equals Success!
Vodpod videos no longer available.
My Lines! My Lines! I can remember my lines!
It’s opening night, you are the lead player. The scene is for you to walk out and confront your wife. A dectective has just phoned and said that she has been going out with another man. Your character feeling betrayed and is simply furious! Walking out on stage with a determined stride you utter those key words that will send the play in a different direction! But…what were those words again?” David Wayne
Relax. It’s not the end of the world! The website below will help you! 
Famous Quotes
“Actors are one family over the entire world.” Eleanor Roosevelt
The Actor’s Budget
Managing your finances is important for everyone, but especially for the actor. An actor must have a clear head in an audition. Having the rent, groceries or other expenses on your mind during an audition is an excellent way of not getting the job. Take time right now to formulate a budget. In two columns write your assets and your liabilities. Keep your expenses down to a minumum.
Share your budget goals with a family member or a friend who appreciates your career choice. If heavily in debt, I recommend a book “The Total Money Makeover, by David Ramsey.” David Ramsey’s book gives step by step instructions to end debt in your life forever. Look for ways to cut corners such as dining out once a month, finding cheaper rent, ( in a safe neighborhood) taking public transportation, canceling unused memberships & even clipping coupons.
Discipline is an attitude that must be applied everday. It is the key to a successful acting career and a successfull life.
David Wayne
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