The Way of the Actor: A Path to Knowledge and Power

by Brian Bates

Drawing on the experiences of actors including Marlon Brando and Meryl Streep, the author illustrates the art and practice of the actor's craft, interpreting the actor's work as a journey of self-discovery

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Chris Kubik Cedeño]

Great insight into a very tacit connection between intuited insights into the world and the form of acting/film/plays. It's something that seems so obvious and so present - in essence, Bates argues that actors, films, and plays help explore some of the unknown mysteries of our world in a way that allows us to comfortably live life. That's the basis of shamans - except, on their end, they answer(ed) much larger questions. The fact is, questions from shamans (maybe "will it rain?") to questions from films (from There Will Be Blood, maybe "what's the morality behind capitalism?") there's always going to be a need for someone to go out there and act it out and explore a hidden, mysterious region of emotion. Bates explores this and elucidates this topic very well.

[-kate Page]

A path to knowledge and Power for any Artist

[Peter Burton]

I had a quick look at this book and found it a useful insight into what actors do and what it means to us.It’s about 40 years old now so the actors quoted were stars then, some now dead but the message is still useful to aspiring actors and interested theatre and movie goers.

[Tina]

Interesting psychology behind the dramatic arts.

[Floyd Bowen]

I very much appreciate the perspectives of this book. It helps to give voice to the credibility of acting.

[Michael Dobbie]

life training and way of being in the world