Spontaneity is acting’s foremost key to expression. Why? Because no line should feel rehearsed. In reality, it’s coming off the top of your head for the first time within the context of the character.
Physicality with performance is everything. Imagine Jim Carrey in “Ace Ventura” for that role, he embodied a cockatiel or parakeet. Animalistic embodiment really helps you nail the role.
The idea that you are replaceable is a myth the idea that there is a role for everyone that not anyone can play but you can, is true.
Method acting has been under fire recently and the shots are being made by those who have never entered the arena of method acting. To me, the finest actors are those who alter their voice for every performance. I’m not just talking about accents. I’m talking about their tone. Processing the thought of receiving dialogue can play a huge part in delivering lines.
When you’re either excited or nervous before the camera rolls and the director calls action it’s easy to rush your lines. I believe the slower you speak the more time it gives the audience to listen especially when the average shot length in films has drastically decreased since the 1950s. In the 1950s the average shot length (ASL) was around 12 seconds, whereas in contemporary films, the ASL has fallen to a bit less than 4 seconds.
Imagine your character’s path as if it were your own invented path juxtaposed with the script’s character development, and your interpretation of its own path creates conflict.
Finally, this is if you dare. The director and writer know the character! Talk to them about their wants and needs, and create a story for them. And if you feel confident preform the lines on the day with no prior reading of the script. Spontaniety!
There is no one way to act.
