Thoughts on Acting

Acting should be invisible.

I have one criterion for good acting:  It’s something I should never notice.  If it crosses my mind that I’m watching acting, then the actor has failed.  The first time through a story, I want to be captivated, immersed, involved on all levels.  If part of my mind is questioning the production — acting and casting especially — then it’s a fail.

The second time through, I can be more objective and judgmental.  I can admire what was done well and take note of missteps.  Often I pick up plot connections or callbacks that I missed the first time through.

But unless the first time was captivating, immersive, and involving, there won’t be a second time.