MUSIC: "Angels On A Balcony" by Blondie
TIME: 12:09 PM
I have a rather odd confession to make here: I am training to be a professional actor and I, generally, don't - I repeat - DON'T like movies!!!!!!
But, no, seriously, it's true: I've never been big on movies. I don't know. I think it's also, because - no real big offense to anyone famous or whatever - I'm so sick of hearing about the same people being in these movies over and over and over and over again. I mean, yeah, we all have to make a living, but come on, it gets boring!
As you can see, I'm not a faithful follower to any movie stars or anything like that. I mean, I like certain movie stars. I like Anne Hathaway - she has this Julia Roberts aura to her. I think she's fun, even though she's not like the greatest actress I've ever seen. I also like Kevin James - I think he's adorable, but still, not the greatest actor I've ever seen. And the only reason why I like watching movies with Vin Diesel and Gerard Butler is because they are nice to look at for at least two hours! =) But, honestly, they don't inspire me as a performer.
I really don't have a favorite movie star or anyone who is constantly pumping out with a new film every season that I look up to. This is true: Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, or even Jennifer Aniston could walk right pass me on the street and I wouldn't care. I, seriously, find myself completely bored with movie stars and seeing the same face every time I read a magazine or run into a commercial, which is why I avoid watching ACCESS HOLLYWOOD or ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, where they show Angelina Jolie buying grocceries or wearing a pair of "awesome new sneakers" designed by some random unknown fashion designer.
Seriously (and to be completely BLUNT here) - who gives a FUDGE (you know what I really mean)?
One of the biggest pet peeves I, personally, have being an actor in training is being pigeon-holed as an aspiring movie star or tv star or (because I am in New York) Broadway superstar, but the honest truth is, I don't have any bigtime aspirations to be a star at all. And mind you, I strongly agree with Marlon Brando when he said, "In your heart of hearts you know perfectly well that movie stars aren't artists..."
I read this in a book that I'm reading about him now called SOMEBODY: THE RECKLESS LIFE AND REMARKABLE CAREER OF MARLON BRANDO by Stefan Kanfer, and when I was reading it, I was on the train on my way to the city. I mean, my heart started POUNDING with such sheer excitement, and I wanted to jump up and yell, "YESSSSSS! SOMEBODY UNDERSTANDS MY POINT OF VIEW!!!!"
....even though he's been gone since 2004.
The truth is, slowly - and I mean slowly - my opinions on movies are changing and, believe it or not, it's because of OLDER MOVIES!
Lately, I have been watching A LOT of older films, and as I observe these films and compare them to newer ones out now-a-days, there is something so special and so unique about them, storyline-wise and performance-wise. I was born in the year 1981, so I wasn't around yet when DOG DAY AFTERNOON or ON THE WATERFRONT or SHANGHAI EXPRESS came out. And it's funny, because people around my age or younger find this rather strange about me, while people who are older than me are actually quite...suprised! I mean, one of my best friend's mom said I had an "old soul", and I have to say, I took that as a compliment! =D I even wonder sometimes if I was born in the wrong decade...like I should've been born in 1961 as oppose to 1981. Hey, I'd make age 50 pretty damn cool and fun if it were true! =D
But the truth is, it's not that I am an old soul or that I should've been born twenty years before the actual year of my birth. I think it's important for us actors to be open-minded to older movies! For art's sake, we shouldn't mimick nor copy the brilliant performances of really brilliant actors (NOT movie stars), but we sure can learn from them!
One of my favorite actors whom I have such wonderful pleasure of watching is John Cazale. You might recognize him as Fredo from THE GODFATHER series, the middle brother, older than Michael, younger than Sonny. John Cazale was brought to my attention when I first watched DOG DAY AFTERNOON, and the interesting thing is he's playing along side Al Pacino in that movie, but in my opinion, he kick's his butt when it comes to performing in those movies! I mean, I LOVE Al Pacino - he's one of the most influential actors out there, but I'm watching this movie for the first time and John Cazale's character, Sal, is just freakin' scary! I don't wanna ruin the movie in case you haven't seen it, but every take you see of John Cazale in that film just instantly made me so nervous and so apprehensive. Even the part when he's sitting in the conference room in the bank telling one of the tellers not to smoke, he brings this nervous energy on screen.
My current monologue requires a lot of anger, but how I express it, I can't be aggressive nor violent where I look like I wanna smash someone's face in. I pretty much have to express in the same fashion as Fredo in the "I'm your older brother, Mike, and I was stepped over..." scene, and believe me, as easy as they may look, it is NOT easy! Not one bit, so it's a real stretch, so I have to muster so much vulnerability for it. But I'm willing to do it! And besides, I think accepting challenging roles are good for an actor, even though I was told by both of my coaches, that when it comes to auditioning and agents, this monologue would have to remain in my back pocket. I see why, too!
Don't get me started on how show-offy some actors can be when expressing vulnerability...please! Makes my ears bleed, because they sound so whiny. Ugh!
Anywho, if you want to learn more about John Cazale - and I recommend that you do - check out I KNEW IT WAS YOU: REDISCOVERING JOHN CAZLE. It is played from time to time on HBO, but it's hard to catch. Luckily, Netflix has it! =)
I am really more excited about my work, and I think from watching older movies, I am beginning to learn and understand what makes not only a good performance, but what also works for good storylines and such. These movies ARE entertaining, but they're also gems. They're buried treasure, and I really do hope that every actor at least watches them or develops a passion for them. Also, the storylines are more real. The performances are brilliant! The settings and the sound are fabulous!
Newer movies are okay, like I watch some of them for the purpose of amusement and not to learn anything from them, but when it comes to older movies, that is when I'm in work mode. I mean, being an an artist is all about observation, and to be able to deliver beautiful art into our work for our audience, we have to keep our five senses opened as well as our hearts and our feelings. It's kind of funny hearing me say this, because I'm not a patient person, artistically. I'm learn fast or die, but I'm trying to get out of that mold. Kind of makes me wonder how on Earth I can spend up to eight hours in a library doing research for a two minute monologue sometimes.
Okie dokie, that's my take on older movies. If you want some recommendations, I DO recommend THE GODFATHER series, but I think everyone has seen them. I also recommend TAXI DRIVER and DOG DAY AFTERNOON, for sure! These two movies have become two of my favorites of all time! I was actually lucky to find the DVD of "Dog Day" at the Barnes and Noble in Union Square for only $11 one time! YAY!
For someone who isn't really big on musicals, I really loved FLOWER DRUM SONG with Miyoshi Umeki and Nancy Kwan. I loved this movie, because it was one of the orignal movies that had a full Asian cast with the exception of Juanita Hall, who was cute as button! I also like CABARET with Liza Minnelli and Joel Gray, and yes, I adore THE SOUND OF MUSIC. But I think everyone seen THE SOUND OF MUSIC. I'm sure we all came up with way to solve a problem like Maria. =D Btw: Austria looks really pretty!
I found some of these movies on my own, but I give my acting coach a lot of credit for recommending a good number of these films to me, as well. I also got recommendations from colleagues, too, which makes me happy and proves my point about the magic of networking! =)
So, really, I hope, whoever is reading this, that you do treat yourself to an older movie someday! If you have trouble deciding, think about the modern day movies you watch and the genre. Do you like drama, comedy, romance, action, etc.? Every genre that is out there was being produced back in those days - they just lack the fancy, high tech graphics and all that...except for THE WIZARD OF OZ and STAR WARS, but who hasn't seen them?
Gotta go! Lots of work to do, but first I have to eat lunch! That picture of the popcorn on top is making me hungry.
That's enough candy for now!
Cristina
http://www.cristinacho.net/
TIME: 12:09 PM
I have a rather odd confession to make here: I am training to be a professional actor and I, generally, don't - I repeat - DON'T like movies!!!!!! I know...right?
As you can see, I'm not a faithful follower to any movie stars or anything like that. I mean, I like certain movie stars. I like Anne Hathaway - she has this Julia Roberts aura to her. I think she's fun, even though she's not like the greatest actress I've ever seen. I also like Kevin James - I think he's adorable, but still, not the greatest actor I've ever seen. And the only reason why I like watching movies with Vin Diesel and Gerard Butler is because they are nice to look at for at least two hours! =) But, honestly, they don't inspire me as a performer.
I really don't have a favorite movie star or anyone who is constantly pumping out with a new film every season that I look up to. This is true: Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, or even Jennifer Aniston could walk right pass me on the street and I wouldn't care. I, seriously, find myself completely bored with movie stars and seeing the same face every time I read a magazine or run into a commercial, which is why I avoid watching ACCESS HOLLYWOOD or ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, where they show Angelina Jolie buying grocceries or wearing a pair of "awesome new sneakers" designed by some random unknown fashion designer.
Seriously (and to be completely BLUNT here) - who gives a FUDGE (you know what I really mean)?
One of the biggest pet peeves I, personally, have being an actor in training is being pigeon-holed as an aspiring movie star or tv star or (because I am in New York) Broadway superstar, but the honest truth is, I don't have any bigtime aspirations to be a star at all. And mind you, I strongly agree with Marlon Brando when he said, "In your heart of hearts you know perfectly well that movie stars aren't artists..."
I read this in a book that I'm reading about him now called SOMEBODY: THE RECKLESS LIFE AND REMARKABLE CAREER OF MARLON BRANDO by Stefan Kanfer, and when I was reading it, I was on the train on my way to the city. I mean, my heart started POUNDING with such sheer excitement, and I wanted to jump up and yell, "YESSSSSS! SOMEBODY UNDERSTANDS MY POINT OF VIEW!!!!"
....even though he's been gone since 2004.
The truth is, slowly - and I mean slowly - my opinions on movies are changing and, believe it or not, it's because of OLDER MOVIES!
I'm not talking about movies that were released a decade ago. I'm talking about movies that were released the year before I was born! Movies that came out in the 70's, 60's, 50's, 40's, and 30's! Even some movies in the early 1980's I enjoy, but I'm not saying EVERY movie released before I was born is great and every modern day film is boring. I think it all really depends on the director, the writers, the producers, and of course, the actors. Then again, there are some really wonderful, talented actors out there who deliver really great performances and then fizzle from time to time. It happens, and besides, you can't expect them to be perfect all the time, right? Just like yourself when you're a performer - you're not gonna be giving a kick-ass performance at an audition or session or on the job all the time. So, you just grin and move on and hope to be better and work harder!
Lately, I have been watching A LOT of older films, and as I observe these films and compare them to newer ones out now-a-days, there is something so special and so unique about them, storyline-wise and performance-wise. I was born in the year 1981, so I wasn't around yet when DOG DAY AFTERNOON or ON THE WATERFRONT or SHANGHAI EXPRESS came out. And it's funny, because people around my age or younger find this rather strange about me, while people who are older than me are actually quite...suprised! I mean, one of my best friend's mom said I had an "old soul", and I have to say, I took that as a compliment! =D I even wonder sometimes if I was born in the wrong decade...like I should've been born in 1961 as oppose to 1981. Hey, I'd make age 50 pretty damn cool and fun if it were true! =DBut the truth is, it's not that I am an old soul or that I should've been born twenty years before the actual year of my birth. I think it's important for us actors to be open-minded to older movies! For art's sake, we shouldn't mimick nor copy the brilliant performances of really brilliant actors (NOT movie stars), but we sure can learn from them!
One of my favorite actors whom I have such wonderful pleasure of watching is John Cazale. You might recognize him as Fredo from THE GODFATHER series, the middle brother, older than Michael, younger than Sonny. John Cazale was brought to my attention when I first watched DOG DAY AFTERNOON, and the interesting thing is he's playing along side Al Pacino in that movie, but in my opinion, he kick's his butt when it comes to performing in those movies! I mean, I LOVE Al Pacino - he's one of the most influential actors out there, but I'm watching this movie for the first time and John Cazale's character, Sal, is just freakin' scary! I don't wanna ruin the movie in case you haven't seen it, but every take you see of John Cazale in that film just instantly made me so nervous and so apprehensive. Even the part when he's sitting in the conference room in the bank telling one of the tellers not to smoke, he brings this nervous energy on screen.
Unfortunately, John Cazale is no longer with us, but what amazes me is how natural he is when it comes to playing these vulnerable characters. How he expresses Fredo's disappointment and anger in the second "Godfather" film without being aggressive or even terrifying. He expresses it as if he's an emotionally wounded and frustrated little boy, which is not easy for an adult actor to do. I have a bit of a mini-mission for myself, and that is to watch all five films John Cazale has made. Right now, I have only two on my list and that is first of the "Godfather" movies and THE DEER HUNTER. Actually, I did watch the first "Godfather" movie, but it was a long time ago and I don't remember a thing except for the daughter's wedding, the horse head in the bed, Vito Corleone in the hospital and eventually dying in a tomato garden, and Connie being abused by her husband.
Don't get me started on how show-offy some actors can be when expressing vulnerability...please! Makes my ears bleed, because they sound so whiny. Ugh!
Anywho, if you want to learn more about John Cazale - and I recommend that you do - check out I KNEW IT WAS YOU: REDISCOVERING JOHN CAZLE. It is played from time to time on HBO, but it's hard to catch. Luckily, Netflix has it! =)
I am really more excited about my work, and I think from watching older movies, I am beginning to learn and understand what makes not only a good performance, but what also works for good storylines and such. These movies ARE entertaining, but they're also gems. They're buried treasure, and I really do hope that every actor at least watches them or develops a passion for them. Also, the storylines are more real. The performances are brilliant! The settings and the sound are fabulous!
Newer movies are okay, like I watch some of them for the purpose of amusement and not to learn anything from them, but when it comes to older movies, that is when I'm in work mode. I mean, being an an artist is all about observation, and to be able to deliver beautiful art into our work for our audience, we have to keep our five senses opened as well as our hearts and our feelings. It's kind of funny hearing me say this, because I'm not a patient person, artistically. I'm learn fast or die, but I'm trying to get out of that mold. Kind of makes me wonder how on Earth I can spend up to eight hours in a library doing research for a two minute monologue sometimes.
Okie dokie, that's my take on older movies. If you want some recommendations, I DO recommend THE GODFATHER series, but I think everyone has seen them. I also recommend TAXI DRIVER and DOG DAY AFTERNOON, for sure! These two movies have become two of my favorites of all time! I was actually lucky to find the DVD of "Dog Day" at the Barnes and Noble in Union Square for only $11 one time! YAY!Another recommendation I have is THE PAWNBROKER with Rod Steiger - I mean, check this clip out on YouTube. Marvelous! I also enjoyed MARTY with Ernest Borgnine, and I don't like romantic comedies all too much, but this one, I really enjoyed. I know Rod Steiger did this before Ernest Borgnine did it, but I haven't seen his version yet. I also loved PATHS OF GLORY with Kirk Douglas. I also liked the original THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR with Steve McQueen. Loved THE VERDICT with Paul Newman. And yes, I'm a sucker for BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S with Audrey Hepburn. One of my favorite films of all time is A CLOCKWORK ORANGE with Malcolm McDowell.
I found some of these movies on my own, but I give my acting coach a lot of credit for recommending a good number of these films to me, as well. I also got recommendations from colleagues, too, which makes me happy and proves my point about the magic of networking! =)
So, really, I hope, whoever is reading this, that you do treat yourself to an older movie someday! If you have trouble deciding, think about the modern day movies you watch and the genre. Do you like drama, comedy, romance, action, etc.? Every genre that is out there was being produced back in those days - they just lack the fancy, high tech graphics and all that...except for THE WIZARD OF OZ and STAR WARS, but who hasn't seen them?
Gotta go! Lots of work to do, but first I have to eat lunch! That picture of the popcorn on top is making me hungry.
That's enough candy for now!
Cristina
http://www.cristinacho.net/
