Acting in Film: An Actor's Take on Movie Making

So I have a long history with this book... LONG ago... when I was studying theatre in college... I got talked into taking classes for film acting that were specifically tailored to training actors about the medium and working environment of a film set which is VERY different from the stage. Most, if not all, of the classes I took (some good, some great, some awful) had the sense to keep this book on their required reading (the short filmed masterclass) and what an author/teacher! Sir Michael Caine is one of the English speaking world's greatest and most talented actors of his generation. He brought a combination of naturalism, intensity, charm, emotional and social class versatility, and focus (especially the eyes) to the film medium. Prior to film, he had come (like many of us) from the theatre. Sadly, no recordings of his stage years exist... but, his film resume from "Zulu" on is remarkable. Humorously self-deprecating to the core with his classy-meets-gritty South London prose and honesty about the challenges of the acting craft... this piece really gives a pretty honest description of what working conditions in professional, union film and tv productions can be like, and how acting in these conditions requires intense focus, a rich inner world, and strong patience. A lot of the tech needed for crews has improved and even minimized since he wrote this manuscript, but much of his advice is super relevant to consider.

Great overview by a legendary actor. Recommended for actors starting out in their craft. Interesting take on directors. Definitely recommended read!

Fun read, with a philosphical bent that becomes practical. The accompanying video (you can find it on youtube, just search "Micahel Caine - Acting In Film" or see if you can find a dvd copy) got me into this book. The video is extremely helpful, and am happy to report, so is the text. The style is a mix of biography and earned acting insights. This serves the text very well. His anecdotes go beyond illustration of acting technique, but also cover the work ethic and professionalism needed to develop an actual career. The text actually has a philosophical feel to it that becomes practical; as Caine formulates a mindset and a method to develop in the craft of acting, It's also funny and a pleasure to read. 10/10.

Enjoyable book for actors in general, even if they're not appearing in movies. Lots of good advice, even about basic things like learning your lines. I thought the book was rather bitsy in the sense that it seemed to deal with one topic then skip suddenly to another. Apparently it's a transcript of a masterclass that Caine did some time ago, which explains its style. And it's quite short (there are a lot of photos), something that isn't obvious as an ebook until you find it's suddenly ended (!)

This a book filled with humor, intelligence and subtlety. Some actors are good but not very smart, it happens. Caine is extremely smart and wrote a good book. It goes from the difference between a movie and a play to technical advice to actors on the set and includes how to behave on and off the set. There are a lot of funny stories, but each of them is a lesson, so young actors better read this twice. Non-actors will be delighted by the humanity of the book. There are plenty of books called "how to be successful", usually very pedestrian. If you are tempted to buy one, try "Acting in film" instead; it is full of advice that applies to scientists as well as it does to actors. Indeed I had to laugh several times when I read it: some advices that Caine gives are just the same as what I used to say to young geochemists. For instance: this (acting or being a chemist) is an expensive business: show on time and be reliable.

Mr Caine knows exactly what he’s doing and his advice is the most helpful I’ve found so far on acting for the camera. His tips are practical, there’s no ego here or overlong anecdotes to fill the book out. He’s not selling you a patented system. He’s telling you how to get it done. This book has only increased how much I like Mr. Caine, because his book is so honestly and efficiently helpful you can tell his intention is to educate and improve the art, not blow smoke.

I've been studying acting for several years and some of the jargon can get pretty 'high brow' trying to explain themselves. Michael Caine does not do that. He approaches the career of film acting from in the trenches with little diamonds of insight studded throughout. I especially like his advice to a film director when the director asked him to fall into a hole telling him that it was not dangerous. "You do it first," was Michael's reply. Fantastic. Shortly after reading Mr. Caine's book, I did a scene where I had to fall into freezing water after being shot. The director assured me that it was safe and the water held no obstacles. I gave him Michael's reply and after hemming and hawing a few minutes he sent a PA in to assure me that the water was deep enough and had no obstacles. Thank you Michael Caine! If your passion is film acting, you will get a kick out of this read. Salute!

Are you an actor? Yes? Do you own this book? No? What are you waiting for? Michael Caine is a seasoned master of his craft. But not all actors know their techniques or can put it into words. Decades of experience have gifted Caine with the unique ability to teach and inform and share experiences that you can't really get from a Stanislavski book. It's relevant to today's industry, but also universally relevant to acting throughout time. It's an easy read too. I picked it up and didn't put it down until I was finished. Caine writes for a reader. He is easily understood and learned from on the level of just about any famous acting coach. There's no way this book can be a disappointment.

Most cinema buffs know Michael Caine as the effortless actor with a twinkle in his eyes. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert puts it in the best way possible, which goes something like this - ''These days when Mr. Caine arrives on screen, you know everything will be alright...''. I can't imagine a better appreciation for an actor's craft. The myriad experiences of his career spanning decades is distilled in this book in the form of anecdotes. It's surprising that most books on the subject, however good they might be, rarely emerge to be something more than mere textbooks. Here, Mr. Caine does talk about craft which is in a rather practical scheme of things. We read about technique and we also learn about the attitude and human behaviour required in the field from a slightly philosophical perspective. The book is concise and striking, just like his performances. Must read for all actors. Period.

Just read it

Dalla viva voce di un grande attore, quello che chi sta dietro la macchina da presa dovrebbe sapere. Utile per aspiranti attori, registi, sceneggiatori, e anche per chi, fuori dall'ambiente, vuol sentire l'opinione di un grande attore sul cinema

Whether you're an expert actor or starting out like I am, this book is a mandatory read! Learn from two-time Academy Award-Winning actor Michael Caine how to properly prepare yourself for a very competitive field. Caine teaches you how to properly prepare for a shoot, focus on your performance and not others', how to act on and off set, becoming another character, how to deal with directors, and how to invent yourself as an actor. I'm currently studying film production in Toronto as well as taking acting classes on the side. I'm planning on pursuing a career in acting after I finish school. Michael Caine has given me plenty of insight on what to look forward to. You must buy this book!! Twitter: [...] YouTube: [...]

straight forward and deadly honest, this is some the simple but forgotten instructions for actors. Taking this information from a director's view point is essential, everyone in film should read this and remember to respect one another and not let opinions overcrowd our thoughts. Michael Caine is a great actor with years of experience and the knowledge to correct peoples behaviour, it might be basic information but without hearing it, you are none the wiser.