On Acting

Definitely not what I expected. A few interesting insights, but I was hoping for something that showed me more of his approach to the various characters he played, in detail. I wanted to understand his "process." But this book was more anecdotal than anything and certainly pointed out that he lacked nothing in either self-confidence or conceit. I disagree that all actors are as egocentric as he makes them out to be. Some of us do have more altruistic reasons for acting than solely ego gratification (which appears to have been his only reason for pursuing the theatre). I liked him better before I read the book.

This final book by Sir Laurence, generally acknowledged as the greatest actor of the 20th century, is equal parts memoir and acting instruction. Written only three years before his death in 1989, it provides a unique look into the acting profession on stage and screen by one who was in the middle of it from the 1920s onward. Alongside ideas about character development and stage makeup are reminiscences about other greats: Gielgud, Richardson, Wyler, Barrymore, Welles, and many more. I highly enjoyed this book and am grateful the author chose to record both his advice and memories before leaving us to return to the warm stage lights in the sky.

"Here is the greatest actor of our age, talking knowingly, intimately, brilliantly about his profession. [This] is one of those rare books in which a complete master of his craft explains in captivating detail -- and shows us through his own career -- what makes a great actor.

"It is not only a personal account, but one that gives the reader an extraordinary glimpse into the mind, the soul, the heart of an actor." - from the book jacket.

EXCELLENT PHYSICAL CONDITION