Acting Lessons That Were Hard to Scale

JJ Harris's observations suggest that rather than calling Henry Brown simply a film enthusiast or a professional film critic, she feels the analysis of the entire film is more like director Woody Allen himself explaining his various ingenious ideas.

Although he didn't delve too much into photographic techniques, Henry explained the effect of each image whenever it concerned character portrayal.

Then there are every subtle expression and glance, like a psychologist turning this character into a book, laid out clearly before your eyes.

It has to be said that having someone providing commentary on the sidelines greatly affects the viewing experience! But if you want to understand the movie and learn from it, what Henry says is very important for an actor.

When it came to the imitation performance stage, the two would choose from several highlight clips of the female lead. First, they would spend some time letting Charlize memorize her lines, and then she would stand in front of the digital camera and perform without props.

They don't change their makeup or costumes. What If...? props are needed, they just grab whatever similar-looking object they have and start acting.

The first performance was based on Charlize's own understanding, and then she immediately looked at the results captured by the camera.

Henry would then adjust the projection screen so that Charlize's performance played simultaneously with clips from the movie.

The purpose of this is to compare the tension in Charlize Theron's performance with that of the original actress, not to have them give identical performances at the exact same time.

Henry will help Charlize do a comprehensive review, from facial expressions and gestures to pronunciation.

He wasn't saying Charlize was inferior to the original actress in any particular way, but rather comparing the differences between the two, how they felt to the audience, and which performance was more suitable for the film.

The key point to emphasize is how to behave in front of the camera, not just acting. It's about understanding the director's camera work and then bringing out your best or most suitable side. This is what's known as "camera presence."

After the review, the two will perform and film the same scene again, and then re-enact it a second time.

Sometimes they would rehearse a scene a third time, sometimes not, and go straight to the next scene to learn. Other times, Henry would treat it like an exam, hoping Charlize would portray different feelings in the same scene.

At this point, Charlize had to figure out how to use different accents and actions to create a different persona and give the audience different sensory stimulation.

During this process, JJ Harris, observing from the sidelines, witnessed the various possibilities of Charlize Theron's performance. Although some aspects of her acting were a bit raw, with careful refinement, it's not impossible for her to deliver a truly excellent performance.

However, as Henry said, he wasn't trying to train Charlize to perform like Diane Keaton or her portrayal of Annie Hall. He was just teaching and refining her skills.

Including the film screening, the entire performance rehearsal will conclude within three to four hours, ideally before midnight.

The whole process was quite intense, and Charlize could only take a sip of water or sit down to rest while Henry operated the machine and played the film. The two often discussed the merits and demerits of a particular performance segment in front of the projected image.

Charlize Theron and JJ Harris had been out all day for auditions, and with guests around, Henry didn't push the lesson until 11 or 12 at night. Feeling the timing was right, he ended the practice session.

Henry promptly served a glass of vegetable juice. Unlike ordinary vegetable juices with their peculiar taste, Henry had specially researched the recipe to create this thirst-quenching drink that combined flavor and nutrition.

Since JJ Harris would be driving home later, Henry didn't give her any alcoholic drinks. Instead, after asking, he offered her a glass of the same vegetable and fruit juice.

JJ Harris, however, forgot to praise the juice's taste and instead asked, "Henry, would you be interested in taking on more students?"

Henry, sipping the same juice, paused, then chuckled and asked, "So, how much tuition do you think I should charge?"

A moment of surprise when asked the question, JJ Harris then remembered that the other person was the CEO of Stark Studios. His annual salary was at least a million, and compared to the Big Eight film studios, a salary of tens of millions was not a problem. It all depended on whether Tony Stark was willing to pay.

It's not tax season yet, so unless the person discloses the figure, no one can find out.

We need people like that to teach ordinary actors how to act, using the same equipment, the same methods, and spending the same amount of time...

To be honest, it's hard to say What If...? Charlize Theron would have received the same treatment if she weren't his girlfriend.

"No wonder Charlize said he doesn't need to go to any acting school, he can just practice with you. But not many acting schools let their students see themselves perform in front of the camera," JJ Harris remarked.

Henry chuckled, "Actually, if they wanted to, they could easily do it with a V8 and a TV. But with so many students, a two-hour class might not be able to finish one round. So it's really not their fault they don't want to do it that way."

At this moment, Charlize suddenly asked, "Henry, I have a question. Sometimes you have me practice acting skills as a male actor, which I don't mind. But it seems you've never chosen an action movie for me to practice on?"

"You said it was an action movie." Henry packed up the videotapes, picked up the box, and shook it at Charlize. "If you want to make an action movie, just put in one-tenth the acting level of a drama."

"The rest is about how to execute impressive moves that make you look cool and awesome. Then, if the director throws in some big explosion scenes and you're willing to do them yourself, and you manage to film the vast majority of the shots, you'll be fine most of the time."

"More important than acting skills in action movies is physical fitness. You also need to systematically shape and train your physique so that you can perform more and better-looking moves. Facial expressions and acting skills are not the key points; just don't make them too bad."

"Of course, another important point is knowing how to protect yourself. Being able to perform most of the scenes is certainly a good thing. But if you get injured as a result, slowing down the overall filming schedule, then it's not worth it."

"As for the tricks and nuances involved, it's hard for me to explain them clearly unless I'm there in person. Because there are many things you haven't encountered or witnessed, so you won't understand what others are talking about. Basically, you just need to improve your physical fitness first."

"I see." Her voice betrayed a mix of disappointment and other emotions as Charlize looked at her agent.

JJ Harris, surprised by the look in his eyes, said, "Action movies? You can do that too?"

Charlize nodded emphatically and said, "I hope to try many different things, not be stuck in one particular image. Of course, having more opportunities is always a good thing."

"Ms. Harris," Henry said at that moment.

But he was immediately interrupted. Harris said, "Mr. Brown, please call me Jane, like Charlize does."

"Okay, then please call me Henry. What I want to say is, don't limit Charlize's development. I believe you can see that she has great potential. Let's work together to help a girl with unlimited potential realize her dream of becoming a big star."

Kitty, perched on the cat tree, let out a timely roar. Although it nearly startled JJ Harris, it also exuded an indescribable air of dominance.