Name: Acting
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Michael Caine, Jonathan Miller, Simon Callow

Episodes

5 episodes · August 1987 – August 1990

Episode 1: 1. Michael Caine: On Acting in FilmAugust 28, 1987 · 58 min
Michael Caine teaches the art of movie acting to five young actors, who perform scenes from Alfie (1966), Deathtrap (1982) and Educating Rita (1983). He talks about how to perform in close-ups and extreme close-ups. He warns about the continuity dangers of smoking cigarettes or fiddling with props. He talks about screen tests, special effects men who are cavalier about your safety and speaking to someone who is off camera. The movie camera is your best friend and most attentive lover, he says, even though you invariably ignore her. The art of movie acting can be summed up in one word: relax!
Episode 2: 2. Jonathan Miller: On Acting in OperaSeptember 4, 1987 · 58 min
Episode 3: 3. Simon Callow: On Acting in Restoration ComedySeptember 11, 1987 · 58 min
Episode 4: 4. Brian Cox: On Acting in Shakespearean TragedyAugust 17, 1990 · 58 min
Brian Cox leads a group of young actors in a workshop exploring techniques in performing Shakesperean tragedy, using Macbeth and Titus Andronicus as example texts.
Episode 5: 5. Janet Suzman: On Acting in Shakespearean ComedyAugust 10, 1990 · 58 min