Sir Ian on Sir Ian
One of the greatest actors of our time speaks about acting.
Although this is Sir Ian on "Extras" (Ricky Gervais' raucous and scathing comedy), his ability to release is what is noteworthy here. In a 3 minute monologue, lampooning his own process as an artist, McKellen inadvertently gives is great insight into what it is he actually does. Watch as he spins a magical and absolutely ridiculous tale of learning text, blocking a scene and creating character. It's complete hogwash, but as he mugs and dodges what's true for him, he cannot help but reveal what is actually happening.
About halfway through, he releases his now infamous Wizard. And with no preparation, no running start, he simply let's loose and his Shape puffs out, his Gestures rise toward the Heavens, and his voice booms across the horizon. His use of a Tesserract is astonishing. This isn't about pretending, or image-work, or sense memory, or Stanislavsky, he is doing what he's mocking. This is an artist who's constantly ready, constantly in the Event, and constantly dreaming... whose able to take all that work and simply Go. I've seen too many artists need to 'Take A Moment' before something is supposed to occur. Usually this is an excuse for the poor slob who didn't do their homework and who needs time to prepare us for a trip down Bullshit Lane.
They know it.
And the worst part is: They Don't Think We Know It.
McKellen is cpmletely aware he's blowing up his philosophy and he knows he's taking what he holds dear and climbing inside of it in order for us to laugh and breathe a bit, but deep in his heart, he cannot darken what's always been true for him:
He is a Professional Dreamer.
And that, beyond anything he may say or do, is truer than even he may know.
Although this is Sir Ian on "Extras" (Ricky Gervais' raucous and scathing comedy), his ability to release is what is noteworthy here. In a 3 minute monologue, lampooning his own process as an artist, McKellen inadvertently gives is great insight into what it is he actually does. Watch as he spins a magical and absolutely ridiculous tale of learning text, blocking a scene and creating character. It's complete hogwash, but as he mugs and dodges what's true for him, he cannot help but reveal what is actually happening.
About halfway through, he releases his now infamous Wizard. And with no preparation, no running start, he simply let's loose and his Shape puffs out, his Gestures rise toward the Heavens, and his voice booms across the horizon. His use of a Tesserract is astonishing. This isn't about pretending, or image-work, or sense memory, or Stanislavsky, he is doing what he's mocking. This is an artist who's constantly ready, constantly in the Event, and constantly dreaming... whose able to take all that work and simply Go. I've seen too many artists need to 'Take A Moment' before something is supposed to occur. Usually this is an excuse for the poor slob who didn't do their homework and who needs time to prepare us for a trip down Bullshit Lane.
They know it.
And the worst part is: They Don't Think We Know It.
McKellen is cpmletely aware he's blowing up his philosophy and he knows he's taking what he holds dear and climbing inside of it in order for us to laugh and breathe a bit, but deep in his heart, he cannot darken what's always been true for him:
He is a Professional Dreamer.
And that, beyond anything he may say or do, is truer than even he may know.