About the Book:

While not everyone would agree with Alfred Hitchcock's notorious remark that 'actors are cattle', there is little understanding of the work film actors do. Yet audience enthusiasm for, or dislike of, actors and their style of performance is a crucial part of the film-going experience. Screen Acting discusses the development of film acting, from the stylization of the silent era, through the naturalism of Lee Strasberg's 'Method', to Mike Leigh's use of improvisation.

The contributors to this innovative volume explore the philosophies which have influenced acting in the movies and analyze the styles and techniques of individual filmmakers and performers, including Bette Davis, James Mason, Susan Sarandon and Morgan Freeman. There are also interviews with working actors: Ian Richardson discusses the relationship between theatre, film and television acting; Claire Rushbrook and Ron Cook discuss theri work with Mike Leigh, and Helen Shaver discusses her work with the critic Susan Knobloch.

What people say:

"A very useful collection, full of useful technical knowledge, interesting history and new ways to think about acting – a recommended purchase." — In the Picture magazine

About the Author:

Alan Lovell was formerly Senior Lecturer in Media, Journalism and Cultural Studies at Staffordshire University. He has also worked as a director and writer for television.

Peter Kramer is Senior Lecturer in Film Studies at the University of East Anglia, UK. He has written many books and articles on Hollywood and regularly contributes to the film magazine Pure Movies.