Actor Quote by Martin Landau
“The actor has to have some degree of craft, along with the talent. No one tries to laugh except bad actors. No one tries to cry except bad actors. How a character hides his feelings tells us who he is. Most people don't know that, and most actors don't do that. Therefore, there are a lot of actors who put me to sleep, that are considered good actors, but they're predictable and boring. I know how the scene is going to end before it ends.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Acting Craft Discussion, 2010
The speaker argues that true acting requires depth; shallow performances are predictable and dull.
In simple terms: Good acting needs skill and emotional honesty; otherwise it feels boring.
Key Takeaway
Seek authenticity and nuance in performance.
Themes
art
craft
authenticity
performance
Mood
reflective
analytical
inspirational
Type
artistic
educational
When to use this quote
- theatre auditions
- film casting
- acting workshops
Key Concepts
method acting
character study
emotional truth
Questions to Reflect On
- How can actors develop deeper character insight?
- What makes a performance feel genuine?
A Different Perspective
Not all actors have the same training; audience expectations vary.
