Acting Quote by Michael Shurtleff
“An actor must make his needs (goals, wants, objectives) so strong that he is willing to interfere with the other actor in order to get what he needs. Interfering means getting in their way so that what you want is stronger than what they want.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Acting for the Camera by Michael Shurtleff, 1974
An actor must create such compelling objectives that he will clash with others to achieve them, highlighting conflict as a driver of performance.
In simple terms: Strong goals cause conflict.
Make your objectives clear and powerful.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- audition preparation
- scene work
- directing
- playwriting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your character’s needs are unmistakable?
- What risks arise when conflict overshadows story?
If goals are too subtle, conflict may not arise.