“[During the rehearsal period] I’m finding out things about the actors. What stimulates them, what triggers their emotions? What annoys them? How’s their concentration? Do they have a technique? What method of acting do they use? The ‘Method’ made famous at the Actors Studio, based on the teachings of Stanislavsky, is not the only one. Ralph Richardson, whom I saw give at least three great performances, in theatre and film, used a completely auditory, musical system. During rehearsals of Long Day’s Journey Into Night, he asked a simple question. Forty-five minutes later I finished my answer. Ralph paused a moment and then sonorously said, ‘I see what you mean, dear boy: a little more cello, a little less flute.'”
— Sidney Lumet
Making Movies
I’m a Ralphahlolic so I love that a lot.
Me too. I love the image of Lumet going on and on and then Ralph summing it up for himself in his own imagery in a way that would work for him. Ha!