The Intent to Live: Achieving Your True Potential as an Actor

by Larry Moss

Book Overview

"I call this book The Intent to Live because great actors don't seem to be acting, they seem to be actually living."
-Larry Moss, from the Introduction

When Oscar-winning actors Helen Hunt and Hilary Swank accepted their Academy Awards, each credited Larry Moss's guidance as key to their career-making performances. There is a two-year waiting list for his advanced acting classes. But now everyone-professionals and amateurs alike-can discover...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553381202
• ISBN13: 9780553381207
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Compassionate and honest

Contrary to what most non-actors think, the bulk of an actor's work takes place before a foot is ever set on a stage or in front of a camera. The hours required to explore a script or a role are mostly spent alone in a room with a notebook, a script, and some reference books. This is one of the best references. If you want to know exactly what makes the difference between a drop-dead wonderful performance and an excruciatingly bad one, it's here. If you need words of encouragement after an awful rehearsal as well as suggestions for making it better, they're also here. Lots of actors don't know HOW to work. This book is packed with techniques for reaching into one's own psyche to build and enrich a character, working smart, and overcoming pitfalls facing all actors. It also contains many entertaining and very honest anecdotes illustrating the necessity for preparation and absolute integrity in all things theatrical. For someone who finds Stanislavski inaccessible, is stumped when faced with playing a difficult character or has difficulty analyzing a script, this book is gold. An invaluable aid when preparing for an audition or a role, it's like having an understanding and gifted coach on call. Early on, Mr. Moss quotes Stella Adler as saying, "An actor must have the soul of a rose and the hide of a rhinocerous." Larry Moss wrote this book as partial fulfillment of a promise to her, and it's a fine tribute.

The epiphany I have been waiting for!

This book is excellent! Larry Moss makes clear the terms that are commonly used in acting class (Objectives, intentions, relationships). I have heard these terms used many times in acting class, but didn't realize how important they are until I read this book. Larry Moss describes them in simple and pratical terms and uses examples from classic and current films. I broke down in tears after practicing the exercises taught in the "Emotional Trigger" chapter. I cannot wait to get new scripts in acting class so that I can utilize the skills that I learned in this book. I highly recommend this to any actor who wants to improve in their craft. This book was the Epiphany that I was waiting for!

A Feast for Lovers of Great Acting

At last an insightful appreciation of the art of acting by one of the profession's foremost practitioners and teachers, which can be enjoyed not only by actors but by lovers of great acting. If you've ever marvelled at a performance, Larry Moss tells you why. With wit and clarity, as good a writer as he is an actor, he takes you inside the actor's mind so you understand the choices that enter into the shaping of a memorable characterization. And his range of references is remarkably eclectic and star-studded -- Groucho Marx, Bette Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Clint Eastwood, Uta Hagen, Robert Preston just to mention a few of the hundreds of performers whose work he illuminates, on stage, screen, television, in musicals, tragedies, slapstick and sitcoms. Nothing escapes his discerning eye.

A MASTERPIECE!!

The Intent to live is an illuminating book on the craft of acting. Mr. Moss gift for writting down his approach to acting is nothing less than inspiring. He has put down on paper what many others have tried, but failed in some respect. Larry Moss expresses his thoughts on the craft of acting with simplicity,clarity,humor,truth,humanity,and passion. I highlly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this most humane craft, and art. I believe this book is one of the most insightful,and inspiring books on acting ever written. Thank you Larry Moss.