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The Actor Within
Intimate Conversations with Great Actors
Photographs by Rose Eichenbaum
Edited by Aron Hirt-Manheimer
Sales Date: 2011-10-15
Intimate portraits of some of the most beloved actors in America
In Rose Eichenbaum's third work on the confluence of art making and human expression, she delves into the lives of thirty-five celebrated actors through intimate conversations and photographic portraits. With her probing questions and disarming manner, she captures the essential character of her subjects while shining a light on the art that defines them. The work provides extraordinary insights on the craft of acting with discussions of process, techniques, tools of the trade, and how to advice for aspiring actors from seasoned veterans. These stars of stage and screen, known for signature roles and critically acclaimed performances, emerge in The Actor Within with masks and wardrobe removed. Here, they speak their own lines, tell their own stories, and raise the curtain on what it means to live the actor's life—the challenge of mastering their craft, the drama of big breaks and career woes, the search for meaningful roles, and above all, having the courage to bare their souls before theater audiences or the camera. For the artists featured in this work, acting is more than a profession; it is how they make their way in the world and artfully merge their inner sense of humanness with universal truths. This collection serves as an important inspirational resource for anyone interested in making art, regardless of medium.
The Actor Within includes interviews with Karl Malden, Ruby Dee, Ed Harris, Piper Laurie, Marcia Gay Harden, William H. Macy, Ellen Burstyn, Joe Mantegna, Debra Winger, Julia Stiles, Elliott Gould, Elijah Wood, Stockard Channing, Bill Pullman, Amanda Plummer, Marlee Matlin, Charles Durning, Marsha Mason, and many others.
Foreword – Aron Hirt-Manheimer
Preface
Norman Lloyd
Frances Fisher
Joe Mantegna
Amber Tamblyn
Karl Malden
Amy Madigan
Hector Elizondo
CCH Pounder
James Cromwell
Gloria Stuart
Bill Pullman
Debra Winger
Charles Durning
Stockard Channing
George Segal
Marsha Mason
Ed Asner
Amanda Plummer
Ed Harris
Julia Stiles
Shelley Berman
Teri Garr
Bill Irwin
Marcia Gay Harden
Elijah Wood
Lainie Kazan
Elliott Gould
Piper Laurie
Stephen Tobolowsky
Marlee Matlin
William H. Macy
Wes Studi
Ruby Dee
Larry Miller
Ellen Burstyn
Acknowledgments
References and Recommended Viewing
Index
ROSE EICHENBAUM is writer, award-winning photographer, and the author of Masters of Movement and The Dancer Within. Her photography and articles appear regularly in Dance Magazine, Dance Teacher, and Pointe Magazine. She lives in Encino, California. ARON HIRT-MANHEIMER is the author and editor of numerous articles, magazines, and books, including The Dancer Within. He lives in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
"Offering valuable insight into the mind of an actor, this must-read for any aspiring performer will please even the casual reader."
~Richard A. Dickey, Library Journal
"The underlying impulse in Rose's photography is to find the image of a performer that registers the bearing of their work. Her process begins with extensive research and then evolves into an intuitive dance with her subjects. The results are honest and layered.""
~Bill Pullman
"Rose Eichenbaum is a fine writer and photographer. I found her questions on the acting process to be very insightful. Hers was one of the best interviews I've ever had because of her preparation and obvious intelligence."
~Ellen Burstyn
"I've given many interviews, but mine with Rose Eichenbaum was a lesson. She led me down a path I don't usually travel. She enabled me to reveal myself to myself.""
~Ed Asner
"Rose is a real pro. Working with her is like spending a couple of hours with Charlie Rose. Then when you're all nice and relaxed, she takes your picture. Bravo, Rose!""
~George Segal
""A gifted writer and photographer, Eichenbaum has created a love letter—35 mini-interviews with amazing actors from the stage, television, and the movie screen. A wonderful read. Highly recommended.""
~E.C. Skiles, Choice
""Getting into the psyche of an actor is not an easy task. Rose Eichenbaum succeeds admirably with an open mind and probing questions and the resultis a delightful book consisting of interviews with 35 talented personalities that will keep your interest from cover to cover.""
~Tim Boxer, 15 Minutes
""Offering valuable insight into the mind of an actor, this must-read for any aspiring performer will please even the casual reader.""
~Richard A. Dickey, Library Journal
""Eichenbaum's disarmingly simple questions are clearly based on research about each actor's work, and the results are not standard-issue interviews.""
~Leonard Maltin, Indiewire
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