It wasn’t until 1927 that the art of acting was fully captured on film (with recorded sound in “The Jazz Singer”). While fine artists and writers have always been able to directly study the work of their predecessors, prior to this, actors could only wistfully read about great acting performances of the past.
Every actor worth their salt should nevertheless acquaint themselves with the films of the preeminent actors of the past and the iconic characters they portrayed.
Here are six of those iconic characters and some of the masters who rendered them:
1. The Tough Guys: Paul Muni, Humphrey Bogart, William Holden, Steve McQueenModern master: Samuel L. Jackson
These actors specialized in playing dark heroes with old souls. They exhibited a cynical humor and a knack for violence. Their characters proudly proclaimed themselves only interested in their own welfare, but were consistently found risking it all for the underprivileged and the downtrodden. Watch the ability of actors who are good at playing this character combine great knowingness and confidence with a sense of being dangerously on the razor’s edge.
2. The Vixens. Jean Harlow, Lauren Bacall, Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Kim
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