Two Great Acting Books: 'True & False' by Mamet & 'How to Stop Acting' by Guskin

Bob Fraser has a great review of a somewhat unsung book by David Mamet called True And False:

. . . I saw A Life In The Theatre [by Mamet] and I became a fan. To me, it was the first play about acting that really got to the heart of the actor's life and problems. It was obviously written by someone who had a great love of acting and actors. It was a revelation ... I have watched Mamet's writing and directing career ever since ... In the fullness of time, I have no doubt that his influence will be considered crucial to the development of modern acting and story-telling.

His book, True and False, is the finest book I've read about acting since I first read Stanislavsky's trilogy (a must for every actor).

Mamet cuts right to the chase in this amazing book. It is not a tome, but rather a short, blunt treatise on the craft of acting – that I cannot recommend too highly.

Before you run out and get a copy though, I have a caveat: This is not a book for the beginning actor. Until you've spent some time on the boards, plying your craft, much of what Mamet says might be confusing and perhaps even misleading. The reason is simple; The book was written for the employed actor, who is looking for a useable method to build and sustain a performance in a professional setting.

Spencer Tracy, arguably one of the finest actors ever, is famously quoted as say about acting … "Just say the gags and don't bump into the furniture." This is a bon mot that has been repeated around green rooms and holding areas since Pluto was a pup, but few actors understand the import of it.

Mamet sets out to explain exactly what Tracy was talking about (although he never mentions the quote) in a well thought out, brilliantly written, cogent argument.

Laurence Olivier once said it took him twenty years to learn how to be simple. Again, this is an important bit of information for the actor who strives for believability and "realness." And again, Mamet's book goes a long way toward educating us about the exact meaning of Olivier's remark. (Bob Fraser on David Mamet's True And False)