The Intent to Live: Achieving Your True Potential as an Actor,   ISBN:9780553381207

Customer Rating: 

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.

Customer Rating: 

If you aren't lucky or rich enough to study with Larry Moss in person, this book is the next best thing. Larry has been thanked in many Academy Award speeches because he really is the best acting teacher and director you could ever wish for. His book is not only helpful, but comforting.

Customer Rating: 

This is a basically a conservatory training condensed into a book, without pretension, and with some well earned wisdom from working in the business. I use it time and time and time again from stage to film to TV. But anyone who wants to know what it means to be an actor, or work in the entertainment industry, should check this out. Well worth the price and investment.

Customer Rating: 

Larry Moss is an amazing acting teacher!!! This book gives anyone who is even considering acting a chance to explore and learn all the ins and outs that this craft holds. He's brutally honest, which is something that more people should be. I highly recommend this book to anyone who acts, wants to act or just really loves actors.

Customer Rating: 

Interesting book but mostly based on the author's points of view on acting and not well adapted as a source of information for new actors