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Sam Rockwell: Rage and Vulnerability
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Sam Rockwell is a trained Meisner actor who recently received an Oscar award for his performance in “Three Billboards OutSide Ebbing”. In this video Sam talks with students at Maggie Flanigan Studio about vulnerability and anger.
Studio Talkback – Sam Rockwell at Maggie Flanigan Studio – (917) 794-3878
It was long overdue, Sam Rockwell’s Oscar. His performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was a nuanced, deeply vulnerable and compelling performance from one of this country’s consummate actors. His thirty-year career on both stage and screen has provided a generation of aspiring actors with a blueprint for approaching an artistic career. Sam is a Meisner trained actor. It’s apparent in how we works. His vulnerability, his imagination, his ability to be fully present in the moment, listening intently, and malleable to the nuances of human behavior is the mark of a very talented Meisner actor.
Maggie Flanigan has been an important teacher and coach for Sam in his long career, and one day he came to our studio for a talkback with our students about craft and technique. One particular insight of his has stuck with me. He spoke insightfully about the importance of vulnerability. His Oscar winning performance as the police officer Dixon was a case study how to avoid superficial and clichéd choices. Most untrained actors not only lack craft, they do not possess an instrument that is capable of functioning from a sensitive, deeply empathic place. That takes serious professional actor training. Meisner believed that it was important to chisel away the socializing, parenting, and education that walls us up and keeps us defensive and guarded. The Meisner Technique accomplishes this in the first year of training.
Dixon, if portrayed by a less talented actor could have easily been carved into an angry, bigoted cliché, lacking depth and humanity. Anger can be an easy emotion to access, especially for men, and can be mistaken for intensity by young actors. Sam spoke of this, and it seemed prescient on his approach to the part. “The key to being a tough guy is actually vulnerability,” he said, “because under the rage that you see is vulnerability and hurt….under the rage is great sadness…that’s a big key to emotional power.” Dixon’s loneliness, his low self-esteem, his painful journey towards something redemptive was a tribute to Sam’s craft.
For those of you interested in a career as an actor, who may look to actors like Sam, Christian Bale, Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jeffery Wright, Edie Falco and others as inspiration, go get trained. If you have questions about professional actor training, the Meisner Technique, or NYC acting programs, you might consider a six-week summer Meisner Intensive. This is the work that will begin to challenge you to be a more vulnerable and sensitive actor.
Professional Actor Training – Maggie Flanigan Studio – Call (917) 794-3878
Acting Programs and Meisner Training at the Maggie Flanigan Studio
Learn more about the Meisner training and the acting programs at the Maggie Flanigan Studio by visiting the studio website ( https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ ) or by calling (917) 794-3878 during studio hours.
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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“I was placed in the intense reigns of Charlie Sandlan. I became a better artist, actor, friend, sibling and daughter because of the studio. Even now, I crave the studio every day. What I learned is present in my work every day. I truly believe in everything they stand for.”
“Maggie taught me that I could control my work, my acting, and to throw all of the bullshit out that I had in my head about ‘what I should be doing’ and to just listen and respond honestly, in the moment. She gave me a craft. She is, quite simply put, THE BEST.”
“Maggie Flanigan taught me the true meaning of artistry, passion, and professionalism. I am certain that I continue to work as an actress because of my training with Maggie. At every audition and every performance, her guiding voice is with me. It is a gift beyond measure.”
“Maggie Flanigan is uncompromising, her instincts as a teacher are razor sharp. She doesn’t miss a beat”
“Maggie Flanigan has been one of the most important people in my artistic life. I want to work with Maggie trained actors. As an actor myself, she is my first source. I do not say this lightly, if you are serious about acting, and willing to work very hard, then go to Maggie.”
“Maggie helped me find my sense of truth, an actors greatest asset. Maggie is an expert at instilling that vital ingredient, which allows an actor’s potential to become limitless. My work will forever be rooted in the clarity and honesty she helped me develop.”
“After working for ten years, I did the 2 year program, and now feel that I have the tools I need to become the actor I’ve always dreamed of being. Maggie Flanigan instilled in me a clear sense of truth and a standard of perfection. I am a better actor because of this studio.”
“As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Maggie allowed me to discover and embrace mine. Trusting my sense of humanity and truth has given me the ability to take risks in my work and my career decisions.”
“Maggie Flanigan has the unique ability to get an actor to the essence of what is true in a moment. She creates a safe and caring environment in which to work.”
“Maggie Flanigan introduced me to my own spirit and my own sense of Truth. Her passion for teaching and ability to communicate are rare gifts to any actor looking for a technique to set his or her talent free. Maggie’s voice has been the one constant guide in my career.”
