What do you think?
Rate this book
Acting in Film: An Actor's Take on Movie Making
Mr. Caine gives you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rob him blind! The man who's hypnotized the camera lenses for a quarter of a century reveals the most closely guarded secrets on script preparation, working with the director, forming a character, voice, sound, and movement. Pearl by pearl he lays out the Caine wisdom on everything from set politics to set decorum, the film bureaucracy and more!
Remarkable material.... A treasure.... I'm not going to be looking at performances quite the same way.... Fascinating! (Gene Siskel)
1990, 1997 Applause Theatre Book Publishers. Produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Remarkable material.... A treasure.... I'm not going to be looking at performances quite the same way.... Fascinating! (Gene Siskel)
1990, 1997 Applause Theatre Book Publishers. Produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Audible Audio
First published December 31, 1989
133 people are currently reading
2832 people want to read
About the author
Michael Caine
39 books168 followersSir Michael Caine, CBE was born Maurice Joseph Micklewaite near Elephant and Castle in South London. His first major starring roles, beginning in the 1960s, include 'Zulu,' 'The Ipcress File,' and 'Alfie.' He is a major Hollywood film star and two-time Academy Award winner with a career spanning over sixty years.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
July 8, 2013
I bought this book a few years ago when I was cast in my first film role, to prepare me for working on set, to understand how movie making works and what my role would be, what working with other actors and film crew would be like. I burst with excitement when I got the role and was sweaty and nervous; convinced I was going to blow it - and this book helped me through it. I made it out on the other side in one piece and had a lot of fun getting there.
It's a very handy practical guide to day-to-day-life for anyone in the film industry, and Michael Caine narrates us beautifully through his own experiences in the industry. It is probably one of the best books on acting I ever bought and read.
It's a very handy practical guide to day-to-day-life for anyone in the film industry, and Michael Caine narrates us beautifully through his own experiences in the industry. It is probably one of the best books on acting I ever bought and read.
November 29, 2022
He's among the best so why not? Read this and then read the works of every actor you admire.
This book is full of great tips and perhaps one of my most-used quotes. When sitting around set, waiting for the lighting professionals to make it just right, I'll turn to my fellow actors and say: "We're paid to wait. The acting is free."
Enjoy taking this into your work on screen. You won't regret the read.
This book is full of great tips and perhaps one of my most-used quotes. When sitting around set, waiting for the lighting professionals to make it just right, I'll turn to my fellow actors and say: "We're paid to wait. The acting is free."
Enjoy taking this into your work on screen. You won't regret the read.
April 7, 2017
Notes for me: This was a re-read for me. My Chaucer bookstore bookmark was about 3/4 of the way through.
It makes sense that this was transcribed and compiled from a two day acting class that Caine gave. It is short and a very fast read. It is a quick dirty intro to acting on film, right down to marks and continuity. I had already learned most of his lessons in terms of film sets but it was a nice refresher and reminder especially about not getting in people's way. I tend to be so goofy happy to be on set that I tend to hang out too much. Good to remember that as a professional part of my job is not being in the way. Of course Caine's jobs are regularly a much bigger budget than mine...
I liked the simplicity of his approach to acting. Tell the truth. Do less. The camera has your back.
It makes sense that this was transcribed and compiled from a two day acting class that Caine gave. It is short and a very fast read. It is a quick dirty intro to acting on film, right down to marks and continuity. I had already learned most of his lessons in terms of film sets but it was a nice refresher and reminder especially about not getting in people's way. I tend to be so goofy happy to be on set that I tend to hang out too much. Good to remember that as a professional part of my job is not being in the way. Of course Caine's jobs are regularly a much bigger budget than mine...
I liked the simplicity of his approach to acting. Tell the truth. Do less. The camera has your back.
April 16, 2019
I am one of the many readers of this book who will come out in favor of it. Sure, there's some dross, some purely autobiographical 'freewheeling'. Caine always loves to talk about his rough-and-tumble cockney upbringing; I guess I can't blame him. It is a slim book and it is filled almost-every-other-page with pictures of his greatest roles. But remember the book is assembled from a series of workshop lectures. So naturally there is bound to be a mixture of chatty personal anecdotes and old Hollywood rubrics hashed together --yet the proportion of all this is not greater in comparison to a very useful litany of concrete, technical, 'insider tips' for actors. It is worth keeping on one's shelf, and I intend to do just that. I found some surprising info here, little-known rules-of-thumb for entertainers I wouldn't have been able to guess at. Fun book.
February 6, 2020
Concise and clear writing, this is a relatively short read expounding on Michael Caine's experiences with acting on film v. theater, working with other actors, camera angles/lighting, professional on and off the set, working with different type of directors, being a star, and developing characters on film. It was very insightful and offers glimmers of what the real work of a film worker looks like.
September 20, 2014
There were some wonderful insights to film acting. I felt like this book was a little too broad but I will definitely take some of his advice. Great stuff! :)
July 11, 2016
Despite the fact the book is overpriced, too short, too vague, and littered with more photographs than copy, there is some value in Michael Caine's "Acting In Film: An Actor's Take On Movie Making." I did very much enjoy what Caine had to say, even when I did not understand what he was talking about.
Film acting is indeed different from theater acting, as Michael Caine is quick to point out. There is a lot of technique involved in order to effectively portray a role on camera. On stage, a thespian can be broad, and loud, and open. On camera, the actor must condense one's body and voice down to specific gestures and movements...as the lens intensifies everything.
Blinking on camera is not recommended for those who wish to portray strength. A keen awareness of picture continuity is essential in insuring an actor's valuable time on screen, in addition to increasing a thespian's chances of being hired again. All this plus an awareness of breath, relaxation, and human psychology will help turn a stumbling film and television actor in a great one.
The author also goes into the importance of professionalism and behavior on and off set with members of the cast and crew, as well as the Do's and Don'ts of how to deal with troublesome actors and directors, as well as dangerous stunts.
Again, "Acting In Film: An Actor's Take On Movie Making" felt more like an extended pamphlet rather than an actual book, yet Michael Caine's advice to the actor, however brief it may be, holds enough merit to make the tome not a complete waste of time.
Film acting is indeed different from theater acting, as Michael Caine is quick to point out. There is a lot of technique involved in order to effectively portray a role on camera. On stage, a thespian can be broad, and loud, and open. On camera, the actor must condense one's body and voice down to specific gestures and movements...as the lens intensifies everything.
Blinking on camera is not recommended for those who wish to portray strength. A keen awareness of picture continuity is essential in insuring an actor's valuable time on screen, in addition to increasing a thespian's chances of being hired again. All this plus an awareness of breath, relaxation, and human psychology will help turn a stumbling film and television actor in a great one.
The author also goes into the importance of professionalism and behavior on and off set with members of the cast and crew, as well as the Do's and Don'ts of how to deal with troublesome actors and directors, as well as dangerous stunts.
Again, "Acting In Film: An Actor's Take On Movie Making" felt more like an extended pamphlet rather than an actual book, yet Michael Caine's advice to the actor, however brief it may be, holds enough merit to make the tome not a complete waste of time.
February 25, 2020
3.5 I actually have no imminent plans to appear in a movie, so I didn't really need the advice given here. But if you were, it seems sound. And it was quite entertaining and informative to read. Although he makes several references to other actors' bad behaviors, the only person he names by name is Anthony Quinn. I'm going to assume he really didn't like Anthony Quinn
January 26, 2021
This book is really good for beginner actors or even actors further in their career. Ready good insight from Micheal Caine and his long experience in the movie making business.
December 9, 2019
A practical approach to film acting by one of the finest film actors of our time.
July 7, 2023
It wasn’t what I expected but it did set the tone for discipline and roles on set. Quick read
February 11, 2021
This book makes me want to work with Michael Caine! It's brief and to the point, full of common sense advice that makes as much sense now as it did in 1990. Professionalism and personal advice is covered, as well as more technical advice in acting before the camera, and the differences between acting on stage and acting on camera.
August 30, 2012
Great advice on acting and life... I read this in one sitting.
It's mostly pictures and the type is large. In all it's a quick read with some interesting ideas especially for people who want to be actors.
It's mostly pictures and the type is large. In all it's a quick read with some interesting ideas especially for people who want to be actors.
May 17, 2012
If you're interested in being an actor for film, this is essential reading.
July 20, 2012
It's hard to imagine a stage in an actor's career when this wouldn't be useful. Michael Caine is brilliant. How often does an actor of his caliber talk about how it's done? Yeah, I liked it.
December 4, 2015
هنرپیشه ی خوب لزوما حرفی برای گفتن نداره.
December 5, 2020
Really good information, but way too much misogyny.
November 16, 2020
Terrific advice.
Some of my favorite tidbits:
If you are only casually interested, it's probably not a good idea to get into acting.
The eye line business, which you can also see on his Masterclass, which is on you tube. How to step into your closeup, then walk in reverse saying the line, then walk up into it. This connects the line to movement.
Not socializing too much when you are on set.
Time is only dead if you kill it.
Preparation is so important.
Setting up your hotel room as a mockup of the set for the scene and rehearsing in it.
Rehearsing your arrival to the location so that you are never late.
Asking for an extra take if you don't feel you got it.
Never get involved with onscreen partners. It makes you weaker and makes the performance weaker.
Wear your own comfy shoes if they are not in the shot.
Ask the director what can be seen, and adjust appropriately.
If you give it all in the rehearsal, you won't have it on the day.
Being nice to everyone.
The beautiful partnership he had with Connery in Man Who Would Be King, and how they supported each other, made each other better, and made a better film.
Some of my favorite tidbits:
If you are only casually interested, it's probably not a good idea to get into acting.
The eye line business, which you can also see on his Masterclass, which is on you tube. How to step into your closeup, then walk in reverse saying the line, then walk up into it. This connects the line to movement.
Not socializing too much when you are on set.
Time is only dead if you kill it.
Preparation is so important.
Setting up your hotel room as a mockup of the set for the scene and rehearsing in it.
Rehearsing your arrival to the location so that you are never late.
Asking for an extra take if you don't feel you got it.
Never get involved with onscreen partners. It makes you weaker and makes the performance weaker.
Wear your own comfy shoes if they are not in the shot.
Ask the director what can be seen, and adjust appropriately.
If you give it all in the rehearsal, you won't have it on the day.
Being nice to everyone.
The beautiful partnership he had with Connery in Man Who Would Be King, and how they supported each other, made each other better, and made a better film.
January 14, 2023
I loved it! I had to take breaks (which I attribute to the time I've spent away from reading books as frequently as I used to; it takes more effort than it used to require when I was younger to get through books now), but overall, this was an easy, fun, and insightful read. It almost feels like you're breezing through a novel.
I appreciated reading an actor's perspective on the filmmaking process. I've been fascinated by filmmaking in recent years (especially after watching the Korean drama Alchemy of Souls) and want to learn as much as possible about what goes on behind the scenes. I was reading Sidney Lumet's Making Movies but wanted some more detail on actors and acting, which led me to finally open Acting in Film, which I'd learned about last September.
There's a lot I am curious about after reading this, such as film editing. If anyone is interested in a recommendation, Bobbie O'Steen's The Invisible Cut: How Editors Make Movie Magic seems like a good start, although I'm still reading the first chapter.
I appreciated reading an actor's perspective on the filmmaking process. I've been fascinated by filmmaking in recent years (especially after watching the Korean drama Alchemy of Souls) and want to learn as much as possible about what goes on behind the scenes. I was reading Sidney Lumet's Making Movies but wanted some more detail on actors and acting, which led me to finally open Acting in Film, which I'd learned about last September.
There's a lot I am curious about after reading this, such as film editing. If anyone is interested in a recommendation, Bobbie O'Steen's The Invisible Cut: How Editors Make Movie Magic seems like a good start, although I'm still reading the first chapter.
January 12, 2020
Such a short but straight-to-the-point, no BS read. Rather than try explaining everything with endless details, Michael Caine just gives it to the reader plain and simple, which is the reason why i truly appreciate this book. Caine uses humor and personal experiences from the start to the height of his career to impart knowledge about the do’s and dont’s of the acting business. You’re left thinking, “Whoa! I never thought of that! He’s right!” as you flip through the pages.
I also have to add that one of the main treats i took from reading this short gem was how Caine, as big a movie actor as he is, imparts his knowledge with such warmth. I felt like I was reading a letter from a friend who truly wants me to succeed in the industry.
Please, if you are thinking about starting an acting career or are simply looking for a book to expand your knowledge about the business, then DO consider adding this one to your list. As mentioned, it’s such a short and simple but terrific read
I also have to add that one of the main treats i took from reading this short gem was how Caine, as big a movie actor as he is, imparts his knowledge with such warmth. I felt like I was reading a letter from a friend who truly wants me to succeed in the industry.
Please, if you are thinking about starting an acting career or are simply looking for a book to expand your knowledge about the business, then DO consider adding this one to your list. As mentioned, it’s such a short and simple but terrific read
August 31, 2024
As much a biography of Caine's film making experiences as tutorial for actors, this is an absorbing read - much due to Caine's charm as a storyteller.
Full of practical pointers for actors, Caine also takes you through the technical side of movie making, and though perhaps a little dated to how films are made now, is still full of sound advice. Sprinkling in annecdotes from some of the major films he has starred in, alongside other famous actors and directors he is self deprecating about some of the mistakes he has made, but also the solid work ethic he has that has led to his success. Championing crew members alongside cast and the importance of being pleasant to all his instructions never come across as overbearing rather as simply what has worked for him and resulted in the largely positive experiences he has received in the industry.
Full of practical pointers for actors, Caine also takes you through the technical side of movie making, and though perhaps a little dated to how films are made now, is still full of sound advice. Sprinkling in annecdotes from some of the major films he has starred in, alongside other famous actors and directors he is self deprecating about some of the mistakes he has made, but also the solid work ethic he has that has led to his success. Championing crew members alongside cast and the importance of being pleasant to all his instructions never come across as overbearing rather as simply what has worked for him and resulted in the largely positive experiences he has received in the industry.
May 8, 2020
In my opinion, this is one of the best books on Film acting. Michael Caine talks about his experiences and offers valuable advice to actors who have little experience on set. This book is particularly helpful to actors who are crossing over from theater acting to film acting.
I studied theater first and jumped into acting in two feature films without formal film acting training. I had to learn on the spot. If I read this book earlier in my career, I would’ve probably had an easier time on set because I would know what to expect instead of learning by trial and error.
I highly recommend this book to theater actors who are interested in film acting. He offers great insight and he writes in a kind, authentic and light hearted way.
I studied theater first and jumped into acting in two feature films without formal film acting training. I had to learn on the spot. If I read this book earlier in my career, I would’ve probably had an easier time on set because I would know what to expect instead of learning by trial and error.
I highly recommend this book to theater actors who are interested in film acting. He offers great insight and he writes in a kind, authentic and light hearted way.
April 16, 2023
[4,5]
Qué bonita sorpresa ha sido encontrarme con este libro de mi abuelito Caine. Un acercamiento totalmente amigable para el actor en formación e incluso meros aficionados a dicho arte; donde no sólo cuenta su propia experiencia frente a la cámara, sino que comparte consejos que pueden tener impacto en la carrera propia para bien o para mal.
El principal punto por el que me gustó tanto este recorrido sobre el cine y la actuación es que no lo está diciendo un fulano cualquiera, lo está diciendo un ganador de la Academia, que no sólo ha incursionado en el teatro, sino también en la televisión y por supuesto, en el cine. Como él mismo dice: "Si te puedes imaginar haciendo algo más, olvida la actuación".
Qué bonita sorpresa ha sido encontrarme con este libro de mi abuelito Caine. Un acercamiento totalmente amigable para el actor en formación e incluso meros aficionados a dicho arte; donde no sólo cuenta su propia experiencia frente a la cámara, sino que comparte consejos que pueden tener impacto en la carrera propia para bien o para mal.
El principal punto por el que me gustó tanto este recorrido sobre el cine y la actuación es que no lo está diciendo un fulano cualquiera, lo está diciendo un ganador de la Academia, que no sólo ha incursionado en el teatro, sino también en la televisión y por supuesto, en el cine. Como él mismo dice: "Si te puedes imaginar haciendo algo más, olvida la actuación".
March 14, 2018
I was hoping for more insight on techniques in front of the camera - similar to Michael Caine's great acting masterclass from 1987 (I believe), which can be found on YouTube. Instead, I found most of the book explaining how to professionally conduct yourself on a film set and less talking about acting specifically.
I think if you can find this book for cheap, it's worth a read. Definitely, check out his masterclass on YouTube. Most of the acting topics that are covered in the book are explained in more detail in the masterclass.
I think if you can find this book for cheap, it's worth a read. Definitely, check out his masterclass on YouTube. Most of the acting topics that are covered in the book are explained in more detail in the masterclass.
December 7, 2022
Me encantó, no profundiza demasiado en la actuación, quizás porque está hecho para gente que ya tiene base, pero también es muy buen libro para quién no sepa de actuación porque es divertido, ligero, al punto. Me parece que equilibró bastante bien las historias personales (con las que varias veces me reí bastante), las opiniones, consejos sobre la técnica y el trabajo en equipo. Quizás sea un poco añejo a la manera de expresarse (traducido como "usted x o y...") Pero no deja de ser una charla de tu a tú.
Me consta que es un 4.5 para mí, pero le dejo 5, que poco más podría pedir.
Me consta que es un 4.5 para mí, pero le dejo 5, que poco más podría pedir.
August 18, 2023
An entertaining and charming look at the film industry and what it takes to be an actor. I’m an actor who is just starting out and about to make the daunting move to LA. I definitely recommend this book for those who what to get a raw look into the industry. My only qualm was how actors and directors were always referred to as “he, him, and his”. But I understand that was due to Caine’s experiences. I just had to overlook that and use the advice. Overall a great and quick read! I definitely learned a lot.
July 17, 2019
Such a fun, insightful and amusing read. So many things kept in the dark brought to light I never thought about in film acting and Caine’s stories, analogies, etc., educate in an enchanting, clear-cut way. This is definitely invaluable material for anyone who wants to go into film (and in some ways theatre) from all aspects or anyone who’s every wanted a detailed idea of what a makes a film actor a professional.
November 14, 2019
Quick and easy to read but also full of really great advice to aspiring actors. Coming from the writer/director point of view, I still found it fascinating and a great deal of the information applicable to my job of getting the best out of my talent. He speaks completely without pretension but with the air and authority of a screen legend. wonderfully conversational with many stories passed on to him by his predecessors.
October 10, 2022
I’m pretty critical of acting books. I feel like everyone has something different to say. What I love about this book, is it’s mostly about professionalism. He has tips and tricks when it comes to acting, but he truly just teaches you how to be a human in this industry.
I found it very insightful and I kept a highlighter on me at all times to make sure I could always mark up my book (basically every page has been highlighted at least once).
I highly recommend if your goal is film acting.
I found it very insightful and I kept a highlighter on me at all times to make sure I could always mark up my book (basically every page has been highlighted at least once).
I highly recommend if your goal is film acting.
October 11, 2024
A través de la propia experiencia de Michael Caine en la industria del cine, este nos aconseja y nos plantea situaciones las cuales tener en cuenta si quieres o te estás adentrando en trabajar en el mundo del cine.
Es muy agradable de leer ya que está escrito desde un lugar donde las palabras se sienten muy próximas, como si te estuviera contando la vida un amigo.
Lo recomiendo si te interesa el mundo de la actuación cinematográfica.
Es muy agradable de leer ya que está escrito desde un lugar donde las palabras se sienten muy próximas, como si te estuviera contando la vida un amigo.
Lo recomiendo si te interesa el mundo de la actuación cinematográfica.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews