“I only memorize the lines!”

This amusing trend involves people celebrating and sharing actors/actresses who proudly assert that their sole task is to commit their lines to memory.

I have a thorough understanding of and deep appreciation for the intelligence demonstrated by the actors’ statement.

When people share excessively, it makes me see it as a shallow response that diminishes the importance to a gossip magazine level. The media, especially tabloid newspapers, are obsessed with stories like this. By featuring a protagonist and an antagonist, their objective is to encourage division. This is how you can effectively market stories. At times, there is a confrontation between the unpredictable and deranged Method Actor and the composed and practical Regular Actor, or we witness a striking contrast between the seasoned but dull actor and the captivating and edgy Method Actor. It’s all a load of nonsense. It encourages superficial discussions. As a small additional point. The plays and scripts of David Mamet have gained considerable praise, thanks in part to the involvement of renowned actors like Gene Hackman, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, and Alec Baldwin, who are often associated with the “Method Acting” approach.

Young actors should avoid believing that they are naturally talented and can effortlessly deliver lines or rely solely on their instincts, as this mindset hinders their progress. According to a renowned acting instructor from a prestigious drama school, many students believe they have exceptional intuition, but his 50 years of teaching experience have revealed that some students actually have flawed or foolish intuition.

Having intuition is not something that comes naturally. Experience is the key to developing intuition. That’s why I fully understand when certain actors express that sentiment. As an actor, whose job involves understanding the motivations and perspectives of characters, you might contemplate. With a career lasting for decades, this actor/actress is a seasoned professional, specializing in theater and having performed in countless play runs or having worked on film sets for an extensive period of time. By actively engaging in this practice, you can see how it sharpens your instrument. This advice is not applicable to the majority of actors who exclusively work in the film and TV industry and have limited chances to advance in their career, typically ranging from 15% to 45% of the year.

Let’s consider why an actor might say something like “I only memorize the lines!”

1. It’s absolutely true! However, it has been clarified that they have a vast amount of experience. It’s like a concert pianist who can effortlessly play a piece just by looking at the notes. If you have committed to daily training since the age of 7 or whenever you started, then yes, you can.

2. They have transitioned their approach from an analytical process to an intuitive understanding that can only be achieved through 20 years or more of experience.

3. As they memorize their lines, they create associations, imagine vivid images, and, most importantly, actively listen and react during their performances.

4. Their inclination is to safeguard their process and refrain from discussing it, fearing that talking about it might dilute the energy that should be dedicated to action. Another reason for their stance is their firm belief in the importance of individual thoughts and imagination, advocating against being influenced by an actor’s specific journey.

5. Well-known actors have expressed their frustration with foolish questions and the tendency for their responses to be misinterpreted, manipulated, or exploited. So in order to not have to answer stupid questions and being exploited, they do the right and best thing one can do shot it down with “I only learn my lines!”

I share the same view as actors who emphasize that talking about acting is not something they like to do; one must actually engage in the practice. Conversely, acting instructors may need to discuss it occasionally to provide clarification, offer feedback, and prevent students from repeating their mistakes. It can save time to clarify the process, even though they will make their own mistakes.

The more you experience, the stronger your intuition becomes. With a total of over 50 years and 20,000 hours of flying experience, Chesley Sullenberger piloted the passenger plane to a safe landing on the Hudson River. His biography on Wikipedia provides clarity on the matter.

It is important for every actor to develop their own process and discover what techniques are suitable for their craft. Certain actors modify their approach for every new project. The utmost priority is to show respect and avoid engaging in gossip or turning it into a competition.