"I found out was, by the rhythm of my chewing, how I chewed fast, slow or what have you, I could tell the audience what my character was thinking and feeling"
- Rod Steiger
About this Quote
In this quote, star Rod Steiger is explaining the power of body movement and physicality in conveying emotions and thoughts on stage. He discusses that even the easy act of chewing can be used to interact a character's inner state to the audience. By taking note of the rhythm and speed of his chewing, Steiger has the ability to communicate whether his character is feeling anxious, calm, or any other feeling. This reveals the importance of physicality and attention to information in acting, as every movement and gesture can include depth and meaning to a performance. It also highlights the skill and awareness needed to effectively portray a character's thoughts and sensations through non-verbal hints.
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