The Film Director's Intuition, Script Analysis and Rehearsal Techniques

By Judith Weston

2003 Michael Wiese Productions 364 pgs.

Together with Directing Actors (1996, Michael Wiese Productions,) Judith Weston has created a strong, comprehensive course on directing. She provides insight into the actors minds through quotes of actors. She also uses quotes from directors to provide tips for directing actors. This book is an incredible resource in developing and maintaining rapport with actors. She has incorporated and utilized the techniques and lessons of renowned acting teachers, including; Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, Sanford Meisner, and Constantin Stanislavsky. I have included her name alongside the aforementioned when referring directors on what to study.

The book is divided into three parts, related to the title: Intuition, Ideas, and Imagination; Script Analysis and The Lost Art of Rehearsal. It is 23 chapters long.

The baisc premise of the book is that through preparation, a director can rely on intuition during shooting and rehearsing.

A problem I had with the book was the neglect of improvisation. Although there is a chapter on improvisation, it seems as though she could've explored it more thoroughly. Improv guru Viola Spolin wasn't even mentioned, nor were any of her exercises.

However, the comprehensive nature of the book compels me to recommend it to every interested ear.