Movie magic is movie magic and acting magic is acting magic.
BEN KINGSLEYMovie magic is movie magic and acting magic is acting magic.
BEN KINGSLEYI’ve met quite a number of people in my career, but I do have an extraordinary memory. And even though they may drift into the periphery of my memory, I can bring them right back when I need them.
BEN KINGSLEYWe are adjusters. We empathize, we change rhythm and above all we listen to our fellow actors-if they’re good actors.
BEN KINGSLEYI don’t honestly think people know what acting is.
BEN KINGSLEYI was fortunate as a young actor, to go straight to the RSC, where I learned that being an actor can bring with it wonderful responsibilities.
BEN KINGSLEYWhen I choose a role it’s either because I recognise the man, or that I’m very curious to know him. If I neither recognise nor know him, then it is better that I don’t play him.
BEN KINGSLEYThey’re a very strange lot actors, very strange people.
BEN KINGSLEYIf the director wishes to print it, then you have a series of choices, maybe millions of choices within that minute-and-a-half, or 80 seconds, or 2 minutes or however long or short the take is, you have all those choices committed to celluloid. I find that absolutely thrilling.
BEN KINGSLEYBut comedy I’d love to do as much as humanly possible.
BEN KINGSLEYThere have not been any troughs as regards my work. There’s never been a trough of my assurance.
BEN KINGSLEYHopefully, as I get older in the business, I make my choices more accurately, and I perhaps know from either the script or the first meeting that it isn’t going to work.
BEN KINGSLEYThe hierarchy of class in London was rigid. It was like a religion. It still is to a certain extent.
BEN KINGSLEYIt’s Sir Ben. I’ve not been a Mister for two years.
BEN KINGSLEYI think that most actors attempt to keep in touch with the child.
BEN KINGSLEYIn cinema, the leading player is the director.
BEN KINGSLEYI’m so dependent on reacting to the other actors on the set, and to the director. I’m very responsive. I react. And I treasure the energy that reaction gives.
BEN KINGSLEY