This is more than a book for performers. Its authenticity and sincerity form the core of lasting success. Peter Farrelly, acclaimed for Green Book with its two Oscars for best picture and original screenplay, highlights a future action guide about Bernard Hiller.
The work combines acting exercises with methods aimed at understanding artistic interpretation as a path to personal and professional empathy. Hiller is widely recognized on stage for his long-running success in acting, but his greatest impact comes from his dynamic arts workshops. Among these is the notable workshop conducted with Palestinians and Israelis at the Peres Peace Center in Tel Aviv, a project that has come to symbolize harmony and collaboration among actors.
Bernard Hiller, born in Buenos Aires in 1962, is the child of Holocaust survivors and has lived in Germany and New York. He trained at a renowned performing arts high school and at the Alvin Ailey Dance Studio, earning a reputation as a sought-after actor, singer, and dancer on Broadway and in Europe. Over time he emerged as a respected instructor in artistic performance, dynamic communication, and achievement strategies. Known as a coaching figure in the performing arts, he extended his influence into both private and public spheres. He has often written about living with artistic integrity and the rewards it brings, describing a life that is rich, interesting, and adventurous.
The book presents a sequence of almost forty chapters that progress from introspection to the discipline of self-knowledge, culminating in fully realized projects and an exploration of genuine emotion. The guide goes beyond traditional personal development concepts, offering a practical approach to the artistic process that can be valuable in many fields.
When considering luminaries like Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, Al Pacino, Tom Hanks, Penélope Cruz, or Luis Tosar, one notes their extraordinary versatility in adopting challenging roles and turning them into dependable performances. This admiration hints at the hours of practice behind the craft. The author argues that the divide between a merely memorable performance and a truly artistic one hinges on curiosity and courage to explore the unknown. To be an artist, regardless of one’s profession, one must venture beyond familiar boundaries and discover a truer self.
Pay attention to what he calls a key factor and imagine stepping off the beaten path in five steps: craft a performance that reveals more about the character, try a creative and original approach, embrace spontaneity and imperfection, stay relentlessly committed to the craft, and train with the best resources available, even when time or money is tight. The emphasis is on taking charge of problems and staying ahead of them.
Transformative exercises recommended by Hiller begin the moment a person wakes up. Start by facing a full-length mirror, take a deep breath, and separate thoughts while quietly stating, “I feel …” After a brief pause, continue with, “It makes me angry …,” allowing eight minutes of detoxification. Then proceed with, “It makes me sad …” After several minutes of silence, banish negativity and jump into joy, declaring, “I will give my talent, my passions, my love, my energy, my heart, my creativity.” Finally, beat the chest, extend a hand, and loudly proclaim, “My name is ___ and here I am, natural!” Repeat with rising energy and strength, convincing oneself of a stronger sense of self. The practice emphasizes confidence, boldness, and a personal declaration of worth.
The book is filled with uplifting aphorisms that serve as both a foundational training guide for the performing arts industry and a therapeutic read. One guiding idea is that artists can change the world through their art, talent, and voice. They are described as the gladiators of life, driving progress and transformation across society.