What Makes a Good Actor: Tempo-Rhythm

So far in this series, we have discussed emotional memory, physical actions, imagination, and concentration of attention. This episode will cover the concept of tempo-rhythm as it applies to acting.

Tempo-rhythm is the idea of incorporating both speed and intensity to Konstantin Stanislavski's method of physical actions. As humans, we pace life differently according to given circumstances. For instance, we would move much more quickly when entering a hospital than we would when leaving a hospital.

Actors must remember to enhance their performance by developing an appropriate speed at which they act.

When the correct tempo-rhythm is discovered for any given action, the actor will spend less time trying to concentrate and more time actually achieving the required concentration level. Tempo-rhythm is likewise important in instances of logic. (When a character will perform an action and in what order.)

While logic is important, there is more to the situation. The actions performed must exhibit the correct energy equivalent. A character who is struggling to complete a sit-up would not sit up quickly. The action would require an effort, and should be completed in that manner.

A good example of Tempo-Rhythm from a film is Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets. He plays a character with obsessive compulsive habits, and when prepping for his acting, he needed to rationalize his character's behavior. How many times did he need to switch the light from on to off and back again? How many times did he need to lock and double lock the door? What action would his character perform first?

Not only will maintaining the correct tempo-rhythm keep a performance truthful, but it will also help the actor to develop character emotion. Rhythm is just one more link between the inner and outer expressions.

It is important to ensure that your rhythm and tempo is not competing with those of the other characters, as this will reveal untruth in the performances as they will not work together.

To practice developing tempo-rhythm, try the following exercise:

Get a glass of water. First, drink the water as though you enjoy it. (Do you gulp it down? Do you try to savor it?) Then, try drinking the water as though you dislike it, but need to drink it anyway. (Do you drink it as quickly as possible to get it over with? Do you need to take period breaks while drinking in order to catch your breath?) Tempos will be different for every character, but try a variety of them and see if you can rationalize the behavior.