Arts & Entertainment

Introduction

Samuel L. Jackson

Lesson time 03:36 min

You know Samuel L. Jackson from iconic films like Pulp Fiction and Die Hard with a Vengeance. Now he’s your acting teacher. Sam shares his goals for his MasterClass, as well as his mindset toward acting: it’s an adventure.

Students give MasterClass an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars

Topics include: Introduction

Preview

I read incessantly. When I'm reading a book, I'm one of those characters in that book. So I'm sitting there acting the same way when I read a script. We just put ourselves in those situations, and you live those situations. Because that's what we do. The truth is you're the weak. I spent a third of my life in a hospital bed with nothing else to do but read. If I don't hear a confession from one of you motherfuckers quick, fast, and in a hurry-- I didn't have nothing against them boys till they missed with my baby. You like spy movies? Never use no in a hostage situation. Zeus, as in father of Apollo. [MUSIC PLAYING] I wanted to reach this master class so people could understand what I do and why I do it. If I could get up every day and go somewhere and act, I'd be the happiest person in the world. Writers get up and write. Painters get up and paint. Why can't I get up and go act? Because somebody has got to hire you to do it. So when people start talking about why you do this kind of thing, why you do that kind of thing-- I love movies. I love movies that are dark, and I love movies that are deep. And they have their purpose. But essentially, we're entertainers. We entertain people. We're supposed to distract them from their daily lives in a way that allows them to escape whatever pressures or things they have on them, and live in this moment with us for a while, and experience it in a safe environment, and leave there and be energized by it, and talk about it, and love it. I don't look at acting as specifically a challenge, but more of an adventure to delve into, to grasp different things about a character, to find my way in a story. I don't find that difficult. That's always a joy and a great period of exploration and freedom. A movie set is one of my favorite places to be in the world. I love getting up and to my job. Hopefully there's something to be learned, gleaned, or experienced while I'm doing it. And sometimes, it's just fun. I'm Samuel L. Jackson, and this is my master class. Hey. I'm Samuel L. Jackson. Welcome to my master class, motherfuckers. You want to be a motherfucking better actor? Take my motherfucking class. When you're finished with this class, you're going to be an acting motherfucker. I'm Samuel L. Jackson, and this is my motherfucking master class.

About the Instructor

As a kid, Samuel L. Jackson stuttered so badly that he stopped talking for almost a year. Today he’s one of the world’s most successful actors, with roles in over 100 films, including Pulp Fiction and The Avengers. In his online acting class, the Oscar-nominated star shares how he creates memorable characters, powerful performances, and a long-lasting career. Learn to master auditions, analyze scripts, and find the truth in every role you play.

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Samuel L. Jackson

One of the most successful actors of our generation teaches you how to elevate your acting.

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