In terms of practitioners, in this short time I have become influenced by the methodology and works of Mike Leigh. Mike Leigh was first influenced by Actor/Director John Cassavetes improvised films. These films had unique actor developed characters and focused on the characters interactions rather than the story. Mike Leigh saw this as a method in which new and unique performances could be devised. Rather than building a performance around a story or script, the performers would be provided a stimulus and basic out lines of a story. The actors are given the freedom to become creators. The actors go away and develop their character, working on the character personality and actions. They are advised to play with their character, to interact with others, to perform actions via the character, so the character becomes more natural. No script is given to to the actors, instead the dialogue forms around the actors understanding of the character and the situation of their characters. Again this adds to the natural quality of the performance. Mike Leigh's plays and films are typically nitty gritty, and focused at the root of society. The stories will be set in typically familiar scenes such as homes, shops, pubs and parks. The characters are 'normal' every day people, who characteristics are developed around a stimuli. The style will be mixed, ranging from soap opera, to melodrama, to naturalistic. Mike Leigh productions are very British and scenes often include a cup of tea, a family dinner party or other family activities associated with Britain. Not only is Mike Leigh a renowned practitioner and director, he has also played an important role in the careers of many British actors, some working in several of Leigh's productions. This list includes Timothy Spall, Tim Roth, Gary Oldman, Liz Smith, Jim Broadbent, Brendan Gleeson and many others.
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