Veteran actor Kevin Spacey reminisces about collaborating with Jack Lemmon and other film legends in his career.
The Power of Subtlety: Jack Lemmon's "Less is More" Acting Lesson
In the realm of acting, the name Jack Lemmon stands as a testament to the power of subtlety. Over the years, his performances have demonstrated that less can indeed be more, a philosophy he embodied throughout his illustrious career.
At the start of his journey, Lemmon's influence was already evident. As a 13-year-old aspiring actor, Kevin Spacey had the opportunity to perform a monologue for Lemmon. The veteran actor saw potential in Spacey and encouraged him to pursue acting, stating that it was what he was meant to do with his life [1].
Fast forward to twelve years later, and Spacey and Lemmon worked together on Broadway in "Long Day's Journey Into Night." Spacey, reflecting on his career, expressed that having a "Jack Lemmon clause" in every contract would make the world more beautiful [2].
Lemmon's philosophy was deeply rooted in the belief that acting should be about staying present and aware, allowing the actor’s own essence to shine through rather than overwhelming the character with exaggerated gestures or emotions [3][4]. This approach highlights that acting is not about doing too much but about capturing authenticity and truth in the smallest details, which can profoundly affect the audience.
This understanding of subtlety in acting was demonstrated by George Cukor's direction of Jack Lemmon in "It Should Happen to You." During the filming, Cukor repeatedly urged Lemmon to do "less" in his acting. In response, Lemmon expressed frustration, stating that if he did any less, he would not be acting. However, Cukor responded, "Exactly, Jack, exactly" [5].
This exchange underscores the art of acting sometimes involves doing less. Subtlety in acting can carry immense dramatic weight, as small details like a slight head turn, hint of a smile, or brief pause can have significant impact. True masters of acting understand that less is often more.
The power of this approach is evident in the careers of other great actors. Jack Nicholson is not afraid to show his flaws and actively seeks roles that explore human imperfection. Christopher Walken, too, has an extraordinary career due to embracing his unique qualities and allowing his authentic self to shine through characters.
In summary, Jack Lemmon’s "less is more" lesson teaches actors to prioritize nuance, emotional truth, and presence over excess, thereby creating memorable, genuine performances through simplicity and control. This philosophy values the delicate balance of expression, where holding back can create deeper impact and invite the audience into a more intimate, believable experience rather than showcasing overt dramatics. Acting, after all, is a gift meant to enlighten and transform, achieved best through careful, subtle choices.
Movies-and-tv and entertainment are ideal mediums to showcase the power of subtlety in acting, a philosophy that Jack Lemmon embodied throughout his career. His influence extends to actors like Kevin Spacey, who acknowledged the importance of maintaining authenticity in portraying characters, emphasizing that acting is less about doing too much and more about capturing truth in the smallest details.
