How do you act drunk without looking like you're faking it? I am singing a song where I have to be quite drunk, having a rant and I want it to look real, but not like I'm totally wasted! Any ideas hugely appreciated.
2006-12-03 23:46:54 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
Smile and stare more, and forget what you just said?
2006-12-03 23:54:29 · answer #1 · answered by CT 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to bars, especially if you can find a kareoke bar, study the people there. Make notes if you have to. Most keep it under their hats, it's the little things that begin to show — that is the problem with 90% of people who are 'acting' drunk, it's just too much.
If you've really never played drunk before than might have to go further.
Do the real deal. Set up a videocamera, down one shot/glass/bottle, wait 15 minutes, then sing the song. Then repeat. Shot, 15 minutes, sing. And repeat again and again until you reach your limit. This will make for excellent viewing later (after the morning, AFTER the morning!), and an excellent tool for bribery (hide it in safe place).
Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great.
2006-12-04 19:13:57 · answer #2 · answered by Ivan64 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wintin the context of whatever play or role that this is for, remember that the person is drunk or getting drunk for a reason. Always ask the question why. A good primary answer is usually that they have to get drunk to talk about something. An excellent example of drunkeness for a purpose is Eugene O'Neill's "Long Days Journey Into Night," in which the male characters are all drinking steadily, and the secrets and strange behaviour come from a specific reason in each case.
Always play the intent. What are you trying to do? What do you want the person you're talking to to say when you're finished. What do you want them to do? How do you want them to feel? Why does it take drink to do it?
Play the intent, play it hard, and always make the stakes life or death. If it ain't important to the character you're playing, it won't be important to the audience.
2006-12-04 03:06:05 · answer #3 · answered by Steve C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Michael Caine has always been good at acting drunk. His tip is to try, really focus, on acting sober.
Remember a drunk does not want to appear out of control, so if you appear to be concentrating on being in control, you will look drunk!
2006-12-04 00:11:36 · answer #4 · answered by 13caesars 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen to what Steve C has written as that is some good advice.
I would also add that falling over, shouting, slurring speech are how you can tell the actor is definatly ACTING! You try and play it sober otherwise you are displaying to the audience and not "holding a mirror up to nature" (Hamlets advice to the players). Being drunk is more often through what you say ( eg: the truth) that what you do, so use the lyrics and the breath to support your character.
2006-12-04 04:26:08 · answer #5 · answered by lansy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really liked Michael Caine's advice on acting drunk. He said drunks try to appear sober so they try to be more precise in speech and movement. Due to the alcohol this doesn't work so they slur and fumble around a bit all the while trying to retain some dignity!
2006-12-05 04:25:32 · answer #6 · answered by corinne c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
13Caesars is right - drunk people in company try and act sober, so my advice would be speak slightly louder than usual and slightly over-exaggerate every physical action.
If you have access to the series 'Angel', series five, episode 'The Life Of The Party' has some wonderful examples of various different styles of acting drunk from the subtle to the downright paralytic.
2006-12-04 00:44:03 · answer #7 · answered by Jay R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Practice talking like your bottom jaw is weighted down, and has a life of its own! Drop your cheeks, and your jaw will follow, and you will appear googly eyes. Tilt your head from side to side, and say "huh" a lot! Have fun!! And, watch drunk movies!! I cant think of any right now, but I am sure that you can find something, where the person stumbles a lot!!
2006-12-04 00:01:06 · answer #8 · answered by thelaundryfairy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way is to play a drunk trying to act sober i.e. no over-the-top staggering about etc. Once that kind of stuff kicks in, it's obvious you're faking it. No real drunk flails about wildly without trying to control their actions.
2006-12-04 00:00:28 · answer #9 · answered by jammycaketin 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All these pearls of wisdom. When I have been under the influence all I want to do is either sleep or sing. and not fall bout in a stupor. So you do what comes naturally that's best.
2006-12-05 06:51:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to act "not drunk". By this I mean...when a drunk person is trying to act sober...they really seem drunk. then you won't overdo it.
2006-12-04 16:45:03 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋