directing actors 1. Cast triple threats Gene Wilder could sing, dance, act, and run a chocolate factory all at the same time. Learning how to sing and dance is an acting technique that goes back for generations, but Gene Wilder was certainly a great example of how it can improve the quality of comedy. Most of this comes through Wilder’s ability to sing and dance. In Young Frankenstein and The Producers, he always found a way to stand out, building up his goofy brand, when he wasn’t supposed to. DIRECTING ACTORS STARTS WITH CASTING While it may seem hard to find actors like Gene Wilder, the case is often that you're not looking for them. More often than not, a casting sheet doesn't have a space for special talents, because the script hasn't called for it. Since comedy is so improvisational, it never hurts to cast an actor who can do it all, so if you find yourself on set, you can add in genre-bending moments that are sure to be classic. Many acting schools such as NYU or Juilliard have musical theater programs, bursting with young talent ready to grace your next film.

learn comedy from gene wilder 2. Difference between lines and jokes A character’s sudden switch of mind, heart, or state of being can absolutely prompt a comedic reaction from an audience. It takes a talented comedian to pull off such switches naturally, so that the moment does not feel false or staged. Gene Wilder’s impeccable comedic timing gave him a natural ability to smoothly navigate such changes. Wilder’s car scene as Eugene Grizzard in Bonnie & Clyde is a perfect example of his timing and ability to execute a comedic turn. In this moment, Eugene Grizzard begins in one state of mind – “I’m gonna tear them apart!” After prompting from Velma Davis, reminding him that they may have guns, he takes a beat, and is in a very different place – “Listen, we better get the police and let them handle this.” This unexpected comedic turn, perfectly timed by Wilder, shows the comedic effectiveness of surprising your audience. This doesn’t mean you should should a pause after every...word. It just means when a joke is written as such, don’t be afraid to play it up. DIRECTING ACTORS WHO AREN'T JOKE TELLERS While Gene Wilder had a natural ability to turn a phrase, you may find that actors on your film need some oomph. Just before you go to mark up your script and turn it into a shot list, go line by and line and mark up the jokes. Highlight the set ups and the punchlines right after. Knowing these beats before you get to set will lend your project playfulness and ensure the screenwriter's dialogue is full realized.

directing actors 3. Direct actors to share Strong comedy often comes from a give and take between two actors. As their relationship takes unexpected turns, the moments rise and fall, allowing the audience to be consistently surprised by the jokes. Gene Wilder had a particular talent for sharing the spotlight, with a feel for knowing when the punch line should be delivered, and who by. Take, for example, the moment from Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein (which Wilder co-wrote, incidentally), where Dr. Frankenstein and the monster are performing a song and tap dance of "Puttin’ on the Ritz." Although Dr. Frankenstein is doing the majority of the work in this moment, the big laugh comes when Frankenstein gestures to the monster, giving him full focus, and the monster hilariously sings the line “puttin’ on the ritz,” in an unexpected high pitched tone. Gene Wilder does all the heavy lifting of the joke's setup, without any pay off for himself. More often than not, directing actors in a comedy often means telling actors they don't get to have the laugh. If you find yourself with an actor who's unwilling to commit to the set up, consider walking the cast through what's the joke at each scene, so everyone feels like they're working together. DIRECTING ACTORS IN A CASTING CALL They say that 90% of directing is casting. But how can you tell in a casting call if an actor will have Gene Wilder's ability to share the joke? Select audition sides that also give the script reader a punchline. See how, or if, your actors do the set up work, or if they just wait til it's their moment to shine. This directing technique works better at a call back where you can pit potential actors against each other to see if the chemistry sparks.

filmmakers can learn from gene wilder 4. Find actors who take risks Gene Wilder was never afraid to take the moments he was creating and the characters he was portraying to extreme levels. As an actor, he took risks, making huge choices in his physical movements and vocal expressions, as well as character traits. A perfect example of this is Wilder’s entrance in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. He walks out, with a cane, clearly a cripple, moving slowly – until he reaches the gate. The cane sticks in the ground and he falls forward, face first, saving it at the last minute by somersaulting and springing up. This hilarious and intentional action gets great applause from the onlookers. It is an unusual physical choice, no doubt, but beyond that, it says a great deal about his character. This idea came directly from Gene Wilder. WHAT'S THE ROLE OF IMPROVISATION IN COMEDY? There's a fine line between improvising and completely rewriting that have been made into script breakdowns and budgeted for extensively. Brainstorming quick throw-away gags on set or alternate line changes often yield memorable moments. Completely changing a story beat, however, can mean a very, very angry producer.

Gene Wilder's comedic genius & generosity explored

Directing actors in comedies means finding the line between innovation and taking three steps back. Having more ideas is always better than none, but you should also know when to reign actors in, so the shooting schedule isn't delayed.

gene wilder's look 5. Hire a great hair stylist I mean, can you talk about Gene Wilder without mentioning his curly hair? While far from an acting technique or comedy insight, there is some truth in here. One of the best things Gene Wilder can teach us about comedy is to be delightfully goofy selves.

5 Acting Techniques You Can Learn From Gene Wilder - Young Frankenstein