Ryan Reynolds: Why Free Guy is more than a ‘video game movie’

Though Ryan Reynolds’ summer blockbuster Free Guy is set in a video game, this movie goes above and beyond the console.

What is the plot?

Set in Free City (which is the fictional backdrop of a popular video game), this film explores the life of Guy (a very normal, ordinary bank clerk). Guy learns to question the world around him, learning about his identity as a background character in a video game. Whilst other characters are operated by humans in the “real world”, Guy’s existence consists of repetitive menial routines. This is because he is a non-playable character.

No matter what happens to Guy during the day (whether he is injured, robbed at gunpoint, or simply engages in small talk with his barista) each morning is a fresh start and remnants of the previous day are wiped away.

Notably, Guy is the only non-playable character that is able to think for himself. As time goes by, he meets a Molotov girl (operated by a human in the “real world” named Millie) and communication begins. Millie supports Guy in finding out more about the fictional world around him. In turn, Guy is drawn in to challenge Antwan (Free City’s creator, a profit-chasing video gamer owner who stole Millie’s coding and Internet Protocol).

Why does it matter?

The film is certainly, in part, about video games. The Telegraph’s Ed Power notes that “Video gaming culture has a wide puerile streak, and Free Guy isn’t afraid to lean into it.” Molly Freeman from Screen Rant is in agreement, describing that Free Guy is “the best video game movie ever.”

However, there is more to it. “It’s interesting to me,” Reynolds adds. “Everybody says ‘it’s a movie based on a video game’. I really don’t think Free Guy is a video game movie. That’s like saying Titanic is a movie about boatmanship.

“It’s a movie about so much more. But I loved the narrow target we had to hit to create a world which felt authentic to gamers and then still smuggles this other story into that.”

And that story is about mutual respect, teamwork, and pride. Even a quick look at Ryan Reynolds’ YouTube campaign relating to this film tells you just that. In a video entitled ‘Best Supporting Actors‘, Reynolds shines a light on the film’s extras, and on the passions that make up the mosaic of their lives. ‘You know what? No ones in the background,’ sаys background actor Brandon Scales.

Although this film is set in a video game and reflects on pertinent issues in the technology sphere, it also touches on an aspect important to all of us: mutual respect and recognition. As Guy’s story shows, even a very ordinary background character has a winding story to uncover and a vital role to play.

Meghan Markle Carving New Path To Hollywood Following Brief Taste Of Royal Living

It hasn’t been easy for Harry and Meghan, but they are slowly adjusting to their new lives with baby Archie far away from Buckingham Palace and the U.K.’s long tradition of monarchy.

H and M Reinvent Themselves

The Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 38, ‘stepped back’ in January as senior members of the royal family to create a new destiny and a life of purpose. The pair are hoping to split their time between living on Vancouver Island and in sunny Los Angeles.

Before she married Prince Harry, Meghan Markle had a solid career in the television series called “Suits” in the role of Rachel Zane. She enjoyed acting, and rumor has it that the Duchess got quickly bored with the royal lifestyle. Now, away from the royal bubble, she hopes to regain her popular following as an up and coming star, and Harry fully supports her ambition.

With Energy Out Of The Gate

When Meghan and Harry got engaged, she suggested to the media that she was retiring from acting and welcomed a new change. She was excited to begin working with Harry as a team. She had been on “Suits” for seven years and had made her mark in the entertainment field.

Now, she had the opportunity to bring new energy and ideas with the prince to a global platform. She would take her new role seriously and with respect because her voice was now one that people were listening to. Meghan wanted to strike a proper note.

Her Royal Duties Weren’t Enough

The Duke and Duchess were photographed often by famous British royal photographer Arthur Edwards. He covered their every move in public and could see how Meghan had captured the hearts of the British people, but slowly, things started changing. A toxic relationship had developed between Harry and the media. He began shutting them out, and it was unusual to see his once normal, happy demeanor disappear.

Edwards blamed Meghan for Harry’s sudden coldness to everything royal. He believes that royal living just wasn’t enough for Meghan, and he says that the couple could not have it both ways, half in the U.K and the other half in the U.S.

The photographer says that being patrons of charities demand a lot of time and being immersed in a community and its people.

MM’s Job Is Truly Magical

Disney is called the Most Magical Place On Earth, and that appears to be where Meghan is headed. She nailed a great gig, and it looks like Harry set the wheels in motion for his partner.

The pair was on the red carpet of the “Lion King” premiere in July 2019. Harry mentioned to then Disney CEO Bob Iger about Meghan being available for voice-over work.

London sources say the actress already performed her role and did the voice-over before the couple’s six-week holiday break. It’s a win-win for everyone as she signed the Disney deal in return for a donation to the wildlife charity “Elephants Without Borders.”

How CBD Boost Acting Performance

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the most studied compounds found in the cannabis plant, next to THC. This crucial molecule does not have the same physiological effects commonly associated with smoking marijuana because its levels of THC, the compound that causes marijuana’s “high”, exists only in tiny amounts on full-spectrum CBD oil. CBD does not get users “high”. Instead, it exerts a number of other powerful effects.
Actors are increasingly turning to CBD to harness its potent benefits in the hopes that it will buttress their acting skills. The evidence is clear that CBD can help actors in a number of ways.
Here are the top reasons why, as an actor, you might be wise to consider supplementing with CBD to knock your next audition out of the park.

Anxiety

Stage fright is as old as the acting profession as well. We’ve all been there – even the most outgoing actors are liable to become overly nervous before a big performance or audition. Enter CBD, the anxiety neutralizer. Suppressing anxiety is a major focus point for researchers interested in CBD’s anxiety-crushing effects. The best part about CBD for your next big performance is that, as opposed to other anti-anxiety medications, it carries no risk of dependence. Pharmaceutical drugs like benzodiazepines, the class of drugs that includes Xanax and Valium, carry huge side effects. In high doses, they impair cognitive function and suppress memory – not good if you need to remember your lines. In addition, they create dependency with a host of nasty withdrawal symptoms. Opt instead for the natural anxiety solution, CBD.

Memory

Boost your ability to quickly and effectively memorize your lines with CBD. The compound is so powerful at improving memory, in fact, that it is currently used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s and other degenerative neurological conditions that cause memory impairment.

Getting Your Beauty Sleep

Acting sometimes requires long days on set or in rehearsal. You might feel drained after such long periods of work. Sleep is an important part of the recovery process. After a long day, CBD can help you unwind, relax, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer to rack up the hours of slumber that you need to look and feel your best.

Skin Tone Benefits

CBD products have made a huge splash in the beauty industry, appearing nowadays in cosmetic products ranging from shampoos to lotions. The craze is based on the very real scientific data that shows CBD’s effectiveness in improving skin tone. CBD also benefits the skin by reducing inflammation that can make you appear tired or worn out. For a sleek look sure to impress audiences, consider CBD as a topical solution.

A high-quality, well-sourced CBD product can have a hugely positive impact on your acting career. Finding a good CBD manufacturer is easier than ever, and now is the time to supercharge your acting with CBD supplementation

OUCH! 10 Noteworthy Movie Scenes That Left Actors Wounded

In the annals of film history, there have been many scenes that caused viewers to wince with imagined pain. But how many of these blurred the lines between fantasy and reality, causing actual harm to the actors involved? Here’s a list of ten movie moments that heralded significant real-life injuries.

1. George Clooney, Syriana

During a torture sequence, the Oscar-winning actor was slammed into a concrete floor. The blow to his head resulted in a brain injury that left Clooney with intense headaches and memory loss for the next year. The damage was so severe, it literally caused spinal fluid to leak from his nose.

2. Uma Thurman, Kill Bill Vol. 2

Unlike the majority of the sequences in Quentin Tarantino’s revenge thriller, the scene that left Uma Thurman with a concussion and knee injury wasn’t supposed to be graphically violent. Thurman would later blame Tarantino for the incident, claiming that she requested the use of a stunt driver but was turned down.

3. Viggo Mortensen, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Mortensen’s character, Aragorn, was grief-stricken over the apparent loss of his friends. The actor’s ear-piercing howl, however, was genuine: When the metal helmet connected with his foot, it fractured two of his toes.

4. Buddy Ebsen, The Wizard of Oz

Ebsen was originally cast as the Scarecrow, but gladly switched places with Ray Bolger to play the Tin Man instead. During production, however, Ebsen suffered from shortness of breath, muscle cramps, and body aches. It turned out he was allergic to the aluminum dust in the makeup, and Jack Haley took over the role.

5. Dylan O’Brien, Maze Runner—The Death Cure

During production of the YA adaptation, O’Brien was filming an aerial scene when his harness broke, causing him to collide with a moving vehicle. His injuries, including a severe concussion, caused the actor to miss a year on the set.

6. Linda Hamilton, Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Hamilton’s Sarah Connor has a fine hand with a gun. Unfortunately, the actress forgot to replace her earplugs before one shooting sequence. Although the gun was loaded with blanks, Hamilton suffered permanent ear damage from the blow.

7. Jared Leto, Chapter 27

To play Mark Chapman, Leto reportedly gained a significant amount of weight in a short period of time—so much so, in fact, that the actor developed gout as a result.

8. Tom Hanks, Philadelphia and Cast Away

Similarly, two-time Oscar winner Hanks dropped so much weight for his roles as an AIDS patient and a plane crash victim (respectively), he was eventually diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The actor believes that gaining the weight back and losing it again contributed to his diagnosis.

9. Sylvester Stallone, The Expendables 3

Although the action-hero icon is no stranger to on-set mishaps, he’s confessed that the back injury he sustained during his work on this three-quell was the worst of his career.

10. Daniel Craig, Spectre

Craig’s fourth outing as James Bond left him with a knee injury that put the film’s production on hold for two weeks. In fact, it could have been halted longer to allow the actor a chance to fully heal, but Craig insisted on working through the pain.

Training for Greatness: Actors Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness Acting Through College and Beyond

In this article, you’ll unlock a stunning training technique that actors keep secret.

Since I’ve been training as a professional actor for over a decade, I have sampled nearly every impressive training technique available. Bringing mindfulness into the life of your performance rejuvenates your senses with the boldness that many seasoned actors crave.

Let’s dive into why actors should try this profound method.

The Benefits of Using Mindfulness When Acting

Why Should Actors Train to Be Mindful?

When we act on stage or for the camera, we embody the actual life of a character. It is your true self that brings life to the character, so it’s important to use what you already know and feel when you create a character.

We use mindfulness to connect with our core beings, and this allows us to ignite the character’s behaviors. When we commit to thrilling actions, we must be completely authentic in order to provide a jaw-dropping performance.

Benefits of Using This Method

Supercharge Your Creativity:

Running out of creative juices is a problem that plagues seasoned acting professionals. Mindfulness is the formula that supercharges the creative powers within each of us.

Mindfulness has helped me express my manifestation of characters without judging everything that my brain creates. I’m free to explore movements and gestures in a safe setting.
Connect With Other Actors:

Although some performances are minimal ones that feature only one actor, many scenes contain parts for multiple people. Directors struggle to keep actors on task and connected to each other. If one actor in the production isn’t doing their job, the entire piece is at risk of crumbling.

Through meditation and practicing mindfulness, I have learned more about myself, and this has helped me build a greater connection with other people.
Remain Present Throughout Performances:

Keeping an audience in their seats and fascinated by a performance is a tall order. However, actors and crew members spend massive amounts of time in the rehearsal process. In order to stun audiences, actors must remain present throughout each authentic performance. Otherwise, the audience might start falling asleep.

Being attentive and aware of each moment has allowed for me to foster an impenetrable connection to other actors during scene work.
Listen With Your Whole Self:

Even if a character isn’t paying attention to the world around them, it’s the actor’s job to be aware of the space and other inhabitants. In order to put on an explosive performance, actors must reach out with their entire beings. Instead of listening with your two ears, you need to take the world in with all of your senses. Imagine you have more ways of gathering information to have a powerful internal life for the character.

Mindfulness teaches us to connect with the stillness that surrounds us. When we listen (like we were able to as children), we are practicing avoiding judging everything that presents itself.

Annette Bening Gives A Strong Performance In Her Film ‘Hope Gap’

“Hope Gap” is a new film starring Annette Bening as an English woman going through a divorce after three decades of marriage. It is set in the small coastal town where she lives, and this is a very scenic location. Bening’s performance is very strong, and she has also gotten positive recognition from critics who point out that, although she is an American, she has been able to use a believable English accent to portray her character.

The end of a marriage

The film starts with Bening’s character and her husband at their seaside home. She grows nervous and apprehensive when her husband invites their grown son to join them, and she is expecting some kind of announcement from her husband. She is still blindsided, however, when he tells her that, after three decades of marriage, he is going to leave her for a younger woman. The viewer knows this is coming because we have seen the husband prepare his goodbye speech beforehand.

The husband says that the marriage has grown lifeless and that he is no longer in love. Bening’s character, for her part, blames him for the stale routine and essentially accuses him of being a bad husband. Afterwards, the husband follows through on his threat and departs.

The protagonist moves forward

Much of the film centers around how Bening’s character copes with divorce in the days after it. For the most part, she does pretty well, but it is a mixed reaction. She acquires a dog, for example, so that she won’t be alone, and this is a good sign, but she names him after her ex-husband, which indicates that she is dwelling too much on the past.

On the positive side, she starts to do volunteer work on a hotline for people who need to talk, and this helps her move forward. At one point, she makes the interesting observation that women who are divorced unexpectedly by their husbands go through much of the same grieving and anguish that widows do, but they aren’t view favorably by society. Again, Bening does a fantastic job of portraying a flawed but sympathetic woman who is coping with a landslide in her personal life.

Husband and son

The departed husband is not as major of a character as Bening’s character. He clearly doesn’t care as much about his marriage as Bening’s character, and when he has the opportunity to bail out, he does. If he regrets this, the viewer doesn’t see it. The son, on the other hand, is disturbed by how callous his father is, and he takes a good look at himself in order to determine if he is the same kind of man.

In conclusion, this is a story focusing on middle-class adults going through a time of crisis. There is nothing unusual about their story, yet the acting and screenwriting are so strong that the viewer is pulled in. Basically, it’s a film about real life and moving forward.

10 Podcasts You Should Be Listening to as an Actor

As podcasts continue to skyrocket in popularity, more and more of these listening entertainment options are hitting the market space each month. The challenging part now is deciding which podcasts are worth the time and effort investment. As a busy actor, you might often feel pressed for time. Here are ten podcasts that actors should check out for both entertainment and informational purposes:

BROADWAY’S BACKBONE

Host Brad Bradley delves deep into the unsung heroes of any Broadway production by interviewing the ensemble cast, chorus members, and dancers that give life to any show.

HOLLYWOOD HUSTLE

With a purpose of inspiring its listeners, this podcast brings the struggles of those in the industry into focus through a series of interviews with those on their way up the career ladder.

THE YOUNG ACTOR’S GUIDE

Hosted by casting director and mom Dana Bowling, this informative podcast is ideal for parents and young kids looking for advice on navigating this often overwhelming yet exciting journey.

HOLLYWOOD CLOSE-UP

This empowering podcast focuses on providing practical advice and inspiration for creating your own career path in this complicated industry.

THEATER PEOPLE

Host Patrick Hinds uses his extensive podcast work experience to bring to light the extraordinary lives of Broadway performers. This show boasts a myriad of full-length interviews with a host of theater legends and Tony Award winners.

IN THE ENVELOPE

Focused on both the big screen and the Broadway stage, this podcast delivers a variety of interviews of some of the most famous names in the business. The inspirational edge will leave listeners feeling like they are not in this alone.

SOUND ADVICE

Hands-down the best podcast for those looking to break into the voiceover market, this show focuses on the current trends and instructional advice for the industry and how you can make the most of any opportunity.

LIVING THE DREAM

Tony-nominated actor Rory O’Malley hosts this light-hearted and funny show about how to keep your cool in this field. O’Malley brings in his acting industry friends to share insights and stories guaranteed to make you smile.

CINEMA AFTER DARK

With a focus on the independent film industry, this podcast looks at this often ignored subset of the field. Host Max Cole uses his expertise in independent filmmaking to bring to light stories from the industry in a way that connects with listeners.

THAT ONE AUDITION WITH ALYSHIA OCHSE

Producer and actress Alyshia Ochse interviews a bevy of Hollywood insiders who reveal their real-life audition stories. This candid and humorous podcast can be counted on to make you laugh while also giving you practical advice about making the most of any audition opportunity.

Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.

15 Famous Actors Who Turned Down Superhero Roles

1. Jon Hamm as Green Lantern

Jon Hamm is a huge fan of superhero movies but bluntly passed on the opportunity to portray Green Lantern in the 2011 film, because he was disappointed with the direction in which the studios were taking them.

2. Tom Cruise as Iron Man

Tom Cruise has praised Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal of Iron Man, saying he was the perfect match for the role of Tony Stark and despite persistent rumors, he was never close to obtaining the part.

3. Matt Damon as Daredevil

Childhood pals Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were both eager for a shot at the main role in “Daredevil.” Damon ultimately ended up passing after getting a look at the subpar script.

4. Kate Beckinsale as Wonder Woman

Although Beckinsale was considered for the role of Diana Prince in “Wonder Woman,” she ultimately declined. She delicately implied the script was lacking and stated her days of wearing skin tight costumes are at an end.

5. Pierce Brosnan as Batman

Before he was enjoying a shaken martini as Bond, Brosnan was offered the role of Batman in the Tim Burton franchise. He mistakenly thought the movie would be a cheesy superhero flick and wanted to take on more serious films.

6. Emily Blunt as Black Widow

This British star regrets having to turn down the part of Black Widow in 2009. She had already committed to “Gulliver’s Travels” with Jack Black.

7. Josh Hartnett as Spider-Man

Early in his career, Hartnett was offered the role of Spider-man. He turned it down due to fear that he would be typecast as a superhero character.

8. Amandla Stenberg as Shuri

Shuri, Princess of Wakanda is a prime role from “Black Panther” turned down by Stenberg after much thought. She felt her skin was too light for the role, and it would detract from the film.

9. Brie Larson as Captain Marvel

Not eager for the limelight this role would bring, Larson turned down the offer to be Captain Marvel in the 2015 film “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” She later had a change of heart and will play the part in 2019.

10. Paul Newman as Lex Luthor

Newman was in good company when he refused a four million dollar offer to play Lex Luthor in the 1978 “Superman” film. Al Pacino, Burt Reynolds and Robert Redford also declined to be in the film.

11. Leonardo DiCaprio as Spider-Man

While DiCaprio does not think the part of Spider-Man would have impacted the trajectory of his career, he felt he was not yet ready to take on the role when it was offered to him by James Cameron.

12. Jessica Chastain as The Wasp

Chastain was very interested in becoming part of a superhero franchise, but when she was offered the role of The Wasp, the amount of screen time was not enough for her.

13. Heath Ledger as Batman

Though Ledger did appear as The Joker in the “Batman” sequel, he originally was not compelled enough by the series to accept the role of Batman.

14. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Star-Lord

Gordon-Levitt would later regret turning down the part of Star-Lord to appear in the unsuccessful “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.”

15. Will Smith as Superman

The 2006 film, “Superman Returns” almost featured Smith in the starring role. He turned it down because he feared fans would be upset at a Superman with darker skin.

Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.

7 Must-Read Books For Actors

Whether you are already an established actor, an actor looking to make a name for themselves in the industry, or just interested in the opinion of other actors, there are several books out there that would behoove you to read. The backgrounds of these books are varied and range in various aspects so there is sure to be something out there for anyone searching. From director to actor, and playwright to teacher, these are books that are sure to have something for everyone looking to hone in on their craft.

1. A Life in Parts

This autobiography by Bryan Cranston essentially acts as a muse and inspiration for the reader. If you are looking to build your career, gain skills to becoming a better actor, and understand the all-around works of acting in general, than this book is for you.

2. An Actor Prepares

This popular book by Constantin Stanislavski is one of the best, known training books for an actor in the world. This is a book published in the mid-1930s that helps lay the groundwork and fundamentals of acting from every standpoint. You are taught the ways of giving a performance that comes off as real and authentic while also understanding how to prepare for the acting world. It is not enough to just act but to also have the mindset of acting. An Actor Prepares helps with that and so much more.

3. The Actor and the Target

This guide by Declan Donnellan speaks from the perspective of a director. It has a sense of practicality and authenticity not normally found from the director’s perspective so it would definitely behoove someone wanting to see that perspective.

4. The Golden Rules of Acting

This book by Andy Nyman conveys a tale of an actor trying to make it in the world and how to best accomplish that. It is about being successful and working hard to attain that dream by any means necessary.

5. Audition

What is interesting about this book is it is by a casting director, Michael Shurtleff Michael Shurtleff has worked on many different plays that most of us have heard of and talks of the atmosphere between his role and that of the actors. It is an interesting spin that many will find interesting and useful.

6. Respect for Acting

This book is a classic that has been around for over 40 years. Written by Uta Hagen, this book gives the perspective of an acting teacher who helps actors develop their craft and understand what is expected of them in the industry.

7. Actions: the Ator’s Thesaurus

This is an interesting book on the rehearsal by Marina Caldarone that goes into the science and technique of what is expected when rehearsing for a role. You are given action words and other verbiage to help with the layout of a rehearsal room and how to nail it the first time around.

Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.

Why It’s Important For Actors to Think On Their Feet

Why It's Important For Actors to Think On Their Feet

“I got your back.”

This phrase has been repeated for years before scenes begin, curtains rise, and audiences hush. It’s a reminder that no matter what happens, even if there’s jitters or someone forgets a line, others will do their best to help keep the story on track.

That’s the power of thinking on your feet or improvisation.

To many actors, this is a powerful creative tool. A way to add personal elements to a story that would otherwise be unseen. Elements that simply cannot be communicated in a script in every detail. In other words, it adds a more imperfect, human touch.

This is why improvisation is so vital to a performance, or to any piece of art. Mistakes will no doubt be made, but if you have a good actor or team, they can literally think their way out of it in real time. They can save the show.

The secret is not to move forward, but backward.

Instead of trying to decide all these details in your head and create a whole world around yourself, start small. Who are you, and who is she? Where are we? What are we trying to accomplish? By asking little questions and playing off of the responses to these questions, actors can create worlds they never knew existed.

In fact, you may be surprised how many famous scenes in movies were actually improvised. Take a look at the sword vs. gun scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Initially, that scene was supposed to be an elaborate sword and whip fight, but due to Harrison Ford getting food poisoning, he quickly pulled his revolver on the villain instead. Some believe this made Indy even more of a rebel than he was before and benefited the scene.

Or the classic line “You talkin’ to me?,” found in Robert De Niro’s performance in Taxi Driver. So memorable and iconic, and very much improvised.

That’s not to say that it’s without effort. While a majority of acting requires the memorization of lines to tell a story, improvisation requires something different: adaptability, creativity, and steady nerves. This is the case whether the actor is working on a blockbuster movie scene with endless retakes or a stage play in front of a crowd of people. This is because directors don’t always stick to the script.

“There are certain times when a whole scene could get added,” says RJ Cyler who co-stars in White Boy Rick alongside Matthew McConaughey. “You need to know it in 30 minutes as if you’ve been rehearsing it for 2 years.”

If this sounds like a challenge, you’d be right.

It goes beyond that though, it’s a war. A battle to meet together and perform a clear vision of the story, true to its original form and spirit. All are fighting to bring their art to life.

This is because, as with any piece of art, the beauty lies in the imperfections.

Logan Sekulow is a successful producer and director. He is known for relaunching the popular studio known as Laugh-O-Gram studios.