Method Acting

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Method acting is an acting technique in which actors try to replicate in real life the emotional conditions under which the character operates, an effort to create a life like, realistic performance. "The Method" typically refers to the generic practice of actors drawing on their own emotions, memories, and experiences to influence their portrayals of characters. was an American director, actor, producer, and acting teacher
 

Konstantin Stanislavski, (1863-1938) Who pioneered idea and called it the "Method of Physical Action" it was purely based on "recollection of emotion". Actor was suppose to act in given circumstances, the exercise of the imagination, and the use of physical action. But few thing were modified from this method by Lee Strasberg  mainly evolvement to rely on Physical Action inducing feelings and emotions

"Method Acting" name was given by  Lee Strasberg between 1940 and 1950.

Lee Strasberg was an American director, actor, producer, and acting teacher

Strasberg's students included many of America's most famous actors of the 20th century, including Paul Newman, Al Pacino, James Dean, Dustin Hoffman, Marilyn Monroe and many others.

Lee Strasberg suggestion to the Students and theater film performers was "try not to act, be yourself, use gesture in a manner that you use in private life".

Some consider Method acting difficult to teach. because of a common misconception that there is a single "method." Stanislavski himself changed his method constantly and dramatically over the course of his career. This made it hard to teach a single method. In general, however, method acting combines a careful consideration of the psychological motives of the character and some sort of personal identification with and possibly the reproduction of the character's emotional state in a realistic way.

Those trained by Strasberg often tried to experience all sensations as the character would and often used personal experience on stage and films to identify with the emotional life of the character and portray it.

Some useful links where you can know more about Method Acting.

http://www.moderntimes.com/palace/method.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_acting