Jessica Alba says good actors don’t need scripts
By Tribute on November 9, 2010 | 10 Comments
It seems that Jessica Alba, who will be appearing in the upcoming Little Fockers movie over the holiday season, is pondering her career choices, or rather the quality of Hollywood screenwriters.
Alba recently told Elle Magazine that good actors don’t need to use scripts. Alba told Elle: “Good actors never use the script unless it’s amazing writing. All the good actors I’ve worked with, they all say whatever they want to say.”
In response to Alba’s comment, writer John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Big Fish) quickly replied to her comment. August replied: “I have to believe she was misquoted, or excerpted in some unflattering way. Oh, Jessica. Where to start? Following your logic, you’ve never been in a movie with both good actors and amazing writing. That may be true, but it might hurt the feelings of David Wain, Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller. Screenwriters can be your best friends. We are pushovers for attractive people who pay attention to us. I wrote that bathtub scene in ‘Big Fish’ because Jessica Lange made brief eye contact with me. So if you’re not getting great writing — and honestly, you’re not — ask to have lunch with the screenwriter. I’ve seen you on interviews. You’re charming. That charm could work wonders.”
Do you think Alba went too far with her comment or that she was misquoted?
Comments & Discussion
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well said John August lol
I would like to think she was mis-quoted as that is not a particularly bright comment….writing is eveything.
Shes clearly talking about comedic actor or she was mis-quoted. If the actors didn’t follow the script the movie wouldn’t make sense. They can’t just make up there lines…..
Good point Chris – she doesn’t mention which kind of acting she’s referring to – it would make sense with improv comedy obviously, but I would think that great writing is essential in other areas, like drama…
Here, here!! Omg I hope she was misquoted. So what about theatre actors. I’m pretty sure someone performing Shakespear or other well-known plays might want to follow the lines.
such a noob
you’re beautiful but such a noob
So I guess Jessica Alba uses a script? haha
Good point, C-Dub!
LOL She has a very good point. Great actors like Anthony Hopkins, De Niro, Pacino, Jodi Foster, Oldmen etc do not need to follow per se the script… Method actors rarely do. So in her defense she has a great point The guide lines of the script are followed but word for word is not recommended un-less improtant or well written. It’s unfortunate that even great script writers don��t know how to write cuz they don’t use the Methodology to bring Life to the screen through the script. Many times the script is very mechanical so it is the actors Job to bring the truth and reality to the screen through Improv and or emotion. Hollywood needs to recognize Acting as Acting and not Mechanical Acting or physical acting based on looks and skill. Then this industry would be more profound and we would have more great movies and unforgettable performances. Not to say that there isn’t any. Gary Oldman Bram Stoker’s Dracula Opening Scene. Many do well 🙂