Michael Caine in Youth (2015)
"If you can imagine yourself doing anything else, forget it!"
◄ IMDb Polls
Poll: Michael Caine's Advice
After a long and celebrated career, Michael Caine announced his retirement in late 2023. From London working-class background to Hollywood, from playing in widely panned movies such as Jaws 4 to winning two Oscars, from star parts to effective supporting roles, Caine has become one of the most experienced people in the business. He has also been eager to pass down the insights he gained during all these years.
Which piece of advice do you find most valuable to an aspiring actor?
The list is based on a masterclass Caine gave to young actors and the corresponding book "Acting in Film".
Make Your Choice
-
-
Michael Caine in The Italian Job (1969)
(stressing the importance of basic work ethics such as arriving on time) "You have to psych yourself into a good night's sleep, after having arranged a fool proof wake-up call. Rehearse your journey as if it was the first scene in the film." -
Michael Caine
Create an image. (example: "I got myself seen around the 'in' spots, wearing glasses and smoking a cigar. I became known as 'that guy who wears glasses and smokes a cigar'.") -
Michael Caine in Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
Do as many films a year as you can, to get the experience (paraphrased). "If you sit around waiting for 'the big one', when that opportunity finally comes along, you won't be ready for it." -
Morgan Freeman, Alan Arkin, and Michael Caine in Going in Style (2017)
"Steal whatever you see. You can even steal from other actors' characterizations; but if you do, only steal from the best." -
John Wayne and Howard Hawks in Rio Bravo (1959)
"Talk low, talk slow, and don't say much." (originally from John Wayne) -
Michael Caine in Harry Brown (2009)
"People in real life struggle not to show their feelings" [...] "fight against the tears". -
Michael Caine
"Less is more. If you find your wife murdered, and they cut to your close-up, very often you can do a completely blank look. The audience will project their own emotions on your face." -
Michael Caine in The Italian Job (1969)
"Don't blink. Blinking makes your character seem weak." -
Michael Caine and Mia Farrow in Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
"You must be familiar with the whole conversation, not just your own bits. (...) know what you're thinking when you're not talking". -
Sean Connery and Michael Caine in The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
"When you're the off-camera actor, play with the same intensity as when you are visible" (to help the on-camera actor) -
#12
"It's selfish to do a stuntman out of his opportunity". -
Michael Caine at an event for The Double (2013)
"The same standards of reliability, good humor, and punctuality are required for the off-set duties" [such as promoting a movie] -
Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine in Sleuth (1972)
"And never, ever, under any circumstances, shout at anybody who is lower on the ladder than you are."
