I'll begin by saying who this book is
useful for: it is most useful for beginning actors with a bit of knowledge in acting
as well as seasoned actors who are looking to freshen up their
technique. A beginning actor might be more open to Guskin's view on
acting or not acting, but that can only come if some studies about technique have been made. Then, Guskin's ideas on acting can be truly appreciated.
Once you are familiar with a few acting techniques and if you have studied some, then it helps to read this incredible book which gives you sound advice on how to approach working on your craft. Guskin's view on how to be an effective performer and not act might be something others aren't used to. But the best thing is that he advises you to have no structure, let go of the tools you learned or read about, and just be yourself, trust yourself and work from your instincts. He claims that only then will your acting be truthful, surprising to the audience and even to you.
He shares with you many examples from his coaching lessons with great actors such as Kevin Kline, Glenn Close and Christopher Reeves. He even gives you suggestions on what monologues and scenes to work on, how to work on them specifically and how progressing through them can help you become a better actor.
If you don't know what monologues to choose and you are a beginner actor when it comes to auditioning, you will find this book very useful. If you have no idea what is happening on the set of a film, Harold walks you through the main differences between theater and film and how to get over the stumbling blocks of each.
His book is detailed and comprises almost every situation possible and almost any question you had lurking in your mind. He gives you the answers straight on, simple, effective, words of wisdom that you can take with you anywhere.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by studying acting techniques and not knowing which one works for you, this book will be a revelation. Guskin tells you to forget it all and have fun! His technique of working off the page keeps you in the moment, aware and free to make any choices, as many choices as you can during rehearsal and performance. If Guskin were to sum it up, he would say that you can be a great actor without ever acting!