Actors Monologues

(Warning, some of these videos are in the process of being uploaded so are currently unavailable for viewing.)

The following monologues were produced by myself with actor Stevie Helps:

A Midsummer Nights Dream

This first monologue is an edited dialogue scene taken from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream. In order to set the scene for this piece we provided a contemporary setting in Salford and decided to use the camera as a replacement for Helena. During the speech, Demetrius tries to avidly explain that he is not in love with her. As Demetrius (Stevie) moves about in the shot, I decided to track him along hand held, giving the scene a realism and intimacy that the scene lacks within the play itself. 

Whilst the play itself is a farcical comedy, our interpretation and monologue recording is a more down to earth tragedy. 




Fireman - A 'Shameless' Monologue

Filmed in a tight (almost claustrophobic) location, the monologue is pot boiler. It begins with an almost  timid confrontation, and builds up to an emotional outpouring crescendo. Unlike the previous monologue, the shot is static. The tension is therefore held in the scene threefold: the tension produced by the deep seated anger, the claustrophobic location and the stillness of the frame itself.  




Konstantin's Monologue - The Seagull by Anton Chekhov

Another intense and character driven piece here, this one however is filmed from above looking down on an ashamed and bitter character. Withe the camera angle emphasising the insecurity of the character in this performance.

 

'I Love My Wife' Monologue - Version 1

With the first version of this monologue, I decided to record the action in a very close, conversational manner.  As the emotional intensity of the scene begins to build, we find ourselves feeling sympathetic for the conflicted soul of the character in the piece.


Joey's Story - From 'Road' by Jim Cartwright

This monologue is something of an experimental short. In it, myself and Stevie attempted to go into the mind of this character and represent it visually as well as emotionally, as you would do in recording a more traditional monologue. There was a strong collaborative element to this short piece. At times, I would recommend an experiment with different lenses or camera angles and Stevie would likewise go back and forth with his own suggestions.

I Love My Wife' Monologue - Version 2

The second recording of this monologue has a much more open and free flowing nature to it. With this version having been recorded outside (in a large open space) there is an interesting parallel applied, between the personal revelation of the repressed emotions and the freeing and expansive nature around him. The choice of camera movement as well, with it's free flowing handheld style, also adds to the slow emotional revelation.