Marco Agnolucci’s scholastic history is impressive, indeed.
The native New Yorker received his BA in Comparative Literature and Film History and Theory at the American University of Paris, prior to receiving an Advanced Filmmaking Graduate Diploma at the New York Film Academy in London.
He’s now studying for his Master in Fine Arts (Acting) from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.
But some of the most memorable lessons didn’t come from his professors. Instead, they were shared by the parade of Oscar winners who routinely visit campus.
Agnolucci recalls the best of the best with WWTW:
WWTW: Which artists surprised you – either by their candor or how they might have been different from their public image?
MA: Several Inside the Actors Studio guests surprised me over the last three years. Dave Chappelle for his brutal honesty. He is probably the most down to earth and sincere person to set foot on our stage. Josh Brolin for his dedication and perseverance in learning the acting craft and seeking out quality films. He is now working with the best actors and directors out there. Danny DeVito for his multi-talented and versatile filmography. He is a successful actor, filmmaker, and producer, with a captivating persona and an extremely broad film knowledge. Last but certainly not least, Hilary Swank. She mesmerized me. She is a sweet yet thick-skinned woman whose work ethic is unparalleled. She is a remarkable actress, and after two Oscars she is more humble and disciplined than anybody out there.
WWTW: As an actor, does your approach to your craft mirror that of one of your campus guests? What did he or she say about acting that impressed you?
MA: Comparing myself to one of these established professional artists would be an enormous stretch and unfair to them. I am only at the beginning of my career.
Yes, James Cameron impressed me when he said: “always make time to be emotionally present. Stay open.” I find that to be vital in life as well as in acting. To be emotionally present is to be in the moment and to be vulnerable and sensitive to the feelings of others. As an artist I am in constant search for the truth and therefore I must constantly remain aware, always observing the world around me with infinite curiosity.
WWTW: Did any one piece of advice stand out to you … and have you been able to put it into use yet?
MA: Every word Hilary Swank uttered was a hidden treasure for me, especially the following. She said, more or less, that we all, as people, have something that we physically do. We all have our own mannerisms. Put your character’s shoes on. The walk of a character tells a lot about a person. Eliminate your physical habits and figure out why your characters have their mannerisms. Does your character live from a, or out of a, body part?
I could not agree with her more. As an actor I love to transform myself. As every character has a different inner life the outer life is just as important for me. Physicality tells a lot about a person: their habits, their likes and dislikes, and so forth. I believe that all my characters should be unique in their physicality otherwise what’s the point; I’ll just have myself go up there every time and read my lines which would result in my characters never coming to life.
WWTW: Is there a quality the actors had in common, something about their approach to acting or their personalities, that you thought united them?
MA: They are all tremendously hard working people. Every one of them has a different approach to their work. Some of them are more abstract in their approach, others more scientific. Whether they are stand-up comedians, writers, actors, directors, or talk show hosts they all busted their backs to get where they are today. Sacrifice is a common trait amongst them and in order to express themselves and do what they love they had to compromise some other part of their lives.
WWTW: How important is it to have feedback from world-class artists in building your own skills?
MA: It is always reassuring to hear other artists tell you not to give up and to never stop believing in your dreams. I have come away with hours of inspiring advice from the Inside the Actors Studio tapings. However, I am a firm believer in myself. I know that if I don’t believe in myself then nobody will ever believe in me. I don’t believe in miracles but rather hard work mixed with will, talent, and perseverance. If I want something I need to earn it through my own blood and sweat. That’s the best advice I have ever been given. My parents taught me that.
(Photo: Aspiring actor Marco Agnolucci)
Related posts:
- James Cameron’s tips for a young playwright: Don’t write for critics
- WWTW Interview: Acting teacher Cheryl Rhoads
- WWTW Interview: Catherine Mary Stewart – Part II
- WWTW interview: ‘New Moon’ co-star Charlie Bewley – Part II
- WWTW Interview: ‘Princess and the Frog’ animators Randy Haycock and Bruce Smith
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