Cool Videos: Retro Michael Caine acting class

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

More than fifteen years ago I went to film school and during that time was subjected to a horrendous amount of truly awful videos that seemed to take the craft of filmmaking backwards.  Aside from being exposed to some of the classics that built the industry, there was an endless tirade of “how to” videos we were forced to watch, but one of them always stood out as both hilarious and compelling at the same time.

Enter: Michael Caine.  Arguably one of the greatest actors of all time, Caine took his craft to the “how-to” market for a short piece on “Acting,” where he engaged six actors on the ins and outs of the craft with his very own trade secrets.  I remember wondering if it was supposed to be serious or funny.  The part where Caine is discussing which eye he “watches” is particularly hilarious (about the 4 min. mark). 

Caine has worked consistently throughout his career and made himself even more well known to the next generation with his performance as Alfred in Christopher Nolan’s Batman films.  There’s no denying that he’s a great actor, I’m just not sure he’s the best guy to teach it.  Regardless, it’s a fun watch.

Don’t blink:

Michael Caine can currently be seen onscreen in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.