I watched Soylent Green last night.
Did you know that Edward G. Robinson was dying during that film?
Bladder cancer. He died nineteen days after shooting completed.
The pain and anguish that Charleton Heston had as Thorn wasn’t just acting.
It was real.
He was suffering because his friend… his mentor… his colleague was also suffering.
The death scene was, literally, Robinson’s death scene.
If you ever need a boost in your performance, look someone you love in the eye.
And remember: one day, possibly soon, they will be dead.
When the pain becomes too great to bear, roll film.