Creating a Character: The Moni Yakim Legacy
1h 15m
Directed by Rauzer Alexander • Documentary • With Oscar Isaac, Laura Linney, Michael Stuhlbarg • 2019 • 76 minutes
What do Jessica Chastain, Kevin Kline, Viola Davis and Anthony Mackie all have in common? They are but a few of the extraordinary actors who have studied under the renowned acting teacher Moni Yakim at Juilliard, America's greatest performing arts school.
Born in Jerusalem, Moni was a principal performer with Marcel Marceau's mime company before becoming a director and teacher. Creating a Character takes us inside the drama classes where Moni and his wife Mina pour their love and passion into preparing the next generation of actors for the spotlight. Insightful interviews with luminaries including Oscar Isaac, Laura Linney and Michael Stuhlbarg provide the context in the creation of this unique and inspiring portrait of the master teacher - the sole remaining founder of Juilliard’s legendary Drama Division.
"Pulls back the curtain...revealing the methods of one of theater's most renowned movement masters. An intelligent, well-executed documentary." —Los Angeles Times