Creating a Character: The Moni Yakim Legacy

Released Jun 19, 2020

1 hr. 16 min.

Documentary

Biography

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90%

10 Reviews

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What do Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Patti LuPone and Alex Sharp have in common? They are but a few of the extraordinary actors who have studied under Moni Yakim at Juilliard, America's greatest performing arts school. With interviews with Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie and Kevin Kline, this compelling portrait of the master teacher--the sole remaining founder of the school's legendary Drama Division--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.

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Audience Member

A fascinating look at one of Juilliard's founders and inspiring teachers. His history was beautifully done with archival footage and the mime scenes within the doc we're beautifully done and touching. Moni's pieces of wisdom combined with the discussion from some of his top/most well-known students were inspiring and exciting. A must-watch for any theatre and screen actors.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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Rauzar Alexander

Director

Laura Linney

Self

Anthony Mackie

Self

Kevin Kline

Self

Alma Har'el

Producer

Kali Wilder

Producer

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Michael Ordoña

Los Angeles Times

[Yakim's] methods remain fascinating after all these years, but Alexander also lucks into a parallel story that couldn't have been planned and that succinctly conveys the value of Yakim's teaching.

Jul 15, 2020

Full Review

David Rooney

Hollywood Reporter

There's considerable insight here into the rigors of training at the prestigious academy, and admiring reflections from a number of the subject's famous former students...

Jun 15, 2020

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

The classroom scenes are mesmerizing in their beauty

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Aug 30, 2020

Full Review

Kenneth R. Morefield

1More Film Blog

When the documentary takes us into the classroom ... we begin to understand that there is a purpose behind these exercises.

Rated: 2.5/4

Aug 16, 2020

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Sarah Ward

AWFJ.org

Nothing about Yakim adheres to a simple script, as Creating a Character demonstrates again and again.

Jun 23, 2020

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Mark Dujsik

Mark Reviews Movies

Creating a Character: The Moni Yakim Legacy doesn't go far enough for us to admire the actual theory and process of the man's teaching.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jun 19, 2020

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Synopsis

What do Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Patti LuPone and Alex Sharp have in common? They are but a few of the extraordinary actors who have studied under Moni Yakim at Juilliard, America's greatest performing arts school. With interviews with Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie and Kevin Kline, this compelling portrait of the master teacher--the sole remaining founder of the school's legendary Drama Division--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.

Director: Rauzar Alexander
Executive Producer: Jessica Chastain, Anthony Mackie, Will Staeger, Michael Antinoro
Distributor: First Run Features
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 19, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 19, 2020

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