Fran Drescher Interviews Barbra Streisand--SAG 2024 Life Achievement Recipient | Actor to Actor

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2 Mar 202434:15
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TLDRIn this engaging interview, Barbra Streisand discusses her illustrious career, from her start in 'The Nanny' to her directorial achievements, including 'Yentl'. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in acting and shares her passion for philanthropy, highlighting her foundation's impact on nuclear non-proliferation and environmental protection. The conversation reveals Streisand's dedication to her craft and her commitment to making a difference beyond the entertainment industry.

Takeaways
  • 😀 Barbra Streisand expressed her honor and hesitance about watching 'The Nanny' episodes that paid homage to her.
  • 📚 Fran Drescher praised Barbra Streisand's book and audiobook, highlighting its educational value.
  • 🏆 Barbra Streisand emphasized the importance of simplicity in acting and relying on truth in performance.
  • 🎤 Streisand avoids singing competition shows and believes in feeling and telling the story through song.
  • 🎬 She discussed her collaborative experiences with actors and directors, stressing the importance of being in the moment.
  • 👩‍🎓 Streisand reflected on the challenges and successes of directing 'Yentl' and its impact on women in film.
  • 🎥 Streisand shared her appreciation for the increased presence of women directors in recent years, especially in television.
  • 📽️ She recounted working with Lauren Bacall and the importance of capturing authentic performances from actors.
  • 🎭 Streisand described her preference for film over theater due to the flexibility and experimentation it allows.
  • ❤️ Streisand values her philanthropic efforts, particularly her contributions to nuclear disarmament and environmental protection.
Q & A

  • What role did Barbra Streisand play in inspiring the cast of 'The Nanny'?

    -Barbra Streisand inspired the cast of 'The Nanny' to the extent that they paid homage to her in almost every episode.

  • What does Barbra Streisand believe is the most valuable acting lesson she has learned?

    -Barbra Streisand believes that simplicity is the most valuable acting lesson she has learned, highlighting the importance of relaxation and subtlety in performance.

  • How does Barbra Streisand incorporate truth into her performances?

    -Barbra Streisand incorporates truth into her performances by being in the moment and reacting honestly, which she believes the audience can feel.

  • Why does Barbra Streisand not watch singing competition shows?

    -Barbra Streisand does not watch singing competition shows because she does not feel the need to, despite Fran Drescher's enjoyment of them.

  • What was Barbra Streisand's experience working with Robert Redford in 'The Way We Were'?

    -Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford worked compatibly offscreen, both being very observant and reacting in the moment, which translated into their onscreen chemistry.

  • What was Barbra Streisand's process for making 'Yentl'?

    -Barbra Streisand wore many hats during the making of 'Yentl' and faced challenges in getting the movie made, but she enjoyed balancing the budget with the aesthetic aspects of filmmaking.

  • How did Barbra Streisand feel about the portrayal of women in the film industry during her early career?

    -Barbra Streisand felt that women were often underestimated and objectified in the film industry, and she strived to break those barriers through her work.

  • What are some of the differences Barbra Streisand noticed in the representation of women in film and television?

    -Barbra Streisand noticed that television opened up more opportunities for women directors, and there has been an increase in the number of women directing movies in recent years.

  • How does Barbra Streisand approach directing actors to achieve her vision?

    -Barbra Streisand approaches directing actors by understanding and loving them, encouraging them to speak from their truth and delivering honest performances.

  • What does Barbra Streisand consider important in her legacy?

    -Barbra Streisand considers her films, records, book, and philanthropy, particularly her efforts against nuclear proliferation and for women's rights and environmental protection, as important parts of her legacy.

Outlines
00:00
🎭 Acting and Simplicity in Art

The conversation begins with an appreciation of Barbra Streisand's impact on the entertainment industry and her recent book, which is praised for its depth and accompanying audio book. The discussion shifts to her upcoming SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, emphasizing her long-standing membership and contributions. Barbra shares her most valuable acting lesson—simplicity, which involves finding power in stillness and authentic human reactions, a lesson she learned early in her acting classes. The conversation also touches on the importance of being truthful in performances and the uniqueness of live singing where the character's emotions dictate the delivery, rather than replicating a previous performance.

05:03
🎬 The Art of Listening and Reacting in Acting

This paragraph delves into the importance of listening and reacting organically in acting, with Barbra sharing an anecdote about an unresponsive co-star. The conversation moves to her experience working with Bob Redford in 'The Way We Were,' highlighting their shared approach to staying in character and reacting authentically. The dialogue also covers Barbra's observations on the lack of female directors and her experiences with gender biases in the industry. She reflects on her directorial role in 'Yentl,' discussing the challenges.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡SAG Lifetime Achievement Award
The SAG Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor given by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to recognize outstanding career achievements in acting. In the video, Barbra Streisand is being honored with this award, signifying her long and successful career in the entertainment industry.
💡Simplicity in Acting
Simplicity in acting refers to the idea that less is more, focusing on subtle and authentic expressions rather than exaggerated performances. Barbra Streisand emphasizes this concept, sharing how simplicity can make a character more fascinating and relatable, as seen through her experience in acting classes.
💡Truth in Performance
Truth in performance is about delivering an authentic and honest portrayal of a character, making the audience feel the genuineness of the emotions. Streisand discusses how being truthful in acting and singing helps in connecting with the audience, as she always tries to stay in the moment and feel the lyrics she is performing.
💡Women in Film
Women in film refers to the involvement and recognition of female professionals in the movie industry. The video highlights Barbra Streisand's contributions as a director and producer, particularly with her groundbreaking work on 'Yentl,' which took 15 years to make and challenged gender norms in filmmaking.
💡Yentl
Yentl is a film directed, produced, and starred in by Barbra Streisand, about a Jewish girl who disguises herself as a boy to receive an education. The movie is notable for its themes of gender and identity, and Streisand's persistence in bringing this story to the screen reflects her determination and vision as a filmmaker.
💡Philanthropy
Philanthropy refers to the act of promoting the welfare of others, typically through charitable donations and initiatives. Barbra Streisand discusses her commitment to philanthropy, highlighting her foundation's efforts in areas such as nuclear non-proliferation, women's rights, and environmental protection.
💡Acting Techniques
Acting techniques encompass various methods and approaches actors use to develop and portray their characters. Streisand mentions techniques such as relaxation exercises and being in the moment, which she learned early in her career and found crucial for delivering authentic performances.
💡Directing
Directing involves overseeing the artistic and dramatic aspects of a film or production, guiding actors and crew to fulfill the director's vision. Streisand shares her experiences as a director, discussing how she balances artistic vision with practical considerations, such as budget constraints, to achieve the desired outcome.
💡Vulnerability in Acting
Vulnerability in acting is the willingness to expose one's inner emotions and insecurities, making the performance more genuine and relatable. Streisand talks about the importance of being vulnerable on stage and how it allows actors to connect more deeply with their characters and the audience.
💡Listening and Reacting
Listening and reacting are essential skills in acting, where performers must respond authentically to their co-actors' lines and actions. Streisand emphasizes the importance of these skills, sharing anecdotes about working with actors who didn't listen and how it impacted the organic flow of the scene.
Highlights

Barbra Streisand discusses her early hesitations about watching 'The Nanny,' despite the show's homage to her.

Streisand shares her favorite acting lesson: simplicity and finding 'something in nothing,' learned from a non-charismatic classmate.

The value of truth in performance: Streisand emphasizes the importance of honesty in acting, relating it to her experiences in both singing and acting.

The unique process behind Streisand's audiobook, including threading music appropriate to each chapter, and its significant length of 48 hours.

Barbra Streisand discusses the importance of being in the moment during performances and how this approach affects her singing style.

The challenges Streisand faced as a female director in a male-dominated industry, particularly highlighted in her work on 'Yentl.'

Streisand's ability to balance financial constraints with creative vision during film production, as exemplified by her budgeting on 'Yentl.'

Barbra Streisand reflects on the changing roles of women in the film industry, noting the significant increase in female directors in recent years.

Streisand recounts her experience working with Lauren Bacall on 'The Mirror Has Two Faces' and the techniques she used to capture Bacall's authentic performance.

The impact of Streisand's detailed research into the early women filmmakers while making 'Yentl,' and her resulting documentary on the subject.

Streisand's explanation of the balance between comedy and drama in storytelling, emphasizing that both elements often coexist in real life.

Streisand's insights into leveraging insecurities as an actor, viewing them as part of the necessary vulnerability for genuine performance.

The importance of examining dreams as a window into the unconscious mind, as described by Streisand through her personal experiences.

Streisand's reflections on her philanthropy work, especially her efforts against nuclear proliferation and her environmental advocacy.

The respect and creative freedom Streisand received from her early collaborators, which helped shape her approach to directing and filmmaking.

Transcripts

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Barbra StreisandActing InsightsCareer RetrospectiveMusic IconFilm DirectorAcademy AwardsWomen in FilmArtistic VisionPhilanthropy WorkCultural Impact