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"シーンのために20テイクをしなければならないとき、それが少し過剰になると思います。"

Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell Actor
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When you find yourself doing 20 takes for a single scene, it's probably overkill. The essence of this thought is pretty straightforward—sometimes, pushing for perfection can backfire, leading to diminishing returns. The core idea here is all about balance and knowing when to say "enough." It's about recognizing the fine line between dedication and obsession, and understanding that sometimes, good is good enough.

Imagine you're making a movie. It's a creative process, sure, but it's also one packed with practical constraints like time and money. You want the best performance out of your actors, so you keep asking them to repeat the scene. By the time you hit that 20th take, though, what are you really getting? Often, it's not a better performance—it's a tired one, possibly even worse than the first few tries. This concept might have been voiced by a seasoned director or actor who has experienced the grind of film production firsthand. They know that seeking endless perfection can drain the energy and spontaneity from a performance.

Take the example of Stanley Kubrick, a legendary director known for his meticulous nature. During the filming of "The Shining," he famously made Shelley Duvall repeat a scene 127 times. Yes, 127! While Kubrick’s dedication to his craft is undeniable, the toll it took on Duvall was significant. She ended up exhausted and emotionally drained, and some critics argue that the scene didn't necessarily improve after so many takes. This is a classic case of pushing the envelope too far.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Whether you’re working on a big project at work, practicing a hobby, or even just tidying up around the house, it's crucial to strive for a balance. Sure, aim to do your best, but recognize when your efforts are no longer productive. If you find yourself stuck in a loop, endlessly tweaking and never finishing, it’s time to step back. Ask yourself, "Is this extra effort really making a difference?"

Let's say you’re preparing a presentation. You’ve gone through it a dozen times, refining your slides and practicing your speech. But on the 15th run-through, you're still nitpicking tiny details. At some point, further revisions aren't making your presentation better—they're just making you more anxious. This is where you need to trust your preparation and let it go.

Now, picture this: You're in a coffee shop with a friend. They’re stressing about a report they’re writing, constantly editing and revising. You can see the bags under their eyes, the tension in their shoulders. You tell them, "Look, you've put in the work. It’s solid. At some point, you’ve got to let it be." They nod, maybe a little reluctantly, but you see the relief start to creep in. They know you’re right. They just needed someone to remind them that perfection is an illusion and that their best is already more than good enough.

In the end, it’s about trusting yourself and your abilities. Remember, sometimes the pursuit of perfection can strip away the very essence of what makes something special. So, next time you’re tempted to overdo it, take a deep breath, step back, and appreciate the beauty in your imperfect, yet perfectly good, work.
Related tags
Acting Cinema Film industry Film production Filmmaking Movie scenes On set
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