Samuel L Jackson Masterclass Review

You’ve probably seen him in a few major franchises, like the second “Star Wars” trilogy, where he plays Mace Windu, or the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he plays Nick Fury, the guy that brings together the whole AVENGERS Initiative.

Who can forget the gun-toting private investigator, Shaft? On top of that, he did voice-overs for popular animated characters such as Frozone with his iconic “Honey, where’s my super suit” line.

That’s right. The timeless and talented Samuel L. Jackson is everywhere. And what a privilege it is to have a MasterClass from the man himself, a top working actor, to teach acting. So, if you’re looking for acting tips through a convenient and affordable platform, this Samuel L Jackson MasterClass review is definitely for you.

About MasterClass

Before we get to know Samuel L Jackson, let’s talk about MasterClass – an online learning platform that offers access to video lessons taught by some of the world’s most successful professionals.

The platform’s unique proposition is that it provides users with an immersive learning experience by allowing them to see and hear the instructors as they teach the material.

The platform offers courses in various subjects, including business, creative arts, entrepreneurship, and more. 

In addition to the video lessons, each course also includes access to a community of like-minded learners, resources, and support from the instructor. With its focus on providing an immersive and personal learning experience, MasterClass is uniquely positioned to help users achieve their full potential.

Who is Samuel L. Jackson?

Samuel L. Jackson is an American actor and film producer. Jackson began his career in the early 1970s, appearing in minor roles on stage and television. He is a highly respected figure in Hollywood, and his work has earned him numerous nominations and awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA Award. 

His breakthrough came with the film GoodFellas (1990), after which he went on to star in several commercially successful films. Jackson has had roles in many popular films, such as Pulp Fiction (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Unbreakable (2000), Shaft (2000), and The Incredibles (2004). In recent years, Jackson has also been involved in advocacy work, campaigning for greater diversity in Hollywood.

He is an outspoken critic of racism in the entertainment industry and has used his platform to call for more opportunities for people of color.

Overview of the Class

In Jackson’s class, he offers an intimate look at his craft, sharing the lessons he’s learned over his decades in the business. The course itself is around five hours with 21 videos in total.

How to Create Convincing Characters

Case Studies

How to Audition Successfully

Jackson begins by discussing the importance of preparation within the context of a role and, more broadly, life. He stresses that actors must know their lines inside and out to be truly present at the moment. This attention to detail also allows for spontaneity and improvisation when the situation calls for it.

How to Create Convincing Characters

Jackson delves into the art of character creation, offering helpful exercises for developing a rich and three-dimensional character. He believes that every actor’s choice should serve the larger purpose of bringing their character to life. By fully committing to the role, actors can create a truly transformative experience for themselves and the audience.

Case Studies 

Throughout the course, Jackson uses several case studies to illustrate his points. Some of these cases are from his popular movies, such as the case study on “The Caveman’s Valentine.” Jackson analyzes his characterization process and performance as Romulus, a prodigal but homeless schizophrenic concert pianist.

How to Audition Successfully

Many aspiring actors have admired Jackson’s acting career and dreamed of one day landing a role in one of his films. However, they may not realize that Jackson had to endure hundreds of auditions before finally landing his big break.

In his MasterClass, Jackson teaches aspiring actors how to improve their chances of success in auditions. One of the things he emphasizes is the importance of preparation. Jackson explains that you need to know your material by heart to focus on the other aspects of your performance. 

He also advises actors to be aware of their body language and to make sure that they are projecting confidence. Following Jackson’s advice, aspiring actors can increase their chances of impressing casting directors and landing their desired roles.

In general, expect to come out with the following key takeaways from this MasterClass:

Speak with your unique voice and create a character that is all yours.

Be a team player and get along with directors, castmates, and crew.

Establish characters that will make an impact and be remembered.

Express emotion through your voice and body language.

Elevate and find your career as an actor.

Pros & Cons

Pros
An up-close look at Jackson’s methods and philosophy when it comes to acting
Learn from one of Hollywood’s top actors
Solid workbook, great for the note-taking types
Includes helpful exercises for developing characters
Excellent support system with access to a lively group of users and practitioners dissecting and discussing what they learned from the MasterClass

Cons
The lesson is from the successful actor’s point of view, so don’t expect anything about technical theory
The approach may be a bit advanced at times, prompting challenges in following along
Tackled fewer examples or cases during the course
Lack of actual on-set footage of Samuel L. Jackson acting behind the scenes
It’s not for the super beginner as there is no introduction to the basics of acting

Who is This Class For?

While anyone can take the class, it will benefit a few specific cases. This class is ideal for:

• Aspiring or working actors wanting to learn from one of the best in the business
• Ideal for radio, TV, or movie actors looking to elevate their current capabilities more than trying to learn the basics
• Actors who are looking for ways to improve their success at auditions
• Anyone interested in acting or film

How Much Does This Class Cost?

You can take Samuel L. Jackson’s acting MasterClass regardless of your subscription plan. Right now, MasterClass offers three plans – Individual, Duo, and Family. 

It costs $120 (which comes to $10 a month) for the Individual package. It gives you access to the classes on one device at a time. The Duo is available at $180 annually and allows for two devices to simultaneously access content. Finally, there’s the Family option at $240, where up to six users can access the content. Perfect for getting the whole family to watch training videos based on their interests.

Users’ Experience 

Reviews for Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass are overwhelmingly positive, with students appreciating the wealth of knowledge and tips imparted by the Hollywood icon.

Many feel that the class is suitable for aspiring and working actors and offers excellent value for the price. Some reviewers found the class a bit challenging to follow at times but overall found it immensely helpful in developing their acting skills.

Some negative comments on this MasterClass are mostly with misplaced expectations, meaning what they were looking for was not delivered in this course. Also, some disappointment was due to the lack of on-set footage of Jackson acting. So if you expect an introduction to the basics of acting, this is not the course for you.

Users believe this class provides great value for anyone looking to learn from a Hollywood actor. If you are willing to put in the work, Samuel L. Jackson’s Masterclass is sure to offer valuable insights into the craft of acting.

Final Conclusion About Samuel L Jackson Masterclass Review

Overall, this acting MasterClass is an excellent opportunity to learn from one of Hollywood’s top actors.

It’s rare for top-notch celebrities to share their secret sauce to success, and Samuel L. Jackson does just that. And to highlight a critical point, this class is suitable for aspiring and working actors and offers helpful exercises for developing characters. While the class can be challenging at times, users have found it immensely helpful in improving their acting skills.

If you fit the bill of an aspiring actor or actress looking for more success in your auditions, taking this MasterClass should be an absolute no-brainer.

Frequently Asked Questions