Inside the Actors Studio Season 2 Episode 6 Ellen Burstyn

Ellen Burstyn, iconic actress of stage and screen, is the focus of this episode of Inside the Actors Studio. Burstyn, who has won numerous awards for her performances in films such as Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and Requiem for a Dream, discusses her craft with host James Lipton in front of a live audience at Pace University.

The episode begins with Lipton asking Burstyn about her childhood and early life. Burstyn opens up about her tumultuous upbringing, including her mother's struggle with mental illness and her own battle with addiction. She credits her early experiences with giving her a deep well of emotional knowledge, which informs her work as an actor.

Next, Lipton turns to Burstyn's training as an actor. Burstyn describes her experience studying under the legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in New York City. She reflects on the discipline and rigor of Strasberg's method, as well as the powerful emotional connections that could be drawn from it.

Burstyn then delves into her extensive filmography, shedding light on the complex characters she has inhabited over the years. She discusses her approach to preparation and research, and the ways in which she draws from personal experience to inform her performances. Burstyn also shares stories from the sets of some of her most famous films, such as the challenges of working on the emotionally intense Requiem for a Dream.

Throughout the episode, Lipton and Burstyn engage in a deep, reflective conversation about the nature of acting and the role of artists in society. Burstyn speaks passionately about the transformative power of art, and how she sees her work as a way to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

As the show comes to a close, Lipton asks Burstyn to participate in the show's signature questionnaire, which includes questions such as "What is your favorite curse word?" and "What sound or noise do you love?" Burstyn's answers reveal her wit and sense of humor, as well as her deep connection to the world around her.

Overall, Inside the Actors Studio season 2 episode 6, featuring Ellen Burstyn, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of one of America's greatest actors. Burstyn's wisdom and insight into the craft of acting, as well as her commitment to using her talents to make a positive impact on the world, make for an engaging and inspiring viewing experience.