I have used Bruce before in cold readings. He knows what he’s talking about and he always brings something active, something alive to the reading, no matter what the role. Thanks to Nancy McClernan at nyc playwrights for producing this video. What he’s saying: if you don’t get the reading you expect, don’t blame the actor. Look to the writing. Also – some actors can be great in the cold reading and bring nothing further to the performance, and the other way around. It’s a tricky business.

The repetition of that phrase frames this scene that ends of course with Iago’s vow of double knavery against The Moor. I can watch Branagh over and over as Iago or Hamlet. He goes to so many levels, dances and descends, and always seems to be in the moment, reacting to Roderigo as his weaknesses become apparent, as the moment develops, like a true sociopath, always fixated on the objective that is buried deep, protected.