Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass Review:
Transforming Aspiring Actors into Compelling Performers
Last updated on: June 29, 2023, Written by:
Bill Tremlon
Just a heads up, whenever possible, I use affiliate links in my reviews to help cover the costs of running this site. You can learn more here.
Aspiring actors find it challenging to develop convincing acting skills. Traditional classes are expensive, overpacked, and the instructors aren’t that good themselves. Luckily, there is a great alternative – learning the craft from one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. Samuel L. Jackson, a legendary Hollywood icon, reveals the secrets behind his own acting work in a well-structured MasterClass.
Like the rest of the MasterClasses, Jackson’s acting MasterClass is packed with valuable content and practical advice. He teaches acting by explaining how to bring characters to life and shares his experiences while doing so. Through this Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass review, we will shed light on why the course is worth exploring for anyone passionate about acting.
Contents
Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass Outline
Taking Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass was an interesting experience. The course stands out for its incredible depth, offering glimpses into Jackson’s creative process. With valuable lessons varied from character building to on-set collaboration, the MasterClass is a goldmine for anyone serious about acting. Jackson’s energetic teaching style and practical advice make this MasterClass unforgettable.
Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass Review In a Nutshell
| ⭐ Rating: | 8.9 ★★★★★ |
| 🥇 Category of class: | Arts & Entertainment |
| 📈 Suits best for: | Aspiring Actors |
| 🕒 Lenght: | 4 hours 59 minutes |
| ⏳ Avg. Lesson Duration | 15 minutes |
| 🛍️ Course Essentials: | Enthusiasm to elevate your acting craft |
| 💼 Complementary material: | a 56-page class guide |
| 📚 No. of Lessons: | 21 lessons |
| 🛒 Payment options: | Individual / Duo / Family |
| 💵 Price: | 10 – 20 $ (billed annually) |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day satisfaction guarantee |
| 🎁 Free trial: | ✅ |
Main Skills You’ll Learn
- Fundamentals of character development;
- Developing unique character voices and body language;
- Different ways to perform on screen as a character;
- Creating a rich history for your character;
- Finding strong relationships and code of conduct on sets;
- Auditioning for roles.
Is Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass For Me?
This course is perfect for any performer pursuing a career in acting. Whether you are just starting or looking to enhance your skills, the valuable insights and techniques offered in Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass will be helpful for you while performing diverse characters on screen.
Our Evaluation
Total score: 8.9
PROS
CONS
In This Samuel L. Jackon’s MasterClass
Review, You’ll Learn
Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass Teacher Review
Meet Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson is an accomplished actor with vast experience. In his decades-long career, Jackson has showcased his versatility and talent across a wide range of roles. From his iconic performances in movies like “Pulp Fiction” to his memorable characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and elsewhere, he has established himself as one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.
Jackson’s work has garnered numerous accolades, notably a BAFTA and an Academy Award nomination. But the first major award he received recognition for was for his role in Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever.” The jury created a nomination for the best supporting actor just for him at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival.
Since then, Jackson began to rise to fame. His deep-seated passion for acting matched with his extensive expertise, makes him the perfect guide for anyone wishing to delve into acting. This masterclass is a gateway to absorbing wisdom from this Hollywood luminary.
Samuel L. Jackson as a Teacher
Samuel L. Jackson proves to be an engaging and captivating instructor throughout his MasterClass. Despite not having formal teaching experience, his passion for acting shines through in every lesson, creating a compelling and dynamic learning experience. His vivid storytelling ability is sure to keep you engaged.
Jackson compensates for his lack of teaching background with the depth of his practical knowledge, drawing from his extensive career in acting. He provides real-life examples and shares personal anecdotes that enhance the relevance and relatability of his lessons, creating a worthwhile learning experience for all.
About MasterClass
Since 2015, MasterClass brings 180+ most famous online classes from top-tier instructors in almost any field. It includes pre-recorded video lessons from masters such as entrepreneur Richard Branson, filmmaker Martin Scorsese, writer Aaron Sorkin, chef Gordon Ramsay, and many others.
The video quality equals Hollywood movies, and every MasterClass course is carefully structured. But that’s not all. There are interactive assignments, MasterClass community activities, and an ever-growing video library to enjoy. The sheer amount of content can make it hard to begin. Cursums will help you to choose wisely.
Originality and Novelty of the Content
You can find snippets of Samuel L. Jackson’s advice and classic lines through random interviews, podcasts, and short videos. However, learning from such resources isn’t valuable for aspiring actors. While these provide insights, the content is unstructured, lacking the depth necessary for meaningful learning.
Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass is a comprehensive course that solves these problems. Here, you’ll find in-depth lessons on several aspects of acting from the maestro, packaged in an affordable, accessible format. The meticulously designed journey takes learners from the basics to advanced acting techniques.
The highlight of this MasterClass is the direct interaction with Jackson himself. Not every day you get a chance to learn directly from a Hollywood legend.
While other acting courses are available on MasterClass, such as comedian Steve Martin’s and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s lessons, Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass stands out. His distinctive style and the raw passion he brings to each lesson set this course apart. The step-by-step plan of this MasterClass on character creation and how he does his acting is the best way to learn from him.
Content and Structure of the Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass
Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass comprises 21 video lessons, each running approximately 12-15 minutes on average. The longest video, a student session about using your voice and body, is around 22 minutes. The entire course, if taken at a pace of one lesson a day, can comfortably be completed within three weeks.
Assignments in the PDF class guide are thoughtfully woven into the MasterClass to provide hands-on experience, and their completion time varies based on the aspiring actors engagement level. On average, each assignment might require anywhere between one to three hours. If you add the assignments, it takes five to six weeks to get the most out of this enriching journey into acting with Samuel Jackson.
Samuel provides valuable insights, shares personal anecdotes, shows movies, and imparts practical advice to help aspiring actors enhance their skills and create captivating performances. Let’s explore the content of Samuel’s MasterClass on a deeper level.
Introduction and Fundamentals of Character Creation
1-4 Lessons Summary
In the first few lessons of his MasterClass, Samuel Jackson hooks you by introducing himself. Samuel points out his unforgettable roles in films like “Pulp Fiction” and “Die Hard with a Vengeance, ” and teaches you how to breathe life into characters, even those with a short screen time.
Samuel Jackson explains how to leverage your body language, posture, voice, and physical appearance to portray complex characters convincingly and avoid creating a facsimile character.
The fourth lesson is full of practical examples from the case study of “Caveman’s Valentine,” where Jackson unpacks his process of bringing Romulus, a schizophrenic and homeless pianist, to life.
Practical Exercises for Developing Acting Skills
5-11 Lessons Summary
From the fifth lesson, the section of lessons with student sessions begins, where Jackson takes students on an intimate journey through the iconic diner scene from “Pulp Fiction.” He explains the characters’ intentions and the script nuances. You will learn to build in-depth backstories as a part of character creation, imagining Jules’s life that led him to the diner moment.
Next, we discover how Samuel stuttered previously and how he used it to craft distinct character voices and express emotion.
In the tenth lesson, you engage in emotionally intense scenes from “The Negotiator” in the student sessions as they swap roles played by Samuel and other actors to understand power dynamics. Later in this section, actors get practical examples about the influence of voice, body language, and posture in conveying power and pushing characters to their limits.
Actors Collaboration and Auditioning
12-18 Lessons Summary
In these lessons, Samuel covers strategies for building strong relationships with directors and developing respectful on-set conduct. Generally packed with advice on professionalism, a lesson in this section also teaches about finding the subtext beneath a simple dialog, a skill that makes your new character intriguing. Samuel teaches you to embrace bold choices in characterization and learn to take risks.
You will gain insightful tips on how to audition successfully, focusing on showcasing your acting skills rather than securing the job. Finally, Jackson shares wisdom on how to navigate the landscape of your acting career.
Concluding Thoughts
19-21 Lessons Summary
The last three lessons are excerpts of Samuel L. Jackson’s exciting journey and experiences, with some valuable concluding thoughts from the legend on his acting style. He talks about how he was chosen from a theatre group, where he acted with famous stars like Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman, to become a Hollywood actor. He shares the important acting tips he learned during his entire career.
As the class ends, Samuel teaches that if you choose to become an actor, your main responsibility is to relay the feelings of the character you are playing from the film staging to the audience.
Fast-Track Lesson Plan
You can take the following lessons and complete the Samuel L. Jackson acting MasterClass in only 3 hours, 13 minutes, and 59 seconds.
| No. | Lesson | Duration |
| 1. | Introduction | 3:36 |
| 2. | Creating Characters | 20:37 |
| 3. | Physical Characterization | 12:32 |
| 5. | Student Session: Breaking Down a Script-Part 1 | 15:27 |
| 7. | Student Session: Character Biographies | 15:10 |
| 8. | Student Session: Make It Your Own | 8:10 |
| 9. | Voice and Character | 19:48 |
| 11. | Student Session: Use Your Voice, Use Your Body | 21:56 |
| 12. | Working With Directors | 12:24 |
| 14. | Student Session: Developing Characterization | 21:05 |
| 17. | Auditioning | 13:18 |
| 18. | Growing Your Acting Career | 20:28 |
| 20. | Hollywood Lessons | 9:28 |
Engagement and Retention of Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass
With its stellar production quality, HD videos, and appealing aesthetic, Samuel L. Jackson’s acting MasterClass is a real pleasure for the eyes and mind. Besides the visual appeal, Samuel’s top-notch instruction quality and active community hub make the class highly immersive.
How he communicates with the workshop actors and connects his teaching to his famed characters is interesting to watch. His years of experience and natural flair make everything easy to understand for serious actors and beginners building other characters.
The real charm of the MasterClass lies in Samuel L. Jackson’s persona. It naturally encourages students to continue to the next lesson, ensuring retention. Anyone eager to learn the craft will enjoy learning acting under the mentorship of one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
My Firsthand Experience With Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass
What I liked About Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass
In-Depth Guide on Character Building
For any actor keen to learn the craft of character development, Samuel’s MasterClass is a valuable resource. With the help of character backstories and physical characterizations, he teaches how to inject complexity into roles and fulfill the director’s vision.
The character development tips include a body language session analyzing scripts, case studies, and making bold choices. You will easily learn to perform convincingly by applying his techniques.
Teaches Practical On-Set Experience
What truly captivated me in Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass were his insider reflections on navigating the bustling world of film sets. His invaluable guidance on forging collaborations and professionalism in a dynamic environment is a must-have toolkit for actors yearning to succeed in the film industry. Samuel’s insights offer education and practical wisdom that transcends the classroom.
Advice on Growing Acting Career
Even the most skilled actors can struggle without proper exposure and opportunities. That’s where Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass shines, offering practical strategies for carving a successful acting careers in the industry. Besides honing your acting skills, Samuel explains how to ace auditions and cultivate strong industry relationships.
Jackson urges you to go out, meet people, and keep in touch. If you get an acting job, everyone, including the people making the show and the people watching it, expects you to do a good job. It paves the way for a sustainable acting career.
What I Didn’t Like about Samuel L Jackson MasterClass
Less Theory-Based Instructions
While Samuel L. Jackson’s acting MasterClass is lauded for its visual guidance and hands-on student sessions to teach acting, it falls somewhat short on theory-based instruction. Those seeking a technical theory of the acting process might find the course less comprehensive.
Having said that, acting is a very visual skill that you learn better by seeing it done in front of you rather than reading about it, so this drawback does not hinder the understanding of the main concepts.
No Key Takeaways in Lessons
I found it a bit of a drawback when no key takeaways were mentioned following each lesson of Samuel’s acting MasterClass. Sometimes, the instructions can be vague, making it difficult for learners to pinpoint what the video lessons taught.
An elaborate summary or highlight of key points at the end of each session would greatly enhance the learning experience.
Is Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass a Good Purchase?
Price of Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass
Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass is included in the all-access pass for an annual subscription of $10 per month. Given the depth of expertise shared by a big name in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass is worth its value. If you’re keen on acting, this course alone justifies the subscription cost.
| Plan | Price |
| Individual | $10 per month |
| Duo | $15 per month |
| Family | $20 per month |
I strongly recommend opting for the MasterClass annual membership. The value is augmented when you take more than one course on the online learning platform, as the best experts in various industries teach them.
Does the Class Live Up to the Hype?
Samuel’s MasterClass and its 56-page PDF manual are a holistic guide to professional acting, filled with industry secrets and practical wisdom from one of the highest-grossing actor in Hollywood.
The course leaves no room for disappointment, providing acting tips, comprehensive lessons on refining your voice, and mastering body movement. This MasterClass is a treasure trove for any aspiring actor, as you can assess from this Samuel Jackson MasterClass review.
Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass: Ratings from Around the Web
Overall, Samuel Jackson MasterClass receives positive reviews around the web. From fans who were ecstatic to watch how Samuel Jackson teaches acting to aspiring actors who find the course helpful, there are users on Reddit, Youtube, Twitter, and other social media platforms who rate the course highly.
Here are a few Youtube comments:
A Twitter user sums up his review of the Samuel L Jackson MasterClass:
Here is a snippet of Reddit users sharing their opinion on Samuel’s MasterClass:
Essentials Used in the Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass
You don’t require material things to start Samuel L. Jackson’s Masterclass. All you need is a passion for acting and the eagerness to elevate your skills. Depending upon the role you are practicing, you might need props for the set and the costume according to the physical characteristics of the character.
Courses Similar to Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass
Other Courses of Arts & Entertainment on MasterClass
- Martin Scorsese teaches Filmmaking
- Aaron Sorkin teaches Screenwriting
- Natalie Portman teaches Acting
- David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing
- Spike Lee teaches Independent Filmmaking
- David Lynch teaches Creativity and Film
- Jodie Foster teaches Filmmaking
- Shonda Rhimes teaches Writing for Television
MasterClass Competitors
Udemy
Udemy is one of the most popular online learning providers, with a massive choice of various classes. The learning platform covers a range of acting courses. Even an already successful actor will find something of value there.
Coursera
Coursera is another big name in the market of online courses, with a lot to offer in acting-related fields, such as courses on Willian Shakespeare. It’s a great way to expand your knowledge of the field without spending much money on online learning.
Skillshare
Skillshare focuses on practical courses, with educational videos substituting expensive college courses. The aim is to provide users with marketable skills for finding a job. There are quite a few courses related to acting as well.
Samuel L. Jackson MasterClass: FAQ
Blogger | Life-long learner
Bill Tremlon
I’ve spent the last ten years passionately studying various online learning platforms. Udemy, MasterClass, Coursera, and Skillshare are the main ones, but I review lesser-known study tools as well. I test and analyze each course and lesson thoroughly before sharing my research.
Blogger | Life-long learner
Bill Tremlon