"May the Force be with You" Special thanks towards a very gifted artist and fan from Indonesia @anagata_javanese According to Anagata I reminded her of Anakin (Hayden Christensen) from "Star Wars", so with my consent, she deiced to do this "sick" concept of me as a Jedi. Well, I admit, as a kid "I hated sand". So I guess I have something in common with Anakin. Anyway, I appreciate the compliment, just hopefully I don't get my arm sliced off, or burned in hot lava 🔥.
In order to see more of Anagata's gallery, click or copy and paste the link to her website below:
viantart.com/anagatajavanese/gallery In addition, check out this previous poster she did for my short film, "The Ring". /p/DKPw-BoJCTl/?img_index=1
For my most recent self-tape for Backstage, I chose to perform the “break-up” scene from Damien Chazelle’s masterpiece “Whiplash” (2014). My character is Andrew Neiman, an aspiring jazz drummer, explaining to his girlfriend, Nicole, why he has made the decision to break up with her. Andrew has been told by his strict and abusive professor, Terence Fletcher, to pursue his passions before any human relationship.
While rehearsing this monologue, I obliviously did not rewatch the movie (highly recommended) to impersonate Miles Teller’s brilliant performance. I wanted to make Andrew come off as honest, sympathetic and yet egoistical all at once. He clearly wants to achieve his goal of becoming successful. Yet, he must pay the price by ditching his girlfriend to “be great” (at least according to his instructor). While I personally, have never been in this type of situation, I tried to think how I would behave towards a date, if I was placed under this circumstance. Coming from a guy’s perspective, Andrew is clearly afraid to tell his girlfriend, face to face, as to why he must “break it off”. In terms of honesty, he is trying to explain his goals as to why “realistically” he can’t handle a relationship. To him, it’s become impossible to please her while trying to work his way to artistic achievement. He is slightly hesitant and rushes a few words at the same time. Indicating his fear of disappointing her. It’s the likelihood of an upset or wounded reaction, that he must expect. He is sympathetic, in which deep down, he feels sorry, knowing her feelings will be hurt. Yet his ego naturally shows through his face telling her why he must pursue his goals and become “great”. Possibly reflecting the egocentric values of Fletcher. Even if his intention is pure, it’s the desire of his becoming a “legend” that dominates his objective.
As a result, Andrew, intends to abandon what was once, the girl of his dreams to strive towards the “holy grail” of his dreams, to be a successful drummer.
Hope you enjoy and check out the link for my backstage.
/tal/john-de-graffen
Happy Monday Everyone!! I guess I will celebrate today by uploading a self-tape monologue (I did for Backstage), of 'Junior' from "The Ice Fishing Play" by Kevin Kling.
Junior is a "bait shop owner" living in an Ice-Fishing community in Northern Minnesota. In this particular scene, he is complaining about the "artists" who he feels are changing his town's quality of life. While he's clearly angry about the "yuppies" and "hipsters" gentrifying his Midwestern community, I feel he's takes a thrill out of his own rants. Even if he feels his more "conservative" way of life is coming to an end. Deep down, he almost enjoys releasing his emotions towards his friend, Ron. Which could be rather therapeutic and makes Junior out to be more than just one-dimensional as a character. His core-fear (at least from his perspective and viewpoint) could require some sympathy and sadness. Yet, it's his being a "pompous, tough-guy, know it all" redneck putting emphasis into certain words such as "Tofu" "Cappuccino", and "Artists" (words that contradict with his cultural norms) is what makes the scene rather humorous. Portraying a Redneck "bitching" about an "artists colony" definitely requires some comedic timing. And of course, a dark comedy that is. Thus, this is my interpretation of Junior.
This was a monologue, I did in high school 10 years ago (2016). For someone who grew up feeling "socially awkward" amongst peers, It was this monologue that boosted my confidence in acting and public speaking. As a result studying monologues, portraying different character's, and doing voice and physical impersonations (of people and fictional characters), has become a therapeutic hobby of mine.
Hope you enjoy and check out the link for my backstage. /tal/john-de-graffenried/?editing=1
Hello, I hope you all had a Happy New Year and just to start mine off, I wanted to embarrass myself by putting out my acting reel for you all to see. Displaying the multiple roles I have portrayed and hoping to start 2026 off by getting some work. The link to my backstage is right here:
/u/john-de-graffenried/
Hello, my name is John de Graffenried, I am an actor, physical comedian and filmmaker. To enhance my acting skills, I seek out individual characteristics that strengthen my ability to project the emotions and mannerisms of multiple individuals. As a result, I am willing to diversify my range of roles with everything from drama to comedy.
Hit Like and Subscribe!!
/watch?v=XZJEzgM6grM
I would like to thank @faceforwardheadshots for shooting my portraits for Backstage. Had a wonderful time taking advantage of putting on multiple personas. My choice of Improvisation has helped bring these numerous characters to life through facial expressions and photography. As an aspiring actor, I seek out individual characteristics that strengthen my ability to project the emotions and mannerisms of many people. As a result, I am willing to diversify my range of roles with everything from drama to comedy.
Based off these expressions, what kind of character could you guys see me playing here?
Here is to link to my Backstage Account:
/u/john-de-graffenried/
/u/john-de-graffenried/
I would like to thank @faceforwardheadshots for shooting my portraits for Backstage. Had a wonderful time taking advantage of putting on multiple personas. My choice of Improvisation has helped bring these numerous characters to life through facial expressions and photography. As an aspiring actor, I seek out individual characteristics that strengthen my ability to project the emotions and mannerisms of many people. As a result, I am willing to diversify my range of roles with everything from drama to comedy.
Based off these expressions, what kind of character could you guys see me playing here?
Here is to link to my Backstage Account:
/u/john-de-graffenried/
I would like to thank @faceforwardheadshots for shooting my portraits for Backstage. Had a wonderful time taking advantage of putting on multiple personas. My choice of Improvisation has helped bring these numerous characters to life through facial expressions and photography. As an aspiring actor, I seek out individual characteristics that strengthen my ability to project the emotions and mannerisms of many people. As a result, I am willing to diversify my range of roles with everything from drama to comedy.
Based off these expressions, what kind of character could you guys see me playing here?
Here is to link to my Backstage Account:
/u/john-de-graffenried/
I would like to thank @faceforwardheadshots for shooting my portraits for Backstage. Had a wonderful time taking advantage of putting on multiple personas. My choice of Improvisation has helped bring these numerous characters to life through facial expressions and photography. As an aspiring actor, I seek out individual characteristics that strengthen my ability to project the emotions and mannerisms of many people. As a result, I am willing to diversify my range of roles with everything from drama to comedy.
Based off these expressions, what kind of character could you guys see me playing here?
Here is to link to my Backstage Account:
/u/john-de-graffenried/
I would like to thank @faceforwardheadshots for shooting my portraits for Backstage. Had a wonderful time taking advantage of putting on multiple personas. My choice of Improvisation has helped bring these numerous characters to life through facial expressions and photography. As an aspiring actor, I seek out individual characteristics that strengthen my ability to project the emotions and mannerisms of many people. As a result, I am willing to diversify my range of roles with everything from drama to comedy.
Based off these expressions, what kind of character could you guys see me playing here?
P.S. I guess as an actor, sometimes I have to really embarrass myself to make it out there lol.
Here is to link to my Backstage Account:
/u/john-de-graffenried/
I would like to thank @faceforwardheadshots for shooting my portraits for Backstage. Had a wonderful time taking advantage of putting on multiple personas. My choice of Improvisation has helped bring these numerous characters to life through facial expressions and photography. As an aspiring actor, I seek out individual characteristics that strengthen my ability to project the emotions and mannerisms of many people. As a result, I am willing to diversify my range of roles with everything from drama to comedy.
Based off these expressions, what kind of character could you guys see me playing here?
Here is to link to my Backstage Account:
/u/john-de-graffenried/
R.I.P. Blaze, although you could be a feisty pain in the ass (like a sibling), you were still very special to me. I'll miss coming home, and having you run up to me with your bone or toy in your mouth as if you were an overly excited fan girl asking for an autograph. Even your naughty moments such as taking my dad's earpiece, chewing on my vaseline or storing that ice cream container in your crate brought character. I'll never forget your hyper-energy, you're sniffy-little needle nose (to the point where we referred to you as Rocket from GOG) and your angelic little face lighting up my house. Without you, it's going to feel rather empty. Hopefully you're finally in Heaven, with Dutch (as shown in the last photo). One day, I can't wait to see all of you again, you will be missed. 🙏 ❤️
Halloween '05, at my Grandmother's place in Brooklyn Heights, NY. 20 years ago I was Batman with a broken arm (thinking why the hell couldn't I get a dark cast instead of duck tape's that's obviously revealing it). Thankfully it wasn't my back nor Bane.
