C. Nouns relating to performing

I liked her interpretation of the song 'Yesterday'. [ way of understanding and performing it ]

I prefer the original version by the Beatles. [ one of several performances that exist ]

He gave an excellent rendition of Hamlet's speech. [ performance on a specific occasion ]

The actor's portrayal of the mother in the film was very tender. [ the picture she created ]

 

Task 2. From memory, give an adjective from A (Task 1) which is opposite in meaning to the following words.

1. credible/believable

2. original/novel

3. underrated

4. exaggerated

5. coherent/smooth-flowing

 

Task 3. Now use other adjectives from A (Task 1) instead of the underlined words in these sentences. Make any other changes that are necessary to produce a correct sentence.

1. The musical shocked some people because they thought it was immoral and was attacked by several politicians and religious figures.

2. Her performance was one of those you will never forget, simply marvellous.

3. I can't remember the last time I saw such a film that keeps you in suspense and totally absorbed all the time.

4. It was a play that aroused very deep emotions in me.

5. It's a film that is difficult to watch without getting very upset.

6. Some of his films are absolutely impossible to understand because they are so dense and obscure.

 

Task 4. Answer these questions.

1. Would you like to go to a play that was universally lauded by all the critics? Why/ Why not?

2. Good performers deserve an encore. True? Would you give one?

3. Would you like to see a film that was panned by the cinema critics? Why/ Why not?

4. What are the top Hollywood awards for films normally called? What is their more correct name?

5. Do most actors like to become typecast? Why/ Why not?

6. A standing ovation shows that the audience disliked the performance. True? Why/ Why not?

 

Task 5. Read the text and underline the words or phrases that match the eight definitions. Use a dictionary if necessary.

1. the way an actor creates a picture of a person

2. he/she is the wrong actor for that part

3. a film/book/play that keeps you in suspense

4. keep you in suspense /constantly excited

5. up-and-coming

6. a film which huge numbers of people will go and see

7. a police or crime theme

8. a very great work of art

Cliffhanger not to be missed In this latest blockbuster cops-and-robbers movie from the Holdart Studios, budding Hollywood star Florida Packline plays country-boy Ricky Smart, who gets involved with a gang of criminals intent upon stealing ten million dollars from a Chicago bank. However, their plans are spoilt by the discovery of a dead body in the tunnel they are digging through to the bank. Who is the mystery dead woman? Is she a stranger, or someone from Ricky's own past? Packline's portrayal of the confused boy from a small town caught up in big city crime is convincing, but Julia Fischer as his long-lost sister is somewhat miscast. Not a masterpiece, but it will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat.

 

 

? VOCABULARY PRACTICE

Praising and criticising

Task 1. Study the given material.

A. Praising

Read this review of a theatre production from a local newspaper.

I have nothing but praise for this production of Dogs and offer my congratulations to all the cast. The thunderous applause at the end of last night's performance was richly deserved. The actors had managed to put on a simply dazzling production. James King, in particular, gave an outstanding performance. Of course, the cast cannot take full credit for its success; we must also warmly congratulate the producer. He has received critical acclaim many times in the past. He justly deserves all the rave reviews he will undoubtedly receive from many others as well as myself. We must also give credit to the production's wardrobe department. I am sure they will also win a lot of praise for their original and exciting costumes.

Also note these collocations relating to praise:

The orchestra received a standing ovation for their performance of the symphony. [ the audience liked the performance so much that they stood up to applaud ]

Your boss thinks the world of you. He's always singing your praises to me. [informal]

My parents always used to speak well/highly of that journalist.

Her father warmly/heartily approves of her new boyfriend.

I hope you will give your blessing to the plan. [ say you wish it well ]

Let's give the winner a big clap / a round of applause.

You deserve a pat on the back for such excellent marks! [ you deserve praise ]

B. Criticising

When you are criticised you come in for criticism. You may respond to this criticism, you may counter the criticism [ criticise your critic back ] or you may dismiss the criticism [ say it is untrue or unimportant ].

A person may show his/her disapproval or express his/her disapproval and this is often done by giving a look of disapproval or with a frown of disapproval.

word	collocates with	example
criticism	harsh [ strong ], constant, constructive [ useful ]	The play came in for some harsh criticism.
critical	highly and sharply	The writer is sharply critical of our political system.
criticise	roundly [ thoroughly ], fiercely, bitterly	He was roundly criticised for his rudeness.
a critic	harsh, outspoken [ critic who says exactly what s/he thinks ]	Actors fear him because he is such an outspoken critic.
disapprove of	strongly, thoroughly	I strongly disapprove of smoking.
condemn	severely	The politician was severely condemned for his dishonesty.
condemnation	wholesale, universal [ both mean by (almost) everyone ]	The country's aggressive behaviour has earned universal condemnation.
object to	strongly, strenuously [ with a lot of effort ]	Local residents strenuously objected to the development plans.

 

Task 2. Complete these extracts from TV programmes where the speakers are praising people.

	For this young violinist, Nuria Shilov, her performance ends with a (1) ………. ovation and (2) …………….. applause. Her playing has received critical (3) …………………..in the last year in her home country, and now her talent has been recognised by an international audience.
	Now the President of the National Badminton Federation (4) ………………. congratulates Wang Shih-Ping on his (5) …………………. deserved victory in this year's tournament. His skilful playing has (6) ……………….. a lot of praise from commentators, though he personally refuses to (7) …………….. full credit for his achievements, and (8) ………….. credit instead to his manager, Karla Ennaise.
	Well, the team manager is ecstatic and is at this moment making a speech (9) ……………… the praises of the captain, Blake Samson, and the rest of the team. And there is no doubt that they (10) ……………. deserve all this praise for such a remarkable victory.
	So, at the end of this week's quiz, the blue team have won. Let me (11) ……………. my congratulations to you all. You'll be coming back next week. And let's give the losers a (12) ……………… of applause. The red team also played a great game.

Task 3. Circle T (True) or F (False) after each statement. If you circle F, say why.

1. If you speak highly of someone, you praise them. T/F
2. If you have nothing but praise for someone, you do not approve of what they do. T/F
3. If you criticise someone roundly, you criticise them only slightly. T/F
4. If you heartily approve of something, you are in favour of it. T/F
5. If you counter criticism, you just accept it. T/F
6. If someone gives their blessing to something, they are against it. T/F
7. If you give someone a clap, it is usually because you like what they have done. T/F
8. If you give constructive criticism, you normally have a positive intention. T/F

 

Task 4. Put the words in order to make sentences.

1. lot / He / in / for / criticism / a / of / came
2. criticism / the / responded / of / to / disapprove / how / I / thoroughly / she
3. him / condemned / lying / for / severely / judge / The
4. disapproval / my / behaviour / of / want / I / express / to / her
5. outspoken / were / but / dismissed / critics / he / The / criticisms / their
6. comments / condemnation / His / universal / received
7. objected / plan / We / and / strenuously / the / to / were / critical / it / highly / of

8. always / a / government / been / I / critic / of / have / corrupt / harsh

Task 5. Complete the collocations in this text.

This is the last exercise in this book. May we give you a pat on the …………….. for getting to this point. Indeed, you ……………… deserve a ………………. clap. We have ………………. but praise for you and would like to …………………. you our warm congratulations!

 

 

? VOCABULARY PRACTICE

Film synopsis

Task 1. You are going to read a number of film synopses. For questions 1-15 choose from the movies A-I. Some of the movies may be chosen more than once. There is an example at the beginning.

What kind of movies would you recommend to someone

	who is fond of British history?	1	D
	who likes musicals?	2			3
	who wants his/her kids to watch timeless children's cartoons?	4			5
	who is fond of psychological dramas?	6
	who likes to watch great actors in classical roles?	7
	who likes adventures?	8			9
	who is fond of melodramatic situations?	10
	who likes invented stories about historical characters?	11
	who likes the mixture of cartoons and feature movies?	12			13
	who is interested in private life of famous people?	14			15

Task 2. Read the following film synopses. Remember to consult a dictionary.

А. Bambi

Acknowledged for generations as one of Disney's greatest animated classics, this heartwarming story of the newborn 'Prince of the Forest' is a wonderful experience. As Bambi learns to walk, talk and make friends with the other animals, including the bashful skunk Flower and the fun-loving rabbit named Thumper, we discover the wonders of life and the beauty of nature. Fondly remembered as Walt Disney's favourite animated film, Bambi is a funny, touching, timeless masterpiece that every child should grow up with.

В. Good Will Hunting

A true motion picture phenomenon, this triumphant story was nominated for nine Academy Awards. The most brilliant mind at America's top university isn't a student... he is the kid who cleans the floors! Will Hunting is a headstrong, working-class genius who's failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor, who might be the only man who can reach him. It's a powerful and unforgettable movie experience.

С. Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins became one of the greatest films ever made!

High above the dawn clouds over London, 'practically perfect' Mary Poppins floats out of the sky and into the lives of two playfully mischievous children. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert, the spirited nanny makes every chore a game and every day a 'Jolly Holiday.' But, after they leap into the imaginative world of a side walk chalk drawing, visit a hilarious floating tea party, and join a rooftop song and dance, it may take more than 'A Spoonful of Sugar' to cheer up the children's precise and disapproving father!

The film presents a star-making performance, dazzling special effects and animation, and award-winning music that makes this milestone masterpiece simply 'irresistible!'

D. Her Majesty Mrs Brown

A sweeping epic based on the true-life relationship between England's Queen Victoria and John Brown, a royal servant, Mrs Brown paints a revealing portrait of history's most shocking love story! It's 1864 and Queen Victoria (stage and film star Judi Dench) remains in seclusion still mourning the death of her husband Prince Albert. With public opinion turning against her and rumours spreading, a former servant of the Prince named John Brown (Billy Connolly) is called on to help. But soon his unorthodox ways and disdain for royal protocol shake things up even more. Now, he's the Queen's sole confidant and protector, leaving the monarchy on the brink of scandal! The film weaves a rich tapestry of fiery performances, scenic settings and forbidden love!

Е. King Lear

Now more than four centuries old, the time-honoured story of Lear, King of Britain, is one of Shakespeare's most profound statements on the human condition. The leading role gives Sir Lawrence Olivier room to display his dramatic gifts to the full as he explores the torment and tensions that follow the mad monarch's banishment of his favoured daughter Cordelia.

Seldom has the Bardenjoyed a more stellar cast – and this production from 1983, rightly hailed as a classic, is given an added dimension via the Halle Orchestra's outstanding score.