Now this really doesn’t mean the opposite per se. What this means is, don’t play the cliche. Nine times out of ten, young or inexperienced actors will make the same choice that everyone else is making. While that might seem ok, it certainly isn’t interesting.
When I tell someone to play the opposite, that is just the first of all possible ways to go. If you think the character is angry, try playing her as if she is completely fine with what is happening. Haven’t you ever asked the person you’re dating “what’s wrong” and the answer is “nothing”? That is the essence of playing the opposite. But don’t stop there. After you try the “nothing” choice, try the “happy” choice, the “sad” choice, the “confused” choice. See, they’re not all opposites, but that sure is a good place to start.
When approaching the material, figure out the opposite of what is happening on the surface, try that, and see how it feels. You will find that your characters are deeper, multi-layered, and interesting.
