underdirect

present singular third person underdirects · participle present underdirecting · participle past underdirected · past underdirected

1. To exert too little artistic control when directing (a play or film).

   I think he underdirects because he wants the script — the text — to be in control.

   1987 January, James Palmarini, “Rick Cluchey: A Beckett disciple's long journey from San Quentin to Notre Dame”, in Dramatics, volume 58, number 5, Cincinnati, Ohio: International Thespian Society, →ISSN, page 17, column 3

   2 more examples

   Despite the seeming interest of the screenplay, Romero underdirects the entire effort, sending his actors through their paces without bothering to make them believe in the film.

   1971 fall, John R. Davoli, quotee, “Short Notices”, in Cinefantastique, volume 1, number 4, Frederick S. Clarke, →ISSN, page 40, column 4

   We think it is time that some one explained to him, before he overacts and underdirects another feature picture for Broadway consumption, that while art suffereth long and is kind, cheapness and vulgarity are something else again.

   2017, Gabriella Oldham, Mabel Langdon, Harry Langdon: King of Silent Comedy, →ISBN, page 171

2. To provide too little guidance or direction.

   They should neither overdirect nor underdirect the program.

   1946, United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Foreign Relations, Cancer Research

   2 more examples

   The opinion is expressed that time is wasted by misdirected or underdirected visiting of schools.

   1913, Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, Proceedings of the Annual Convention - Volumes 26-28, page 75

   When a meeting is either overdirected (Example A) or underdirected (Example B), you're in trouble.

   1982, Susan Dellinger, Communicating Effectively: A Complete Guide for Better Management, →ISBN