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It’s a known fact that method acting isn’t for everyone. Some method performances have negative psychological and emotional effects on actors or crew, and some method actors simply take it too far and lose themselves to their characters. The point is, method acting is a difficult line to walk. It requires finding a precise balance between a genuine emotional reaction and a healthy performance that the actors can be proud of but also leave at work.
The incredible, grippingly emotional scenes that method acting can result in draw directors and actors to the technique in the first place, but what keeps them using it is the success they find with it. In this instance, success is dependent on more than just giving a believable performance. It’s also dependent upon how well the actor is able to emotionally connect to the character they’re portraying without becoming an extension of that character, rather than simply an actor playing them. When one pours all of their emotions into connecting with the essence of another person, it can be easy to confuse their own emotions with the emotions they’re trying to convey.
Many actors have their own unusual means of preparing for certain roles and feeling in tune with their characters, like Zoë Kravitz lapping milk from a bowl to prepare for the mentality of Catwoman. Method acting applies that same measure of effort to connect to the characters, but on set. There are several iconic performances from big movies that go to show just how worth it method acting can be, despite how intense the process often is.
Each of the following scenes were essential moments or details in the greater storylines that they belong to. Though they’re all moments that fans loved, and the casts reflect fondly on, what makes them so special is that they were completely genuine and reflective of the actors responsible for them. Each instance goes to show how perfectly suited each of these actors were for these roles, and just how much extra emotion a method performance can bring to a scene.
5/5 The Spit Scene in Titanic
Titanic is actually full of impressive improvised scenes, from Cal’s tantrum while he and Rose have tea, to Rose’s line about her and Jack being where they first met as they grip the sinking ship’s rails. However, what is potentially the most impressive improvised scene from the film is the one where Rose thanks Jack for saving her and they get to know each other. The whole conversation of questions and teasing is almost entirely ad-libbed.
Finally, the concluding moments of the scene where Jack teaches Rose to spit are also unscripted. That means, the moment where Rose’s mother and friends walk up and Jack stands up and wipes a spit glob from his chin is completely genuine. Aside from the impressive length of the scene for being improvised, it ended up being incredibly impactful for the film’s themes. It both created contrast between Rose and Jack’s lifestyles and reflected what he symbolized to her, freedom to be who she wanted.
4/5 The Waxing Scene in The 40-Year-Old Virgin
A comedy classic of the 2000s, this movie was full of hilarious moments that gave Steve Carell the chance to make viewers laugh. One of those moments is undoubtedly the waxing scene, which is not only unscripted, but is real. That means Carell really had his chest waxed in that scene, so aside from his hilarious comments, the sounds of agony are also real. Though this scene probably would have still been funny even with Carell acting out the pain, the heightened responses brought about from it being genuine captured realistic responses. It allowed viewers to laugh at his pain, but also still feel sympathy for him.
3/5 Napoleon Dynamite’s Dance Routine
Any fan of this quirky comedy is familiar with the iconic dance routine that Napoleon performs for his school. Creators approached Jon Heder about improvising the dance because they had heard he was a good dancer, and he agreed – only to find out that this dance would be the climax of the film. Creators insisted he not put too much thought into it and just perform, and it undeniably worked out for everyone involved. While Heder’s on-the-spot dance moves were an enjoyable spectacle for the cast, crew, and audience, the most impressive thing about this scene is how Heder was able to maintain his composure while putting on a rhythmic and comical performance.
2/5 Jack Sparrow’s Jar of Dirt Scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
In this scene, Jack Sparrow has a jar of sand with Davy Jones’ heart in it and is dancing around, mocking Jones. It was Depp’s idea to improvise this moment, and while the director okayed it, none of the other actors knew it was coming and their responses were honest. Many of the cast themselves laughed at the goofy act, making it a memorable moment of the film for both those that worked on it and those that watched it. Not only did the scene come to be an iconic staple of the franchise, but it also demonstrates just how well Johnny Depp knew his character.
1/5 Jennifer Lawrence Getting High for Don’t Look Up
In this film, Lawrence’ character, Kate, uses marijuana as a way to ease her anxiety around the impending comet, so Lawrence decided to actually get stoned before filming some of her scenes. Most people know that being high will sometimes alter the way you perceive things and the way you respond, which is what made this such an experimental process for Lawrence, but also what allowed her to give genuine responses, though these scenes didn’t usually include dialogue. While this process put her in the right mental place for filming her parts, it did also make her an easy target for co-stars to pick on behind the scenes, as Lawrence has admitted.
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