12 Actors Against Method Acting

The Controversy Surrounding Method Acting: Actors Speak Out

Understanding Method Acting

Method acting, a renowned yet infamous technique, has become increasingly relevant in today’s industry. In essence, it involves actors immersing themselves in their character’s psyche to comprehend their motivations and emotions fully. This approach often leads to extreme measures, such as Nicolas Cage eating a live cockroach for “Vampire’s Kiss” or Gary Oldman smoking expensive cigars for “Darkest Hour.”

Diverse Perspectives on the Method

While artists like Daniel Day-Lewis and Marlon Brando have proven the effectiveness of the Method, not all actors share the same reverence. Some notable figures, including Mads Mikkelsen and Robert Pattinson, have openly expressed their reservations and criticized the system’s excessive tendencies.

12 Sebastian Stan: “A Narcissistic, Kind of Self-Indulgent Thing”

Sebastian Stan, known for his role as the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, rejects method acting and criticizes the creation of chaos for the sake of acting.

11 Mads Mikkelsen: “It’s Just Pretentious”

Mads Mikkelsen, a Danish actor renowned for his performances in various films, dismisses method acting as pretentious and unnecessary.

10 Will Poulter: “An Excuse for Inappropriate Behavior”

Will Poulter acknowledges that method acting is acceptable as long as it doesn’t harm others, but he disapproves when it becomes an excuse for inappropriate behavior.

9 Laurence Olivier: “Everyone Has Their Own Method”

Laurence Olivier, a celebrated actor known for his Shakespearean roles, considers the Method just one among many acting techniques.

8 Charlize Theron: “I Was Just Exhausted”

Charlize Theron, who experimented with method acting in the past, found it draining and prefers to focus on living and breathing in the moment with her characters.

7 David Harbour: “Not Only Is That Stuff Silly, It’s Dangerous”

David Harbour, renowned for his role in “Stranger Things,” criticizes method acting as nonsensical, silly, and even dangerous.

6 Robert Pattinson: “They Only Use It When They’re Playing an A-Hole”

Robert Pattinson humorously comments on method acting, suggesting that it is primarily employed when portraying unpleasant characters.

5 Spencer Tracy: “I’m Too Talented to Care”

Spencer Tracy, an acclaimed American actor, dismisses method acting as unnecessary and claims he is too talented to concern himself with it.

4 Samuel L. Jackson: “When I Go to Work, I Have Fun”

Samuel L. Jackson believes in enjoying the acting process and considers method acting as detracting from the joy of the craft.

3 John Cassavetes: “More a Form of Psychotherapy Than of Acting”

John Cassavetes criticizes method acting for its laziness, narcissism, and tendency to produce subpar performances. He advocates for a more cheerful and playful approach to acting.

2 Martin Freeman: “No Longer a Craft and a Job”

Martin Freeman contends that method acting is more amateurish and academic, undermining the true essence of acting as a craft.

1 Toni Collette: “It’s Utter Wankery”

Toni Collette dismisses method acting as complete nonsense and considers overtly carrying the character beyond tasteless.