10 Instances Where Actors Went Above And Beyond Just To Get The Perfect Act For Their Roles

These actors are not joking with their characters

Maryjane

• Published in Interesting
• February 10, 2023

Many of us go to the movies for different reasons. One of them is when we've all witnessed actors completely immerse themselves in their characters.

Acting comes in a variety of forms, each with its own roots and history. However, some need more effort than others and a different type of work.

The method acting technique can be used by character actors as a part of their preparation, but it is typically linked with dramatic, realistic performances. The technique or style of acting known as "method acting" is used by performers to connect with the character they are portraying emotionally.

When using this technique, the actors fully inhabit the part and frequently remain in it for extended periods of time. Many movie actors, such as Jeremy Strong, Heath Ledger, and Joaquin Phoenix, adopt this technique to carry out their parts, and they are well-liked by critics.

However, a thorough understanding of the method of acting may have an impact on certain actors' lives off-screen. While some quickly lost their voice, others even underwent therapy for their mental health.

We've compiled ten instances where actors went above and beyond to really inhabit their roles and had us saying, "that's awesome." 

1. Lady Gaga stayed in character as Patrizia Reggiani for the movie “House of Gucci” for the whole length of filming

She shared she went full-on into method acting to help her capture the essence of the disgraced former member of the Gucci family. She even spoke in an Italian accent for 9 months while working on her role in the movie “House of Gucci”.

2. Jodie Foster trained with the FBI

For preparing her role as Clarice Starling, a young FBI cadet in “The Silence of the Lambs”, Jodie Foster attended a special training course. She received instructions from an FBI agent and had a tough time.

3. Meryl Streep refused to associate in real life with her on-screen employees

For her portrayal of the cold-hearted Editor-in-Chief in “The Devil Wears Prada”, Meryl Streep refused to associate with her co-stars. Although her role got her an Academy Award nomination, she felt so lonely.

For this reason, she ruined her desire to try method acting.

4. Colin Firth successfully portrayed King George VI in “The King’s Speech”. However, after the movie ended, he had trouble with his voice. His vocal cord was injured so the star had to have surgery on it.

5. Alan Rickman

While playing Snape in the “Harry Potter” franchise, he helped the costume team with the design of his clothes. He imagined Snape buttoning up his coat a lot and wanted the outfits to have tight sleeves.

Alan Rickman hoped for the costume to be very transforming – he wanted to feel like a different person when he put it on.

6. Nick Nolte spent 5 weeks living as a homeless man in Los Angeles to prepare for his role in “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”

In the movie, the actor ate real dog food twice, once out of a bowl and once straight from the can. The character earned him the praise of critics.

7. Tom Holland - Spider-Man: Far From Home

He opened up about preparing for his big role, which included going undercover at a real-life high school. He went to New York City high school with a fake name and a fake accent.

For him, heading to school was an interesting and strange experience.

8. Harrison Ford played a vascular surgeon

He portrayed Dr. Richard Kimble in the 1993 thriller movie “The Fugitive”. Believe it or not, the actor assisted in real-life open heart surgery to get into character for the role despite the fact that the operation scene was very short.

9. For preparing the role of Joker in “The Dark Knight”, Heath Ledger locked himself up in a hotel room for a month. He wrote a daily diary as the Caped Crusader’s arch-nemesis.

10. Dwayne Johnson shared an Instagram video and photo from the set of Hercules, where he worked hard to make the mythological warrior more realistic

He asked the prop department to lock him in with real steel chains so that the performance would be real. He passed out from the adrenaline rush during all the 8 times the scene was filmed.

Well, the Method technique is the preparation behind some of the most incredible acting performances we've witnessed. Method acting is a realistic acting technique that may be used for any part.

Which of these actors had you in awe of their dedication? Share your thoughts below and share this post as well.

Maryjane