Will Poulter of We’re The Millers fame and the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 has criticised use of the infamous ‘method acting’ technique.
Method acting is a process which in short focuses on the full immersion of an actor into their character’s life.
After being made famous by the likes of Marlon Brando and Daniel Day-Lewis, the concept has become a controversial process known for creating difficult and inappropriate working environments.
“When it comes to an actor’s process, whatever that is, so long as it doesn’t infringe on other people’s and you’re being considerate, then fine,” says Poulter, speaking with Independent. “But if your process creates an inhospitable environment, then to me you’ve lost sight of what’s important. Method acting shouldn’t be used as an excuse for inappropriate behaviour – and it definitely has.”
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One particular actor who is commonly criticised for his process is Jared Leto. Leto’s latest film Morbius, which has released to mixed reviews, follows diseased Dr. Michael Morbius whose scientific escapades ends with him transforming into a vampire.
Director Daniel Espinosa confirmed a story with Uproxx that Leto wouldn’t break character to go to the bathroom. This became quite an issue since Leto’s character uses crutches for a significant portion of the film.
After causing serious delays, an arrangement was made where someone would wheel him to the bathroom in a wheelchair to hurry him up.
Check out a clip from Morbius
“As a director, you support whatever makes it as good as you can be,” suggested Espinosa. “If you want a completely normal person that does only things that you understand, then you’re in the wrong business.”
However, one could argue Leto’s process is less method acting, and more a parody of it.
In contrast, Will Poulter notes that for him, “[method acting] hasn’t been necessary.”
“On Detroit, my African American colleagues – who my character was responsible for brutalising – and I were all very much unified in that challenge, and we got to know each other and hung out.”
Poulter is currently doing the promotional rounds for his new mini-series Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? Which will be available to watch on Britbox on 12th April, 2022.
Check out the trailer!
