Method Acting: The Truth

The Google definition for method acting is ‘a technique in which an actor aspires to complete emotional identification with a part’, and is based on the system evolved by Konstantin Stanislavsky (a theatre practitioner), brought into prominence in the US by the 1930s. Simply, this technique involves an actor believing that they are the character being portrayed. This requires an incredible amount of mental focus and commitment.

Picture the following: from the moment you awake to the moment you fall asleep, you are a different person. Another human being. They are devoted to making other choices and having different passions. You must make yourself believe that you are the character.

A few examples of actors known for their ability to use this technique are Christian Bale, Robert De Niro, Heath Ledger, Jared Leto, and so many more. Some actors use this technique successfully, and some actors do not. But why, and why do some argue against method acting? Let’s look at this through a scientific lens.

A Royal Society (of) Open Sciences study, reveals how method acting affects the brain. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a machine that allows scientists to produce detailed images of the human body in ways the naked eye cannot use magnets and radio waves.

An MRI was used to detect blood flow and activity in the brain of actors reciting a scene from Romeo and Juliet.

What scientists found was counterintuitive to what they believed. Method acting reduced brain activity in the actors significantly. They found that parts of the brain responsible for self-recognition and pain were relatively underutilised. This is a result of blocking out an actor’s responses, movements and choices. Almost a century after this technique was popularised by Stanislavsky. We now have indisputable evidence that this technique does work! GCSE Drama students have begun experimenting with this technique and performing impressive, high-quality performances.

Many actors believe that method acting is unnecessary and time-consuming. These actors include Samuel L. Jackson, Jim Carrey, Sebastian Stan and surprisingly, many more. The general consensus is that method acting removes the feeling that it’s a job and that the actors that use it are pretentious.

Method acting does not equal a good performance. On the contrary, many interpretations of actors have used this technique and have not performed as well as expected. Why is that? There are two reasons; the first is simply a misuse and misunderstanding of the technique. As I have previously stated, method acting requires focus and the ability to block out your persona and sense of self. This is not an easy task to accomplish. It takes years of practice to master this technique.

The second reason is that the actor does not understand the character, their choices, motives, and motivations. They may be able to use method acting as a technique, yet the options that the actor believes the character makes are incorrect. This leads to a vague impression of a character.

Regardless, we are all human. We all make mistakes. But it is without a doubt that method acting is an excellent way of personifying a character by being one with them- if done correctly. Some actors will give a performance of the century. Some won’t. It’s all about trial and error. It’s alright, Jared Leto. You’ll get there eventually.

By: Zain Zainal