Will Poulter's Refreshing Take on Method Acting: Is it Just Overrated Hollywood Drama?
Will Poulter, star of Midsommar and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, opens up about prioritizing health over method acting, as Jake Gyllenhaal and Mads Mikkelsen add their spicy takes on the controversial acting technique.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:27 PM ISTWill Poulter, star of Midsommar and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, opens up about prioritizing health over method acting, as Jake Gyllenhaal and Mads Mikkelsen add their spicy takes on the controversial acting technique.
Source: Variety
Oh, how time flies! It's been over a year since Will Poulter, our beloved "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" star, underwent a stunning transformation to breathe life into the genetically engineered Marvel marvel, Adam Warlock. However, a role this intense didn't come without its share of revelations for the talented actor.
The Adam Warlock Conundrum: Physical vs Mental Health
As the dust settled from his appearance as Adam Warlock, Poulter sat down with The Independent UK, revealing that although his physical appearance for the role was taxing, he always had his priorities right. "Mental and physical health has to be number one, and the aesthetic goals have to be secondary," he emphasized, taking a firm stand against the perils of method acting.
Looking back, Poulter recalled his days on "Detroit". Despite the intensity of his role and the challenging dynamics with his African-American colleagues on set, Poulter stated, "For me, that hasn’t been necessary. On 'Detroit', my African-American colleagues — who my character was responsible for brutalizing — and I were all very much unified in that challenge, and we got to know each other and hung out."
He astutely pointed out that if an actor's method leads to an inhospitable environment on set, it might be time to reconsider. "Method acting shouldn’t be used as an excuse for inappropriate behavior — and it definitely has."
Hollywood's Hot Take on Method Acting
Poulter wasn't alone in his perspective. The enigmatic Jake Gyllenhaal, during a monologue for Saturday Night Live, playfully mocked the art of method acting. Highlighting how the pressure of the approach made him forget the joy of acting, he said, "It’s pretend! And it should be filled with joy."
But, of course, no Hollywood debate is complete without a fiery opinion, and "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore" star Mads Mikkelsen didn't disappoint. Calling method acting "bullshit" in a candid GQ interview, he questioned the entire practice, "How do you prepare for a serial killer? You gonna spend two years checking it out?"
With Mikkelsen further criticizing the attention such acting received, and Poulter advocating for well-being over the relentless pursuit of perfection, one has to wonder: is method acting a true representation of dedication or just another Hollywood façade?
Fast forward to today, with Poulter's career trajectory ever-rising and the conversation on method acting still bubbling, it's evident that the debate isn't settling anytime soon. But in the midst of it all, one thing remains certain: Will Poulter's commitment to his craft and well-being remains unshaken.
Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.
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