Darren Aronofsky explains why he “hates” method acting
During a recent masterclass in Paris hosted by the French Cinematheque, director Darren Aronofsky revealed that he “hates” method acting.
The filmmaker is known for his challenging narratives and demanding technique, creating controversial films such as Mother! And Black Swan. However, despite working with method actors such as Christian Bale and Jared Leto, the director explained that he is not a fan of the technique.
When discussing this, Aronofsky said, “I hate method actors”, telling the audience that the decision to never break character throughout the filming process is “just something to hide behind, as opposed to doing the work and being professional.”
The director discussed this while describing his upcoming project Caught Stealing, which follows a burned-out basketball player who unexpectedly finds himself tangled in the criminal underbelly of 1990’s New York and struggling to survive.
The director compared on-screen acting to the process of training as an athlete, saying, “It’s a sport, a game — only, to be a great basketball player, you don’t have to be dribbling all the time,” he explained.
Aronofsky continued: “That’s not how it works. You do your homework, and get yourself ready. It’s only a fake reality between action and cut.”
Alongside Caught Stealing, the director was attached to direct an A24 biopic about Elon Musk. However, the crime thriller is the main project of his in development, likening it to his Oscar-winning film Black Swan and revealing how the film also explores themes related to the political climate, saying, “Trump is the most famous person in the world, so I need to work even harder to be an optimist,” he shared. “With all the challenges we’re facing, I try to think about all the things that can connect us — and what I’m trying to do with my work now”.
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