Over the years, Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson has graced the screen with his presence in some of the most iconic films in the history of cinema, showcasing his sheer exceptional talent. Thus his keen eyes looking out for roles cannot be doubted and turns out he has an elaborate process for it. His approach to selecting roles goes beyond the consideration of the mere script and the team involved.
He delves into researching the character, seeking opportunities to bring something new to the table. Regardless of the character’s complexity, he strives to uncover the humor within, and if one were to observe the actor’s work more carefully a similar pattern would emerge, adding depth to his performances. Thus, speaking to The Guardian, the actor further elaborated on his process.
What Qualities Does Samuel L. Jackson Search for in the Character He Wants to Portray?
Samuel L. Jackson consistently infuses his characters with a unique blend of humor, even in the face of extreme violence. Whether he’s portraying the iconic Jules Winnfield or the suave Nick Fury, Jackson intricately weaves humor into their personalities, adding depth and complexity. This ability to find humor in the darkest of situations has been a defining trait of his acting style from the very beginning. He once revealed to The Guardian,
“I tend to play characters that I can infuse with certain kinds of humour,–Even the baddest guy can be funny in his own particular way. I want the audience to engage with the character on some deeper level so that they leave the cinema still thinking about him. Those are the kinds of characters I empathised with when I was a movie-mad kid.”
Jackson’s unique approach of infusing characters with tinch wit, even in the most intense scenarios, is solely aimed at creating a stronger connection with the audience watching at the other side of the screen. This distinctive and wicked sense of humor, tailored specifically to each role, sets each of his characters apart. Although this approach isn’t something many actors are seen practicing, given the 100% success rate of the method, actors should seriously consider getting in the same boat as Samuel L. Jackson.
Samuel L. Jackson Is Dead Against Method Acting!
The Marvel Cinematic Universe star once expressed his hatred for method acting in an interview with Collider. The actor believes that the craft of acting is essentially the art of make-believe at its finest and, therefore, becoming too deeply immersed in a character can prove harmful in the end. Indeed, many actors throughout the ages have complained about this very issue. Although the method has proven efficient for some, the mental effects, especially, take a significant toll on many. He stated,
“It’s a job of playing make-believe. You do it effectively and you do it in a way that’s not harmful to you because it’s a safe space. You’re supposed to be able to safely come into this space, work and give emotionally, and not be harmed by it.”
Therefore, the actor prefers to approach a character and work with a sense of enjoyment and ensures to diligently stay on top of his homework without fail. Thus, while speaking with Howard Stern on his show (via Far Out Magazine) he revealed,
“I’ve done all that at home; I know what I’m gonna do when I get to work. It’s easy, you know, you don’t shoot more than two and a half pages a day. Piece of cake. You don’t have to learn anything from beginning to end, even though I know all the lines. I know everybody’s lines. When I go to work, I have fun.”
While some may not agree with his take on the somewhat controversial approach of method acting, the method employed by Jackson undoubtedly works for him, which has helped him create numerous iconic characters that have resonated with audiences throughout the ages.
Source: The Guardian
