Andrew Garfield has a thing or two to say about method acting and the reputation it has garnered over the years. As an actor, there are many techniques one can utilize for a perfect embodiment of a given role. Method acting has been considered a systematic approach that requires the talent to “become” the character; staying in a headspace typical of the role and doing the things that would help facilitate getting into such a mindset in the first place.
However, in the recent past, Hollywood has witnessed a jarring phenomenon where under the pretense of method acting, many have actively contributed to and condoned inappropriate or unethical behavior, with the cast and crew members having to face the brunt of it. In a nutshell, there have been times when the method was taken a bit too far.
Garfield, who believes that there’s more to the method than what the industry has misconstrued it to be, defended the technique. Following various claims that were made by colleagues and acquaintances within the industry, concerning the subject matter, the Tick, Tick… Boom! alum clarified his thoughts on the approach.
One such claim, against the motion, came from ex-roommate Robert Pattinson.
How Robert Pattinson Differs From Andrew Garfield
There was a time when both Andrew Garfield and Robert Pattinson were roommates with stars like Eddie Redmayne, Charlie Cox, and Jamie Dornan. The five actors, who worked hard to reach their current level of acclaim, used to share their toughest times in each other’s company. As per claims made by Dornan, the actors are still in touch and have remained great friends to date. However, having a sense of camaraderie does not stop the group from having different opinions. Such is the case for Pattinson and Garfield.
On Variety’s Actors on Actors series, the Twilight star discussed his own detachment from the practice. As per claims made by the talent, method acting oftentimes than not sees only the people who play the role of an “a**hole” emphasize their usage of the technique.
Here’s the insight that the actor provided on the matter:
“I always say about people who do method acting, you only ever see people do the method when they’re playing an a**hole. You never see someone being lovely to everyone while they’re really deep in character.”
In general, remaining in character all the time seems exhausting for Pattinson, who relishes the cut that marks a clear demarcation between the on-screen and the off-screen, deeming it his “safe space.”
With elaboration, he stated:
“I need to know when you’re on stage and when you’re off stage. I need to know that between action and cut, that’s the thing. That’s the safe space. I need to know it ends. I need to know there’s a cut coming, and then I’ll feel safe.”
Therefore, while Pattinson does retain a sense of respect for the technique, he believes for it to be not his thing. Furthermore, his astute observation does beg the question of why the use of the method is only highlighted when someone is playing a role that necessitates indifference, apathy, and/or disrespect.
Andrew Garfield Defended The Infamous Acting Technique
On the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, Andrew Garfield emphasized his stance on the controversial subject. According to him, the misconceptions surrounding the technique rub him up the wrong way. Furthermore, he stated that people who believe that method acting is nonsensical do not know what the method truly is.
He stated:
“I’m kind of bothered by this idea that ‘Method acting’s f**king bulls**t.’ No, I don’t think you know what method acting is if you’re calling it bulls**t. Or you just worked with someone who claims to be a method actor that isn’t actually acting the method at all,”
Andrew Garfield also believes, in a completely contrasting fashion to that of Pattinson, that people who think that the method simply insinuates the practice of being inconsiderate towards everyone on the set are misconstruing what the technique stands for.
Here’s his full statement:
“It’s not about being an a**hole to everyone on set. It’s actually just about living truthfully under imagined circumstances, and being really nice to the crew simultaneously, and being a normal human being, and being able to drop it when you need to, and staying in it when you want to stay in it.”
In the podcast, Andrew Garfield also affirmed that the method has worked for him, especially during the filming of Martin Scorsese’s Silence. While the usage of the approach remains a matter of personal preference and a talent’s capabilities, the debate surrounding the ethical implications of the method is getting heated with each passing day.
The re-ignition of the controversial debate is because of a recent statement released by Jonathan Majors’ lawyer, that aimed at putting to rest the allegations surrounding the actor’s on-set behavior, which were stated to be “aggressive.”
The Statement Released By Jonathan Majors’ Lawyer
A string of controversies has surrounded the Creed III alum, who has been facing major allegations against him.
For reportedly assaulting, strangling, and harassing a former partner, the actor was arrested on March 25. Later, in an investigative report published by Rolling Stone, some accused the actor of on-set violence, misconduct, and abuse.
Amidst such allegations, one of the lawyers representing Jonathan Majors, Dustin Pusch, sent a statement to IndieWire to address the issue and affirm his innocence.
Check it out:
“Jonathan Majors vehemently denies Rolling Stone’s false allegations that he physically, verbally, or emotionally abused anyone, let alone any of his past romantic partners… The allegations that Mr. Majors got physical with or physically intimidated anyone on any movie set are downright false. Everyone who has worked with Mr. Majors knows that he employs an immersive Method acting style, and while that can be misconstrued as rudeness at times, those who know Mr. Majors and work in the industry have attested to his dedication to his craft as well as his kindness.”
Source: WTF with Marc Maron
Read also: Andrew Garfield Had to Eat a Cheeseburger With Emma Stone to Replace Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man
