Meryl Streep is a film industry icon, and The Devil Wears Prada left a lasting mark on a whole generation. People still talk about her character, Miranda Priestly, even today. But not many know the details of how she got ready to play the villain in the movie.
Some say the most renowned actors use strict methods to get into character, and Streep was one of them until she realized it might not be the healthiest approach. For this movie, she took her method acting to the extreme.
How Did Meryl Streep Prepare For The Devil Wears Prada?
Being Miranda Priestly isn’t easy, and that’s true both in the story of The Devil Wears Prada and for Meryl Streep. Given the character’s strong traits, the method Streep used to fully immerse herself in the role was something she later regretted.
Known as method acting, this strategy involves the actor staying deeply immersed in the character. This approach was discussed when the film was released, as Streep was already known for using it. It’s also known that this method can sometimes make actors unpleasant to be around off-camera.
In an interview with Variety in 2023, Emily Blunt and Anne Hathaway had the chance to reflect on their experiences working with Streep in the movie. They shared detailed memories of what it was like to see Meryl Streep transform into the unforgettable villain. Blunt remembered that her co-star had already expressed how she felt about the process:
Do you know she’s never done Method acting since? She said it made her so miserable on this one, because we were all having a party on the other side of the set. And she was like, “I won’t do this again”.
The technique of acting has roots that predate cinema. Konstantin Stanislavski, a Russian theater director, developed a detailed system for preparing actors. Later, Lee Strasberg adapted this method for film, focusing on developing emotions and thoughts as if he were the character himself, leading to a more realistic portrayal.
Meryl Streep Said She’s Done With Method Acting
In 2021, during an oral history for The Devil Wears Prada at Entertainment Weekly with the reunited cast, this topic was revisited, particularly since Streep herself could share her feedback on the experience.
Emily Blunt revealed that the actress kept a certain distance from the cast. She noted that while Streep wasn’t completely inaccessible, Blunt wasn’t sure if this approach was actually beneficial, as it wasn’t the most enjoyable or easy process. The co-star readily agreed and added:
It was horrible! I was [miserable] in my trailer. I could hear them all rocking and laughing. I was so depressed! I said, “Well, it’s the price you pay for being boss!” That’s the last time I ever attempted a Method thing!
Additionally, Hathaway revealed that despite the strategy, it also affected how she approached her leading role as well. She recognized that Streep knew what she was doing, which pushed her to improvise and deliver more in her scenes than she might have otherwise.
I did feel intimidated, but I always felt cared for. I knew that whatever she was doing to create that fear, I appreciated [because] I also knew she was watching out for me. There’s this scene where [she says], “You’re just as disappointing as the rest of those silly girls.” I remember when the camera turned on me, the pressure really got to me, and I’d had such emotional fluidity in the day up to that point, but it just wasn’t there anymore. I remember having the experience of watching [her] watch me, and [she] altered [her] performance ever so slightly, and just made it a little bit different, and brought more out of me and got me to break through whatever barrier I had.
Now that the sequel has been announced, it’s just a matter of waiting to see what she brings to Miranda Priestly this time.
The Devil Wears Prada is available to stream on Disney+.
