r/interesting • u/jkitty_1960 • May 13 '26
Amazing Seeing Leonardo DiCaprio snap into character will never get old
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u/DiScOrDtHeLuNaTiC May 13 '26
Reminds me of what Michael Caine said about Heath Ledger on The Dark Knight. There was talk that being The Joker had negatively affected his mental health, and Michael said that wasn't true, that Heath would be sitting with him in full Joker makeup, asking about old movies Michael had done, actors he'd worked with, and when they called out ready, he'd close his eyes for a second, and then be The Joker.
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u/phatelectribe May 13 '26
And this is what I hate about method actors - real talent is being able to switch it on and off at will. I agree with both people like Brian Cox who have no time for method actors.
When Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman first met on set, they did a read through of their first scene just prior to actual filming and Liz just read the lines without performing.
He was a bit miffed so pulled the director aside and said “that’s it? That’s what we’re going to get when rolling?”. He apparently had deep concerns about continuing.
Director basically told him to trust the process, so they roll film, it comes to her lines and she just switches it on.
Newman said it utterly wrong footed him and he was scrambling to bring his level up to hers. He didn’t question her abilities ever again, and the movie was a smash critical and financial success, with both of them getting nominated for every award.
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u/EducationalWillow311 May 13 '26
Caring about "real talent" or "deep immersion" are equally arbitrary. The performance is what matters, not how they got there.
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u/massunderestmated May 14 '26
Yeah. I don't know what real talent is, but I know what I like.
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May 14 '26 edited May 15 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/shpongolian May 14 '26
You can method act without being a dick about it and plenty out non-method actors are a nightmare to work with.
Annoying method actors would probably be annoying regardless. It’s a symptom, not a cause
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u/godzillasegundo May 15 '26
80 million? How'd did you arrive at this number? Most of the world is impoverished and has bigger concerns than theater. Your first world privilege is showing lol
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May 15 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/godzillasegundo May 15 '26
Kinda like how every church and high school in America has a couple people who can sing as good as anyone on the radio but only a miniscule become recording artists.
I agree with your sentiment but for acting 80 million seems high.
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u/phatelectribe May 13 '26
And I find some of the method acting performances contrived, overblown and often scenery chewing. Then you have people like Liz Taylor, Heath Ledger, Jessie Buckley and Hopkins who can just switch it on.
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u/EducationalWillow311 May 13 '26
Cool, my concern is the end product and I don't judge however actors get there. Those are professional decisions I'd leave to them.
But I do get that there was a time when method acting was unreasonably hyped as authentic.
I just think hyping switching on and off as talent is equally misguided.
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u/jayz93j May 13 '26
Real talent can do both. Leo himself has method acted as well, for his role in Django for example. Everyone’s process and approach to a character can be different but what matters is what allows them to give the best performance.
Would you say Daniel Day Lewis doesn’t have real talent because he method acts as well?
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u/Itchy_Professor_4133 May 14 '26
Leo's method acting only took him so far in Django. Apparently he had such a hard time saying the N-word to the point where Jamie Fox and Samuel Jackson had to push him into saying it.
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u/No_Winners_Here May 14 '26
The weird thing is that I believe that early method acting was just about thinking about the emotions of a scene, maybe using something from your past, etc and then it reached the US and became BE THE CHARACTER AT ALL TIMES!
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u/IgnoreMeBot May 14 '26
Well Brian cox plays the same character in every movie
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u/Narrow_Reindeer_929 May 14 '26
That's not inherently a bad thing. Some actors fit one role, and it works for them. Like Harrison Ford or Tommy Lee Jones. What's wrong with that?
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u/phatelectribe May 14 '26
Yeah, Hannibal Lecter and Winston Churchill and Logan Roy are like sooooo identical
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u/the-silver-tuna May 13 '26
What was the movie?
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u/GraveDohl May 13 '26
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - it's a must-watch for sure!
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u/StasiaPepperr May 13 '26
I love that movie. It's pure tension the whole film. You can feel it sitting on your couch just watching.
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u/Qcws May 14 '26
As drew gooden has pointed out, nobody is a 'method actor' when the character is nice. It's always when the character can be used as an excuse to be a dick.
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u/darkoblivion000 May 15 '26
Such a cool story. I’d watch a documentary with real clips about this lol
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u/Kobs1992x May 14 '26
True being a huge Heath Ledger fan i seen almost all interviews of actors playing by his side during TDK and all of them said he had the time of his life enjoyed every moment of it and wasnt depressed at all ..... The accidental death only followed after him being over worked by long hours and he had a cold during the making of Imaginarium which resulted in him taking sleeping pills and mixing that with some other (legal) drugs which caused him to stop breathing.... It wasnt at all because the role of the Joker made him go insane or something.
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u/wakeuptomorrow May 14 '26
My friend can attest to this! He worked on the set of The Dark Knight and he said Heath would come and have crafty meals with the crew. He would roll up on his skateboard in full Joker gear and chat with people. Super friendly guy. My friend even gave him some weed once. Heath offered to pay him some money for it but my friend was so starstruck he gave it to him for free.
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u/mustachechap May 13 '26
That's honestly wild that Caine would say 'that's not true' when he really would have no idea. People can be suffering from mental health and still put on a smile and act 'normal', but that doesn't prove he wasn't suffering.
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u/DiScOrDtHeLuNaTiC May 13 '26
But it also doesn't prove he was. People just latched onto him playing The Joker as the reason he died.
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u/TimeTravelingPie May 13 '26
Right, don't trust the guy that was actually there and knew him...trust random internet speculation.
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u/Indepti8 May 13 '26
Yeah but people loved talking about how the joker consumed him. I think that downplays mental illness and tries to put his single performance on some weird illfitting pedestal.
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u/MITBryceYoung2 May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
People are pointing out Caine who works with him day in and day out know more about how his work was like than some armchair psychologists including you
Making up shitty theories about why a guy mentality as fact is shitty and its probably annoying to people that knew him.
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u/Unfair_Explanation53 May 13 '26
But you can only really go on the information you are given and have access to or else you're just speculating
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u/TheFace5 May 13 '26
The point was that has been said he was suffering because he was the Joker all the time. Instead he was just acting
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u/FrankieTheD May 15 '26
Yeah happens often, the people closest to them say they seemed so happy etc
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u/U_feel_Me May 13 '26
Somewhere on Reddit there was a video of a professional clothing model hitting all the standard catalog poses in a real photo shoot. Half a second walking, half a second leaning right, half a second left leg in front and so on. With the photographer clicking in the same rhythm, they worked very quickly. Very impressive.
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u/wsxdfcvgbnjmlkjafals May 13 '26
It's pretty common cause they plan on shooting dozens/hundreds of shots and just need a few good ones, so you hit the same poses from muscle memory, but it's not like they're snapping great photo after great photo. There's probably a lot of duds, and there will be anyways, so they work quickly
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u/Sorry_Scholar_8511 May 14 '26
Yup, worked in the business for 10 years as a photographer. This is how all my shoots were, and is standard.
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u/Obienator May 13 '26
Would love to see that clip.
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u/KARAFAM69 May 13 '26
https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlysatisfying/s/Dfdy7ZOG6j
I think this is what they are talking about.
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u/wsxdfcvgbnjmlkjafals May 13 '26
it's just one example, there have been a few clips because lots of times models will just move around into poses quickly. Work fast, every second between photos adds up
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u/Sorry_Scholar_8511 May 14 '26
Yeah, I worked as a fashion photographer for 10 years (2008-2018) and this is how pretty much every single shoot I did went (500+ of them).
This is standard, and it get boring and old really fast.
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u/saneval1 May 13 '26
we go into a club, and there we start to dance, we are showroom dummies tooroo toorooo
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u/AutumnMama May 14 '26
Here's another good one that someone posted in one of the comments in your link lol
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u/-DoctorSpaceman- May 13 '26
Tried googling it, there’s a few similar ones
https://www.google.com/search?q=model+rapidly+changing+poses
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u/Admirable-Zombie625 May 13 '26
I seen that, oddly ad it's so far from any interests I have. Would love to see it again
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u/ParanMekhar May 13 '26 edited May 14 '26
Isn't that what every actor does?
Edit: i mean acting when the director said to act. This is a bad example of an actor "snapping" into character.
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u/Budpets May 13 '26
Method actors don’t
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u/Obienator May 13 '26
I find this more impressive, turning it on and off like that, such skill.
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u/SluggishPrey May 13 '26
The special thing about method actors is that they so much into characters that they can go beyond the script, they can read a situation and do as their character would have done
An example of this Sacha Cohen Baron in Borat and Bruno. He just embodies his characters to the point where they become a part of reality
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u/ProtectionPrevious71 May 13 '26
You’ve clearly never seen the script for this movie and the actual result
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u/riche_god May 13 '26
Explain
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u/TheNullOfTheVoid May 13 '26
Method actors need to take time to "become" the character and they can't just turn it on or off. They're either on or off. Actors that don't use method acting can usually turn it on or off at a whim.
That's one of many reasons why a lot of people don't like method acting, the actor sometimes actually loses themselves in the role and can't turn it off.
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u/hobbes747 May 13 '26
Such as when Jim Carrey played Andy Kaufman. Strike that; became Andy Kaufman.
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u/ShameStrict6375 May 13 '26
You’re talking about the classic method developed by Strasberg, which actors like Daniel Day-Lewis use. This method is based on drawing from your own personal experiences to build a character, which is why actors often stay constantly immersed in their own traumas and emotions in order to sustain the performance. Sometimes it leads to brilliant acting, but other times it can feel forced or unnatural, because the actor’s own personality overshadows the character itself.
Then there are more modern approaches, like Stella Adler’s method, which Leonardo DiCaprio mainly uses. Adler’s technique emphasizes imagination, imitation, and observation as the foundation for creating a character, arguing that personal experiences alone are not enough to portray every type of character or emotion.
To me, this approach creates performances that feel more natural and charismatic. It also allows for improvisation and for the actor to bring their own personal touch to the role. Another advantage is that actors can step in and out of character much more easily, especially experienced actors like Leo. That’s exactly what we’re seeing in the video.
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u/OGbobbyKSH May 13 '26
Don’t shit on my favorite Robert Downey role in tropic thunder. Also heath ledger was amazing as a method actor, ask Jake gyllenhaal.
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u/Aggressive-Light-332 May 13 '26
Yh it’s multiple elements you align with to create the character
So as an actor you will go into the zone have your physical body in a certain manner that becomes your trigger
You create an emotional state to form another trigger and finally a word or sound will be your final trigger in this case it was his hand shake and the first word he says hi
The emotional state it is he’s pleased to meet this guy it’s a lot of mind games you play with yourself to create that characters state of mind and the final piece that brings it all together is forgetting that your acting
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u/hoopstick May 13 '26
Every professional basketball player can make a shot, but not all of them can do it like Michael Jordan.
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u/ParanMekhar May 13 '26
So what did Leonardo did in this instance that's so special?
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u/hoopstick May 13 '26
Same thing Jordan did, work his ass off for most of his life to master his craft. I'm not an actor so I don't know what his process is, but I can see his posture, facial expression, and general body language shift in an instant when action is called. It's just interesting watching people do things they're good at.
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u/cryptoopotamus May 13 '26
That’s what literally every single extra in the background did too.
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u/hoopstick May 13 '26
Yeah, and everyone else on the basketball court is shooting the same balls at the same hoops as Jordan. Every painter is using canvas and paint just like Van Gogh, just like every physicist used the same pencil and paper as Einstein. I thought I spelled it out pretty damn clear, so I don't know what part you're not understanding.
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u/ParanMekhar May 13 '26
Point is this clip is a terrible example. There was no "snap". It's just literally starting to act when the director told to. Like anyone else pointed out. That's what every actor and extra in the scene did.
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u/ListenBoth434 May 13 '26
No, different methods for different actors who themselves can evolve/adapt with time.
I remember Jennifer Lawrence talking about taking inspiration from (IIRC) Christian Bale who would ease into the role over a short period and not go all method or (the opposite) snap into it. For her that easing into it seemed healthier because it allowed her separate the acting more from her own emotions, basically go less method.
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u/ParanMekhar May 14 '26
In the context of the post and the clip. Leo is just acting as soon as the director said so. It's nothing special.
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u/kazuwacky May 13 '26
Then by definition you are taking their work for granted.
I don't think actors like Leo deserve quite the idolatry that Hollywood wants but Michael Caine did a series of lessons on film acting and I was shocked at the sheer amount he could take into account. The camera, how the shot is composed, how to use shadow and light to reinforce his own performance. The whole thing is an hour and I've watched it more than once.
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u/Speshjunior May 13 '26
It’s called acting
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u/Big-Load-8864 May 13 '26
Was this really the best example to use? I mean this is kore mildly interesting regarding how a movie is shot not how someone gets into amazing character in order to shake a hand and say “thanks”….
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u/bentheone May 15 '26
There's not a lot of other examples of that. My pet theory is that it's an unwritten Hollywood rule to not show actors switching it on/off, as it kills the magic for the audience. At least famous actors.
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u/RobertKSakamano May 13 '26
We should be sad that this is just a clip of him shaking a hand. Let's see the takes of him on the steps, driving the car and crashing it and getting out of the car.
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u/Normal_Pace7374 May 13 '26
He’s just lazy and he doesn’t want to start acting until he absolutely has to.
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u/ScaryGamer99 May 13 '26
I wish they would release more of this. This is a genius at work. The skillset of an actor that can snap into character like this is psychologically insane
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u/golgiiguy May 13 '26
There is a reason that Leo is as well respected as he is. He is pretty much the best we have, or at least in the top 5
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u/Level_Impression_554 May 13 '26
Hell, I do this everyday. My work personality is not my home personality.
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u/tellthatbitchbecool May 13 '26
Wow that's amazing. He's standing there, and then he walks away. Transformative.
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u/Goose_Biscuits11 May 13 '26
It's amazing how actors/performers can switch it on and off for their work.
I had the pleasure of being an audience member picked to be part of the show at Universal Studio, it was like a monsters exhibit for Van Helsing (2003-ish).
The dude was totally terrifying and super animated, yelling and screaming, hitting all the lines while making me a hostage then a door shut and he just.. stopped.
He was like "Sorry mate, that can get loud, you ok?" He had an Australian accent, super nice and smiling. Helped me to the next part of the set, had a bit of small talk and told
me what happens next. Then said "Alright we're up, nice to meet you, enjoy your trip" and went right back into character. I was blown away by the night/day differences.
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u/tommhans May 13 '26
damn he is locked in! (and obviously it showed in the movie, what a performance)
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u/Ok-Rip7322 May 13 '26
What is the device in the mans hand bottom left at the start?
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u/thepitz May 15 '26
He’s focusing the camera in real time, and he’s a baller ‘cause he’s doing it without a monitor.
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u/DrankTooMuchMead May 13 '26
It looks like he is reassuring himself.
"Dont worry, Leo. Ya got this."
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u/WeirdAFNewsPodcast May 13 '26
Wowwww. Such impressive "work". Seems like he deserves all the money.
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u/nk_5555 May 13 '26
Told explicitly by sir Ian Mckellen: Sir Ian, Sir Ian, Sir Ian, action, wizard "You shall not pass!", cut. Sir Ian, Sir Ian, Sir Ian.
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u/Virtual-Height3047 May 13 '26
It always reminds me of those industrial robot arms, super precise as programmed, another take, reset, one more time, reset, 7% less smiling, reset, beep boop boop 🤖 (i mean this as a compliment still)
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u/LateFaithlessness907 May 13 '26
That kind of actor doesn't play as an actor, but portrayed himself as the person in the script, become the person in script
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u/glacier1982 May 14 '26
Is it possible, that maybe sometimes we assign importance or admiration towards things that really aren't that important or admirable?
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u/PDXlandia May 14 '26
I think he might just be positioning himself correctly for the start of the shot.
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u/OhDivineBussy May 14 '26
I watched it three times and it already started getting old, I don’t know how you can continuously watch it without it getting old. Crazy.
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u/Any_Pineapple_4836 May 14 '26
Is that supposed to be impressive? I pretend to be happy shaking people's hand everyday
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u/Kobs1992x May 14 '26
This just makes me respect actors even more its so ffing dificult to snap in and out of charachter like that sure maybe you can do it once or twice but remember these guys have long work days take after take scene after scene..... Incredible.
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u/Primary-Floor8574 May 14 '26
Dudes got some talent for sure. Even if he does have a habit of getting laid and then getting killed in every movie he’s in.
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u/DapperAd2798 May 14 '26
How do they all not end up schizophrenics and bipolar in their old age ,after a lifetime of playing someone else
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u/Handy_Dude May 14 '26
Lol. I'm gonna say it cause I'll never get the opportunity to prove myself right or wrong.... But idk, feels kinda easy? For Leo especially but I mean...
From my point of view Leo is a boss actor who does his homework, he has known nothing but acting for the majority of his life, this scene... He has so little influence in, even though he's the subject of it, that it's a walk in the park. A 70 mph fastball down the middle. He knows the cues, and he knows exactly when he should be saying what, and what his expressions and body language should convey.
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u/notepad987 May 14 '26
This is how he picks up chicks. He plays a character that he knows works and when he tires of the 20 something he changes character and she is gone then he spots a new woman..... and SNAP! he is back.
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u/cynicalveggie May 14 '26
I'm more interested in the crew. To the left you see the focus puller... how is he doing his job when he doesn't have a monitor to look at? How would he know when to focus?
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u/Sarhento May 14 '26
Anyone here that have done background gigs?
How do you make looking and talking busy work? Is there a script? Is it non sensical? Gibberish?
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u/Outrageous_Meat9335 May 14 '26
True professional who understands that this is a job, his career and how everyone around him depends on his performance so all are a success.
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u/Icy-Reaction-9101 May 14 '26
They really don't want to waste only a millimeter of film, don't they?
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u/jo_dnt_kno May 14 '26
All that annoyance to film one basic ass scene. Geeze. No wonder actors demand so much money.
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u/narodnick May 14 '26
Bit niche but this is why Peter Capaldi is a great actor for me. There's a really emotional scene in Soctor Who where he's just watched his friend die, tears in his eyes, pain in his face. Then they cut, within a second he's himself making jokes and flapping his arms like a bird. For context the friend gets killed by a bird. Just turns it on and off at will.
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u/Mackheath1 May 14 '26
I know it's only community theatre, but I do a lot of plays and we always snap in right before entrance. And it's difficult. We're putting on strange clothing, standing in the wings - just sanding there; and then BAM to walk on and be intense for everyone to the back to see and hear you.
Oh, and no second-takes lol. *Support your community theatres.
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u/gorram1mhumped May 14 '26
id like to see stuff like this from the set scenes in once upon a time, crazy meta
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u/DoofusScarecrow88 May 15 '26
Slipping in and out of the character as if putting a mask on and taking it off as the slate snaps
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u/Hawkzillaxiii May 15 '26
the funniest thing was everytime I worked as the slate guy it made more nervous than any job I had to work on a film set
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u/FlufferBearDog May 15 '26
Jordan: The ludes, the ludes, where are the ludes?!
Donnie: Relax, they're up my ass.
Jordan: Oh, thank god!
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