... like I'm 5 years old
To put it in the simplest terms, method acting is a technique where actors try to create in themselves the thoughts and emotions of their characters, in order to develop lifelike performances. Instead of pretending to be a character, method actors try to 'become' the character. They may use their own life experiences to connect with the character and to bring realism and authenticity to their roles. This is a way for the actor to fully immerse themselves in the character they are playing, to bring out the most genuine performance possible.
Imagine you're playing a game of make-believe. Instead of just saying the lines and going through the motions, you're trying to really feel what your character would feel - like you're stepping into their shoes and living their life. That's what method acting is like.
... like I'm in College
Method acting, also known as the Stanislavski System, originated from the teachings of Konstantin Stanislavski, a Russian actor and director. The technique encourages actors to explore their characters' emotional depths by using their personal experiences. This kind of acting requires more than just learning lines and rehearsing scenes. It requires actors to delve into their own emotional experiences, drawing upon personal memories and feelings to give authenticity to their performances.
The Method, as it's often called, has been further developed by various acting schools, most notably the Group Theatre in New York and the Actors Studio, which produced renowned method actors like Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Robert De Niro. These actors are known for their intense and realistic performances that blur the line between the actor and the character.
Imagine you're building a LEGO character. At first, you're just following the instructions, snapping the bricks together. That's like traditional acting - you're learning the lines and movements, but you're not really 'feeling' the character.
Now, imagine you start to think about why the LEGO character looks the way it does. Why does it have that particular expression? Why are its arms or legs positioned in that way? You start to imagine scenarios where your LEGO character might have that expression, or why it might stand in that way. You're giving your LEGO character a backstory, a personality, a life.
In essence, you're becoming the LEGO character. You're not just building it, you're understanding it, you're feeling it. That's what method acting is - it's not just portraying a character, it's becoming the character.
... like I'm an expert
The Stanislavski System, or Method acting, is centred on the actor's internal process. It involves a deep psychological approach, where actors use affective memory and emotion memory to harness their personal experiences, relating them to the circumstances of the character. This creates a psychological reality that allows the actor to respond naturally to the fictional circumstances.
This technique also involves a physical transformation, where the actor not only adopts the psychological traits of the character but also their physical characteristics. This immersion extends beyond the stage or screen, with many method actors remaining in character even when not performing, a practice known as 'total characterisation'.