Just Something to Hide Behind

Despite a history of work with committed performers like Jared Leto, Christian Bale, and Austin Butler, notoriously demanding director Darren Aronofsky apparently doesn’t look kindly upon those who choose to go full method.

“I hate method actors,” he said onstage at a masterclass in Paris this weekend organized by French Cinematheque (via Variety). The filmmaker told the attendees that the decision to never break character throughout a filming process is “just something to hide behind, as opposed to doing the work and being professional.” While chatting about his upcoming project, titled Caught Stealing, he likened on-screen acting to training as an athlete.

“It’s a sport, a game — only, to be a great basketball player, you don’t have to be dribbling all the time,” he explained. “That’s not how it works. You do your homework, and get yourself ready. It’s only a fake reality between action and cut.”

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In addition to Caught Stealing, a film he described as “anchored” by Butler, the award-winning director was previously reported to be developing a biopic centered on Elon Musk with A24. In the meantime, he likened Caught Stealing to his Oscar-winning Black Swan, while also revealing how the darkness that often characterizes his films is connected to the global climate.

“Trump is the most famous person in the world, so I need to work even harder to be an optimist,” he shared. “With all the challenges we’re facing, I try to think about all the things that can connect us — and what I’m trying to do with my work now.”