The Daniel Craig “Method” of Filming a Scene - Do Whatever Works! #indiefilm

"Method actors suggest that you do sense memory exercises every time you do a scene. I use every method I can. Whatever works, I'll use." - Daniel Craig on his nameless role in the gangster film "Layer Cake."

While initially shooting the main scenes for a short motion picture that I’m working on, it has become obvious that some of the rules taught in schools and books about production need not apply to this particular project. Blocking scenes -- an often essential part of the moviemaking process, is one of these rules. Most filmmakers, film professors and related experts will probably tell you that blocking is necessary for everyone including cast and crew to know where to stand or which directions to move in a scene.

Yes, blocking makes things move quicker and easier since people know how they are going to fulfill whatever role they’re playing (acting, makeup, focus pulling, cinematography, etc.) in the production. I won’t deny that. Blocking can also cause confusion, divides focus and lead to actors forgetting other important parts of the scene, such as the dialogue -- something that was brought to my attention this month. On this current project, I’ve started to realize that sometimes, blocking is not a useful method for which to set up some of the scenes that we’re shooting.

British actor Daniel Craig, who plays James Bond in “Skyfall” does not adhere to one particular method of preparing for a movie scene. Instead, Craig utilizes whatever helps him get into character for the particular role and production that he is involved in. Perhaps, it would do many filmmakers some good to take a page from his book of setups and preparation -- including me.

For the most part, it does not matter how you get to your destination, so long as you make it there. What started out to be so simple in concept became a little more involved than I anticipated. Now, I must adapt and adjust where necessary to make sure that the bigger picture is not lost in the shadows of minor details like whether a guy sips his cup of tea before or after he walks through a door. It doesn’t really fucking matter -- just get him moving; and no, this scenario is not from the production I’m in the middle of now. That would be too easy.

Thank You all for visiting and interacting with this blog. I know that it’s behind on the Monday Movie Meme (let’s just skip this week, ok?) and the King Dong series among other posts. I will do what I can to keep this thing going and not lose my mind in the process.

If you have any requests with regards to these blog series or any others (movie cocktails, reviews, festivals, events, interviews, etc.), feel free to send them my way.

Comments

[DEZMOND]

I'm not a fan of Craig. But I do love British, Irish and Australian actors because, unlike Holllywood stars who are mostly superficial celebrities, they are educated in drama and most of them have played on the stage too. This is why US actors can never came close to any British or European thespian.

[HermanTurnip]

Any chance of you posting some "behind the scene" photos? I'd be *very* interested in seeing something like that. It's difficult to understand how much work goes into making a movie. Would love to see pics and hear your take on things as they progress.

Keep up the great work!! Can't wait to see the final product.

[Angela Brown]

Sending a virtual glass of champagne your way as an early celebration to completion of production. This is me being positive production and post-production will go well, even if there's a little bit of hell along the way :-)

[Maurice Mitchell]

I never thought about this aspect of acting before. Great insight into the film acting world Nicole.

[Nicole]

Dezzy,
Interesting comparison that you're making between actors from different countries. I tend to like a lot of the Australian actors but I did like Craig's performance in Quantum of Solace, which is probably the first movie that I ever saw him in. Before the Bond flicks, I wasn't very familiar with him at all.

I understand your point about the differences between celebrity actors who popped up in films and the skilled actors who honed their talents in formal education at acting schools or on the stage in theater. However, there are some leading American actors who have not only performed in theater but also take their work very seriously and put the roles before glitz, glamour and stardom -- Morgan Freeman and Dustin Hoffman, to name a few. In the west, where many people tend to have their priorities mixed up and ass backwards, I wouldn't be surprised if America failed to compete in an Acting Olympics, if there were ever such a thing.

Herman,
Yes I will be posting some behind the scenes stuff in the coming weeks. Funny thing, the difficulty of understanding how much work goes into making movies never seems to subside, even when you're in the middle of one, no matter which department (cast/crew) you find yourself in. It always tends to end up requiring more work than you thought it would. Thanks for all of your support. I appreciate it very much!

Angela,
Oooh your champagne comes at the perfect time, as I just ran out of my bottle of Ros`e :)
Thanks for the positive vibes...I shall keep them with me through to the moment when the editor fades to black!

Maurice,
You and me both; Or really -- I haven't known much about method acting until reading statements made by Daniel Craig. Up until recent weeks, the only thing I knew about that aspect of acting was the fact that oh-so handsome actor Vincent D'Onofrio uses it...and it works well for him. Thank you for enjoying this post.