“Method or Madness? Why ‘Staying in Character’ Doesn’t Give You Permission to Be an Asshole”

I recently met a method actor who came into my East London self-tape studio… and honestly, the experience left a pretty bad taste.

From the very second they walked in, the energy was hostile.

Straight away, they told me they didn’t want any direction because they’ve “been doing this for years” and “know exactly what they’re doing.”

Now—this, in itself, is not a problem. In fact, it can make my life easier. I like when an actor is self-assured and confident in their choices.

But the delivery? Cold. Sharp. Unnecessarily aggressive.

Still… fine. Move on.

The scene we were recording had multiple eyelines, so I offered my trusty “Heads”—printed celebrity faces on stands so actors can have clear eyelines instead of staring into the void and hoping for the best.

That suggestion was met with even more hostility. Flat refusal.

At this point, I’m genuinely considering asking them to leave. It’s a horrible way to work. But I’m also trying to stay professional and get through the session.

Then we start recording.

And it doesn’t get any nicer.

Tension in the room. No collaboration. Just… unpleasant.

At one point, they must have realised their behaviour was a bit much, because they stopped and said:

“Sorry, I’m usually much nicer, but I just inhabit the mood of the characters I’m playing.”

And this is where Daniel Day-Lewis comes in.

Years ago, I was lucky enough to be part of The Factory Actors group in Ireland, run by top film directors. We had some incredible people come in and chat to us about the industry in a really open, honest way.

Jim Sheridan visited several times—an amazing storyteller who loves talking about the old days. He directed Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot, where Day-Lewis plays Christy Brown.

And he told stories about how deep the method went. Being fed by the crew. Being carried onto the set.

And even back then, it never sat right with me.

How much ego does it take to create that much extra work for everyone else? For the crew who are just trying to do their jobs?

It makes me wonder…

Maybe—just maybe—if you need all that circus to squeeze out a performance… Maybe you are just not very good?

Have you tried… acting?

Back to the session.

Safe to say, I definitely don’t want to work with that actor again.

Because here’s the thing:

You don’t get to treat people badly in the name of art.

This industry is hard enough without bringing toxic energy into the room. Whether it’s a full film set or a self-tape studio in East London, we’re all just trying to do good work.

And good work doesn’t come from hostility.

So yeah… I blame Daniel Day-Lewis—at least a little—for inspiring this idea that being “in character” gives you a free pass to be difficult.

And honestly?

I don’t think I’d like to work with him either.

Not that I’ll ever have to worry about that.

But still… imagine the stress of working with someone like that.

If you’re an actor reading this, here’s the takeaway:

Your talent gets you in the room.
Your behaviour determines whether you’re invited back.

And trust me—people remember both.

Sending Hugs,

Natalia

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