Method and Classical acting have a massive role in shaping the world of theater. Actors, directors, and producers should all be aware of their differences to make informed decisions on which style is best suited for their production.
Contents showChoosing the right technique can mean the difference between a mediocre production and one that is both artistically and commercially successful.
This article explores Method Acting vs. Classical Acting from how they differ in their history and technique. We’ll also look at their importance within the world of theater.
By understanding the key characteristics of both Method and Classical acting styles, you will gain insight into how they can be used to achieve different theatrical effects.
Understanding both types of acting allows an actor to broaden their range of emotions and portray different characters more dynamically. As a result, they can take on a wider variety of roles, become more versatile, and stand out from the competition.
Method Acting requires a deep level of commitment from its practitioners, requiring them to draw on their own experiences and emotions for inspiration.
Classical acting is a more technical approach that relies heavily on mastering certain techniques and applying them to create characterizations and portrayals.
By understanding the differences between Method and Classical Acting, actors can tailor their performances to suit any role or production. Comprehending both acting styles helps an actor develop a well-rounded skill set.
Lee Strasberg developed this acting technique in the 1940s. Method actors draw upon their own emotional memories, or “emotional recall,” to portray characters realistically and with greater depth.
Method actors use their bodies to help them become the character they are playing—this is called physicalization.
The main characteristics of Method Acting are:
The Method acting approach allows for greater flexibility when portraying characters as it does not rely on formulaic techniques.
Method acting originated in the early 20th century with the work of Russian actor and theater practitioner Konstantin Stanislavski (the father of modern acting). Stanislavski’s revolutionary acting technique sought to create an entirely naturalistic performance by focusing on an actor’s inner life and emotions rather than their external physicality.
Stanislavski’s ideas were later adopted, adapted, and expanded upon by Lee Strasberg. Strasberg, a student of Stanislavski’s techniques, became director of the renowned Actors Studio (New York) in 1951, even though others founded it in 1947. He helped actors draw upon their own experiences to portray characters realistically, believing that the inner life of an actor was more important than the external physicality.
Other renowned practitioners such as Sanford Meisner and Uta Hagen refined the Method acting techniques and helped popularize them in the United States.
Today, Method Acting is integral to many acting classes worldwide, helping actors create dynamic, emotionally intense performances. This technique is usually combined with the Meisner technique and improvisation.
Famous actors who have used the Method include Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Meryl Streep. These actors have drawn upon their own experiences to create some of the most iconic performances in film history.
As a student of Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg, De Niro, is particularly famous for his intense Method acting techniques, dedicating himself to learning the skills and accents of the characters he plays. He trained as a boxer to play Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull (1980) and gained over 60 pounds for his role in Cape Fear (1991).
In Taxi Driver (1976), De Niro famously stayed in character throughout the shoot, living in New York City and driving a cab to get into the mindset of Travis Bickle. The veteran actor ad-libbed “you talkin’ to me?” which has become an iconic line.
Pacino is another Method actor who has created some memorable performances. In The Godfather (1972), Pacino refused to break character even when the cameras weren’t rolling. He drew on his Italian-American heritage and his experiences as an underdog to portray Michael Corleone.
Day-Lewis is another renowned method actor, having won three Academy Awards for his performances in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012). Day-Lewis famously immerses himself in his characters, from sitting in a wheelchair for months to prepare for My Left Foot to spending three weeks alone in a cabin for his role in The Last of the Mohicans (1992).
What is it with Joker characters? Heath Ledger is another example of an actor who has used Method Acting techniques to create some of his most iconic roles.
For his acting process in The Dark Knight (2008), he famously locked himself away in a hotel room for weeks to prepare. The result was one of the most acclaimed performances ever given by an actor, earning him a posthumous Academy Award, becoming the second person ever to receive the honor in that manner.
Bale has succeeded with his method techniques. His performances in The Machinist (2004) and American Psycho (2000) saw him lose and gain massive amounts of weight for the roles, respectively.
Filmmaker and retired actor Jack Nicholson has employed the Method acting technique to great success. He method-acted through One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) and Five Easy Pieces (1970).
American actor and filmmaker Dustin Hoffman exemplified dedication to becoming his characters by fully inhabiting their stories like no one before him. A perfect example is his work on the 1976 thriller Marathon Man. He pushed himself physically and mentally to stay true to his character’s struggles throughout an intense marathon running scene.
Legendary actor Marlon Brando is widely recognized as one of the leading figures in Method acting. His performances in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) and On The Waterfront (1954) are cited as exemplary illustrations of the technique. Brando draws on his experiences to create a realistic portrayal of Stanley Kowalski and Terry Malloy, respectively.
Impact of Method Acting on the Acting Profession Method acting is one of the most widely-used techniques among actors and directors today, with practitioners worldwide. It has encouraged more naturalistic performances, as opposed to classical actors’ traditionally stiff and stilted performances.
Method acting has dramatically impacted how films are made and perceived, with many directors now favoring more realistic portrayals over theatrical ones.
The technique has also influenced actor training programs around the world. Many acting schools now incorporate Method Acting into their curriculums to encourage students to explore the depth and power of their real emotions.
This technique emphasizes the interpretation and expression of text to convey complex emotions and themes. It also creates strong relationships between characters onstage through careful script analysis.
Classical acting is rooted in the works of William Shakespeare and other classic playwrights and Ancient Greece and Rome theatrical traditions. However, its techniques are not limited to the stage and can be applied to any production.
The main aim of Classical acting is to create a believable character interpretation through the subtle use of language, movement, and overly dramatic gestures. Classical actors should use their voice and body to form distinct characterizations rather than relying solely on their emotions.
Classical acting is an integral part of actor training programs worldwide, as it helps actors develop the skills needed to interpret and perform classic texts. This technique is usually the first step in an actor’s journey in drama school, as it helps them understand theatrical performance fundamentals.
The Classical acting technique requires the actor to interpret and express the script clearly and articulately. Its characteristics of Classical drama include the following:
Classical acting has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman theater, which emphasized clear diction, physical control, and heightened language. These theatrical traditions were then combined with the works of William Shakespeare to form the basis of Classical acting as we know it today.
Many actors still use the principles of Classical acting in their performances for modern film and theater productions.
Change from and development of Classical acting began in earnest with the works of Konstantin Stanislavski and the Moscow Art Theater in the early 20th century. Stanislavski’s system focused on interpreting text realistically and incorporating physicality into a performance.
The 20th century saw a new kind of actor emerge, one more focused on realism and naturalism in their craft. This shift gave rise to the modern Method acting techniques, where practitioners use their personal experiences to create dynamic, emotionally charged performances.
Patrick Stewart is an excellent example of a classically trained actor. He has trained extensively in classic literature and has applied his expertise to stage and film. Check out Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994) or X-Men (2000-2019) to see how he has used classical acting techniques to create believable and nuanced performances.
Richard Burton was another classical actor whose stunning performances were rooted in his understanding of the text. His portrayals of King Henry VIII (1969), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) and Hamlet (1964) are the benchmarks for Classical acting.
Judi Dench is an acclaimed actress who has worked extensively on stage and screen. She is renowned for using classical acting techniques to create some of the most memorable performances in recent cinema. She stands out as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare In Love (1998) and M in the James Bond films (1995-present).
John Gielgud is one of the most renowned Classical actors of all time. He was known for his masterful interpretations of Shakespearean acting and his ability to bring complex characters to life on stage.
Laurence Olivier is another iconic Classical Actor who made an indelible mark on the world of theater. His interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays were renowned for their clarity and precision.
You’ll usually find classical acting taught in England and American drama schools, as well as in many professional theaters around the world. It is typically taught alongside modern techniques, such as Method Acting, to give actors a more varied approach to their work.
Classical acting has had a profound influence on the world of acting. Its core principles, including verse speaking and heightened language, are still used in theater today. It has evolved and adapted to fit the changing landscape of film and theater while maintaining its core principles of clarity and heightened language.
Method and Classical Acting are two distinct approaches to acting. While they have some similarities, there are also key differences between them.
All acting techniques have the same goal of creating believable and engaging characters. Below are similarities between the Method and Classical acting styles:
The primary difference between Method and Classical acting is that method actors draw upon their personal experiences to create dynamic, emotionally charged performances. Classical actors focus more on physicality and the use of language.
Key differences between the two techniques are highlighted in the table below:
| Method | Classical |
| Typically used for contemporary films and plays, as it encourages a more naturalistic approach to performance. | Rooted in classic texts and theater traditions-relies more heavily on physicality and text interpretation rather than private emotion. |
| Allows for ad-libbing, improvisation, and personal expression to create unique performances. Classical Acting emphasizes the verse. | It focuses more on language interpretation and is regularly used in plays written by classic playwrights like Shakespeare. |
| Typically taught through workshops or private coaching. | Taught in many drama schools worldwide. |
| Encourages a more naturalistic approach to performance. | Places emphasis on heightened language and poetic delivery. |
| Favored by many directors due to its effectiveness in creating dynamic characters. | Usually reserved for works written by classic playwrights, such as Shakespeare. |
Both techniques have their strengths and weaknesses. Some directors may prefer one method over the other, while some actors may find one course more suitable for their artistic style. It is essential to be familiar with both approaches to understand best what type of performance an actor should strive for.
Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the most renowned actors of our time and is a master of Method and Classical acting. His interpretations of characters such as Bill “The Butcher” Cutting in Gangs Of New York (2002) and Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln (2012) have been praised for their emotional intensity and authenticity.
Day-Lewis usually uses elements of both Method and classical acting techniques in his performances, combining a naturalistic approach to the characters’ emotions with a focus on heightened language and physical control.
Another actor who is equally adept at both Method and Classical acting is Meryl Streep. She has won three Academy Awards for her roles as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady (2011), Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada (2006), and Joanna Kramer in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).
Her performances regularly combine elements of both techniques, focusing on physicality and heightened language to create powerful and nuanced characters.
When deciding between Method and Classical acting, performers should consider several factors highlighted below:
The debate over whether Method Acting is necessary for authentic performances continues. While some controversies surround Method acting, many method actors refuse to go against the narrative. Proponents cite A-list actors that use the technique, winning many accolades, but opposers even question its effectiveness.
There are many criticisms of excessive emotional and psychological strain on actors, particularly when Method acting is used in a film or theater production. Actors must take the time to develop a character and practice self-care throughout the Method process.
Actors must understand the potential risks associated with method acting and the importance of taking proper precautions when exploring intense emotional states.
When exploring the depths of emotional expression, method actors should remember several key rules or guidelines:
Alternative approaches to acting have been proposed in recent years, including the Meisner technique, the practical aesthetics method, and Neutral Mask work. These techniques offer an alternative approach to performance that emphasizes physicality and presence rather than emotional intensity.
Method and Classical acting offer two distinct approaches to the craft. While both techniques have similarities in their focus on physicality, language, and emotional expression, they also have distinct differences in how they are used.
Method acting is preferred for contemporary films and plays because it emphasizes emotional truthfulness. In contrast, Classical theater is used more in classical texts due to its reliance on heightened language.
Regardless of the approach, both methods require extensive preparation and practice for actors to create authentic and meaningful performances. Actors must explore both techniques to determine which suits their style and needs best.
Shakespeare’s plays are seen as the epitome of Classical acting. His works have profoundly influenced many aspects of performance, from language to physicality.
Classical acting programs continue to turn to Shakespeare’s’ plays for inspiration.
No, classical acting is not locked to stage actors, and the technique can be used in film and television as effectively as on the stage.
Other techniques for acting include Meisner Technique, Neutral Mask work, and Physical Theater. Each discipline offers its unique approach to performance, emphasizing varied elements in physicality, presence, and emotion. Actors should explore these techniques to develop a well-rounded understanding of the craft.
The four main types of acting are Classical Acting, Method Acting, Meisner Technique, and Physical Theater.
Actors who become emotionally overwhelmed during a performance should:
Remember that it is okay to take breaks and seek help if needed.
When exploring Method and Classical Acting, actors should:
Timing and delivery are critical elements for creating a powerful show on stage. Film is more about capturing an emotional moment or gesture through the camera lens.
Movie acting can sometimes require multiple takes of a particular scene to get just the right angle or shot, whereas, on stage, an actor has one chance to make an impact.
The primary difference between Method and Classical Acting is the approach taken when preparing for and executing a performance.
Method Acting encourages an emotionally charged approach that draws upon personal experiences. Classical acting emphasizes physicality and heightened language characterized by drawn-out speech and exaggerated actions.
Both techniques require extensive preparation and practice for actors to create believable characters.
