Presentation Script

Presentation Script: To what extent could Johnny Depp be termed as a method actor?

Projector: Alice In Wonderland - Mad hatters tea party (item 1) 0.12s-0.16s

Speaker: In this presentation, I will be talking about method acting and how that relates to Johnny Depp's individual performances. Method acting was created by the practitioner: 'Stanislavski' who took the acting commitment to the next level. Method acting is defined as using various techniques in order to build characterisation and "realism" within the actor. (Item 4) You can see Depp using method in the scene of the 'Mad Hatters tea party' from 'Alice in Wonderland'. His extravagant appearance with big dilated eyes and ginger wild hair, combined with his enhanced performance is clearly inspired by someone with "mercury poisoning."(Item 8) Depp's performance shows that he is not in his right mind as he can not balance himself and acts in a delusional manner. The extent of his costume, makeup and effective characterisation highlights that he is a method actor. The contrast from character to actor is too great for Depp not to be termed as a method actor. He steps into the shoes of the character, rather than just imagining the role. "He's deep, as an actor. He also does a lot of actor prep. That's why he's so great." (Item 9)

Projector: Interview with Depp discussing how he adopted an earphone method from ‘Marlon Brando.’ (Item 13)

Speaker: In addition to method acting, Depp mentions here that he uses a technique inspired by Marlon Brando. He would wear earphones in order to block out any distractions and improve characterisation. Depp said that: “It keeps me in my own world." (Item 13) This shows that Depp can be termed as a method actor because he adopts various techniques, to improve characterisation and "realism." (Item 4) Although it is not a technique used by Stanislavski, it still proves that he experimented with methods in order to create a respectable performance. It could be argued that Depp is not termed as a method actor as he does not have a "naturalistic" performance. (Item 4) Johnny Depp is a complete contrast to this technique, since all his character roles have the focus on being extravagant and imaginative. However, the purpose of his characters is to be unique so method acting still stands even though a naturalistic performance is absent. "The modern actor is often both too much and too little herself." (Item 12) In this case, Depp is too little himself and does not have the naturalistic performance that an actor following Stanislavski's method acting would have.

Projector: Interview with Depp discussing why he used Barbie dolls as a means of role preparation. (Item 14)

Speaker: Depp's second unusual method of playing with his daughter’s barbie dolls have theoretically developed some of his greatest film characters in history. “Willy Wonka, Captain Jack.” (1.44s – item 14) This technique, although extremely unique offers a strong foundation for the characterisation for his roles. It enables him to experiment with personas and explore deeper into the the character's dimensions. This technique, in my opinion does successfully represent him as a method actor. His ground-breaking movie characters mentioned above, led to commendation that enhanced his status and career. He used Stanislavski's teachings of building character by exploring techniques, however unusual it appeared to be. In fact, Depp playing with Barbie dolls was actually considered a form of role-play, which was an effective way to work on character development from Stanislavski's techniques. (Item 14) This again supports the idea of Depp being labelled as a 'method' actor.

Projector: Clip of 'Pirates and the Caribbean scene' 'On Stranger Tides' (1.56m-2.02m) (Item 3)

Speaker: In the sequence in 'pirates and the Caribbean' on 'Stranger Tides' the performance of Depp walking in the drunken character he was playing, whilst stranded on an island helped to show that he did successfully bring the character to the screen. (Item 3) As the camera pans across to Captain Jack sparrow getting in his boat, his performance shows that he is not sober and is not focused on his own movements. Here you can again separate character from actor, which is a clear indication of Depp becoming another character, i.e; method acting. His Pirate costume and dramatic dark eye makeup helped to reflect an aggressive pirate, which added to his character development, since Depp was bringing the character to life. He would have had to adopt 'method acting' in order to step into the role. From watching the scene, you can see that Depp loses all his inhibitions and becomes a drunk and careless Pirate, which is a contrast to the shy and humble actor who would not hold those traits and quirks. To prepare for this role, Depp adopted the Stanislavski's method of the 'magic if' which are a set of 7 questions asking the actor what he/she would be doing in a set situation. (Item 3)
1. Who am I?
2. Where am I?
3.When is it?
4. What do I want?
5. Why do I want it?
6. What will happen if i don't get it?
7. What must I overcome?



Projector: Article of Mad Hatter preparation.’ (Item 7) 

Speaker: In the focus film: 'Alice In Wonderland' Depp definitely showed use of method acting through the sequences but also from an array of preparation techniques. His 'Mad Hatter' character originated from the actor painting his perception of what he believed was the stereotypical role. “When he takes on a role, Johnny Depp often paints a watercolour portrait of the still-forming character to help find his face and personality.”(Item 7) This shows just how extravagant Johnny Depp’s perceptions and imagination was when it came down to creating his characters. There is also mention of Depp having met a man in his life who had held similar characteristics, which was the trigger point for the ‘Mad Hatter’ having dilated eyes and a state of insanity. The designs for the hat also incorporated mercury, which developed the character further. ‘There’s one person, in particular, who is the main ingredient for the Hatter and if I said who it was they’d probably be upset. (Item 8) The way Depp prepared shows aspects of ‘method‘ acting as he used various techniques such as "shadowing." (Item 6) This technique involves an actor copying the quirks and mannerisms of an individual who'm they are collecting inspiration off. Depp can be termed as a method actor because this technique is an aspect of 'method' and he uses it to prepare for the Mad Hatter in 'Alice in Wonderland' (Item 1) by immersing himself into playing an entirely different character.


Projector: Clip from 'Alice in Wonderland.' 'Mad Hatters tea party' (Item 2)

Speaker: Depp can be termed as a 'method actor' from seeing his extravagant, unrealistic makeup and his wild and odd items of clothing. In the tea party sequence, the Mad Hatters wild orange hair, top hat and colourful costume add to the idea of the character being delusional. Additionally, his makeup makes him look crazy, with Depp successfully stepping into the role of the 'Mad Hatter.' (item 2) He is unrecognisable in the film, indicating that he has adopted the techniques of method acting. Depp's originality is likely what contributed to his success of a performer as he was bringing something unique to the screen. His use of 'method acting' created a refreshing and entertaining character because the acting system trained actors to use their imagination to create a well thought out character which is exactly what Depp did.

Projector: Article extract of Fear and loathing in Las Vegas, by Huffingtonpost.com. (Item 9)

Speaker: This article extract about Depp's preparation for Fear and loathing In Las Vegas touches upon ‘method acting’ yet again. Hunter shaved my head, in fact. I didn’t look in the mirror at all, I was in mortal fear. Hunter had a mining light… on his head – we were in his kitchen – and yeah, he shaved my hair.”(Item 9) In his conversation with Lipton, Depp revealed the extreme measures he undertook to be able to portray Thompson's alter ego, telling the host he even lived in the author's basement, which they called "the dungeon," for a couple months. His commitment and dedication in the process of becoming Thompson’s character proved successful. Every day he found himself “becoming more like Thompson” so this method of 'shadowing' (item 6) and adopting mannerisms helped to successfully create the character and therefore term him as a method actor.



Projector: Clip from 'Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas' 'Casino scene.' (Item 2)

Speaker: "In Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"(item 2) the film supports the idea of Depp being a method actor. The performance of Depp at the casino shows him wearing tinted sunglasses and smoking, showing that his commitment paid off to successfully adopt Thompson's character.

“Slowly, Depp would feel himself becoming more like Thompson” (Item 9) In all the roles he played, he would immerse himself into the role, committing to it in order to portray a natural performance. " He's deep, as an actor. He also does a lot of actor prep. Thats why he's so great." Successfully adopting the mannerisms of Hunter Thompson and matching his appearance, meant that he effectively used Stanislavski's techniques in order to be termed as a method actor.




Projector: Image of Raoul Duke in 'Fear and loathing in Las vegas' (Item 1)

Speaker: Johnny Depp plays a convincing role in the hitch hiker scene of Fear and loathing in Las Vegas. Hunter's character, yet again wears tinted sunglasses, whilst wearing exotic clothing. This scene indicates that Depp took on method acting successfully as he looked extremely similar to Hunter Thompson on screen, thanks to "shadowing." (Item 6) The extravagant and comical character was left on the screen and was a clear reflection of Hunter Thompson's alter ego. This again, confirms the question of whether Depp is termed as a method actor. In this case, his in depth research and character preparation did prove him to be a strict follower of Stanislavski's techniques.





Projector:  Lee Strasberg's ideal of method acting article (item 12)

Speaker: The extract of Lee Strasberg's method acting, directly relates to my question. Strasberg is a successful practitioner in the arts and he created a method to help aspiring actors create a platform for success. " I think there's that pursuit to get at the thing that is underneath the thing that will illuminate a moment." (Item 12) James Franco's description of the method acting style is: "An actors attempted excavation of her own deepest and harshest experiences to lend them to characters adds a dimension of self-revelation." (Item 12)  Lee Strasberg's methods worked for my key films because Depp explored his characters effectively and committed to the role whole heartedly.This enhanced his 'method' and 'shadowing' techniques. This then resulted in blockbuster rated features with a successful performer and Johnny Depp being termed as a 'method actor.'



Projector: A blog about Depp's personal traits and approaching roles (Item 10)

Speaker: In conclusion, this blog shows the extent of Depp's skills, perseverance and commitment. These skills enable Depp to successfully convince the audience of his character because of the time and dedication he sacrifices in order to reach the final result. "The more intensive the actor prep, the more visibly wonderful is the performance." His role preparation for the mad hatter proves that his extensive research and character building techniques paid off as he brought the mad hatter to life. "So I started kind of doing a little researching, reading a bunch." (Item 10) Depp's extensive research and personal techniques did provide a successful performance for 'Alice In Wonderland' from the actor. "I pulled out my little watercolours and Tim pulled out his drawings and they weren't all that dissimilar." (Item 8) Depp's personal methods brought the character to life and by taking on method acting for his preparation in "Fear and loathing in Las Vegas" Depp was able to depict a realistic impression of the role he had taken on. This extensive actor preparation was the evidence needed to prove Depp to be a method actor, as he fully absorbed all the roles he took to the screen. In all the films I have researched, Depp's foundation for his acting was always based around 'method' and using techniques to develop character. Therefore, Depp's continuous use of method acting for his screen means that Depp can be termed as a method actor.

City Of God

what is the importance of Mise-en-scene/sound in creating meaning and generating a response in the films you have studied?

In 'City of God' there is mise-en- scene of the destroyed landscape with a long shot of a cracked window on a car, polluted streets and the performance of the characters running in fear and running in a predatory manner. This is very significant because it instantly indicates that the community are living in a war zone with terror and violence, which has resemblance to urban stories but also the social issues in Rio De Janeiro. This links to the reality the film portrays of the Favela's being a war-ridden setting, showing a sustained negative image from the media which is represented by mise-en-scene of newspapers involving gang warfare in the Favelas. This gives a feeling of exclusion from the rest of society, shown by the low-key lighting and diegetic gun-shots and sirens being a continuous motif in the narrative, indicating that the community are left in the shadows. Generally this signifies a violent location and the use of a canted angle helps to reflect the corruption that is a constant recurring theme throughout the film and urban stories. A 180 degree tilt shot of Rocket being upside down, further adds to the corruption of how the situation has completely turned on its head, highlighting the issue of conflict being the ideology that runs throughout the sequence.
As the plot continues, Rocket is found catching a ride to his work which is outside of the Favela's, symbolising that he has found a life outside of his setting, showing that only some people escape exclusion. An issue addressed here is that most people in a Favela community never escape their reality and that is the reason for an absence of change. During this shot, there is an extreme long shot and mise-en-scene of Christ The Redeemer behind Rocket. This is one of the first times you can see the City of God in full view where the distance of the statue helps to show that redemption can be seen but it is out of reach. This mise-en-scene is important as the redeemer statue represents religion and a sense of catharsis, with Rocket being closest to it but still too far from it. This is extremely significant in the narrative because there is never a reference or image of Christ the Redeemer, suggesting that the violence in the community and the sinful nature creates a blockade to redemption, therefore characters like Li'l Ze, Benny, Tiago etc can never escape their harsh lifestyle.This relates to the social issues of urban stories and the idea of there never being a positive resolution.
The Closing scene of City of God is a circular narrative, which again highlights the idea that nothing will ever change in the Favela and that a smaller fish will always take over the bigger fish, represented by the mise-en-scene of Clippers vision of a fish being eaten. The mise-en-scene and diagetic sound of a knife implies the recurring contextual issue of the characters in the film always living on a knifes edge, shedding light on the real life issues in Brazil's Favela's. During the fast paced montage, there is mise-en-scene of chickens caged or tagged, which I feel relates directly to the characters such as Li'l Ze, Rocket, Steak and Fries etc. The characters being matched with animalistic connotations highlight that society treated them like animals and as much as they try to escape, they are always suffocated and enclosed in a reality that they can not escape from. This links with urban stories and how most of the actors weren't professionals and were in fact still living 'on a knifes edge' which is a defining feature in the 'City of God.'