The Evolution of Method Acting

Vox's Alissa Wilkinson talks with cultural critic and author Isaac Butler about his new book, The Method. They discuss the transformation that the craft of acting underwent, tracing its origins from Konstantin Stanislavski in post-revolution Russia, through Hollywood in the mid-twentieth century, up to today. They talk about some of the lesser-known influences and practices associated with The Method, evaluate some touchstone performances in the history of cinema, and speculate about what might happen at this year's Academy Awards.

Host: Alissa Wilkinson (@alissamarie), film critic and senior culture reporter, Vox

Guests: Isaac Butler (@parabasis), cultural critic, theater director, author

References: 

• The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act by Isaac Butler (Bloomsbury; 2022)
• "Why the Oscars are so weird about real people roles" by Alissa Wilkinson (Vox; Feb. 22)
• "Remembering Hollywood's Hays Code, 40 Years On" by Bob Mondello (NPR; Aug. 8, 2008)
• United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc. (334 U.S. 131; 1948)

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This episode was made by: 

• Producer: Erikk Geannikis
• Editor: Amy Drozdowska
• Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall

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