Ben Mendelsohn and Marc Maron share a love for AC/DC, discuss Australia's social gravity, and the joy of doing nothing. They explore Mendelsohn's roles in Animal Kingdom and Babyteeth, as well as his portrayal of Christian Dior in The New Look series.
Learning from stars on screen shaped Ben Mendelsohn's acting style.
Observing and adapting from experienced actors like De Niro is crucial.
Embracing flexibility and switching between different acting techniques is valuable.
Deep dives
Impressions of the Film Industry
Discussion about the nuances of the film industry, from actors' methods to the importance of script honoring and audience acknowledgement.
Learning from Fellow Actors
Exploration of learning moments from interactions with actors like Robert De Niro and Joel Edgerton, emphasizing the importance of observing and adapting from experienced colleagues.
Balancing Method Acting and Clowning
Reflection on the aspects of method acting and the value of incorporating clowning techniques, highlighting the need for flexibility and the ability to switch between different performance approaches.
Memorable Performances
Recollection of impactful performances by actors like Sarah Silverman and admiration for their ability to turn challenging situations into successful and memorable performances.
The Magic of Acting on Set Dynamics
Actors share how they navigated an on-set dynamic while filming a scene in the movie 'Place Beyond the Pines'. Initially portraying tough guys, the atmosphere felt off, leading the director to propose a change. By shifting roles and approaching the scene with a lighter, more genuine interaction, the actors transformed the vibe, creating a playful and authentic camaraderie. The experience of breaking away from competitive acting styles allowed for a more enjoyable and successful filming process.
Navigating Career Uncertainties and Breakthroughs
The discussion delves into periods of uncertainty in the actor's career when work seemed scarce, highlighting the lack of a backup plan. Despite facing doubts, the actor continued pursuing his passion without a safety net, setting time limits to assess progress. Reflecting on pivotal moments like working with Joel Schumacher and Terrence Malick, the actor acknowledges the significance of these opportunities as crucial breakthroughs in his career trajectory.
Ben Mendelsohn is a prolific actor with a dynamic range, and yet most of his training came from watching movies as a young kid in Australia and learning from the stars he saw on screen. Ben and Marc talk about their shared love of AC/DC, the social gravity of Australia, and the enjoyment of doing nothing. They also dive into some of Ben’s notable roles in Animal Kingdom, Babyteeth and his portrayal of Christian Dior in the series The New Look.
