Mark Ruffalo, an Oscar-nominated actor famous for his roles in Spotlight and as the Incredible Hulk, discusses his diverse career and recent role in the dark comedy Poor Things. He shares insights into transitioning to comedic acting and the complexities of his character. Ruffalo opens up about his battle with a brain tumor and how it reshaped his life, reflecting on emotional vulnerability. He also delves into maintaining anonymity in bustling New York City, sharing humorous tips for blending in.
Mark Ruffalo's role in Poor Things showcases his transition into comedy, highlighting themes of vulnerability and societal norms around masculinity.
Ruffalo reflects on his career-changing experience with a brain tumor, emphasizing resilience, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for life and acting.
Deep dives
Character Transformation in Poor Things
In the film Poor Things, Mark Ruffalo portrays Duncan Wedderburn, a character described as a cad who seduces Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone. This role marks a significant shift for Ruffalo, as he explains it differs greatly from his previous performances in dramatic roles like Zodiac and Spotlight. The character is embroiled in a comedic narrative that ultimately reveals his fragility and emotional vulnerability when faced with Bella's uninhibited nature, showcasing a unique blend of humor and depth. This transformation represents not only a high-stakes adventure for Bella but also leads Wedderburn to confront societal norms regarding masculinity and vulnerability.
Navigating Comedy and Physical Performance
Ruffalo discusses the challenges and joys of performing comedy, particularly in the context of Poor Things, where he engages in physical humor, including pratfalls. He reflects on the spontaneous nature of comic acting, where accidents can lead to unforgettable moments, such as his character unexpectedly passing gas during a serious confrontation. This freedom to play in comedy contrasts sharply with his experiences in dramatic roles, emphasizing the openness required to seize comedic opportunities. Ruffalo's joy in embracing physical comedy highlights the fun and unpredictable elements inherent in acting.
The Impact of His Iconic Role as the Hulk
Mark Ruffalo discusses his experience playing the Incredible Hulk since 2012, noting the dramatic shift it brought to his career and public recognition. He reflects on how the role required a unique acting approach, especially when adapting to the limitations of motion capture technology. Despite initial reservations about stepping into such a superhero role, Ruffalo recognizes the opportunity it provided him to showcase his talent in a different light. He also addresses the personal challenges that came with sudden fame, navigating a balance between visibility and his desire for privacy.
Personal Growth Through Adversity
Ruffalo opens up about his struggles following a brain tumor diagnosis that interrupted his rising career in the early 2000s. This experience taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, gratitude, and the fragility of life, reshaping his understanding of success. He shares how this journey fostered a deeper sense of empathy and awareness about the world, allowing him to appreciate his craft more profoundly. Ultimately, he views this hardship as a transformative experience that, although challenging, contributed significantly to his personal and professional growth.
Ruffalo played a debauched cad in Yorgos Lanthimos' bawdy, dark comedy Poor Things. It was a big departure from his previous work playing real people in dramas like Spotlight or Foxcatcher, or as the Incredible Hulk in the Marvel movies. The Oscar-nominated actor spoke with Sam Briger about these roles, how he got his start in acting, and how a brain tumor changed his life.