Joel Edgerton, filmmaker known for infusing menace into his work, talks about his collaborative filmmaking collective. Topics include infusing menace in films, his latest film revelation, addiction struggles, selecting impactful scenes in movies, struggles with self-doubt, and the philosophical concept of existence.
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Quick takeaways
Joel Edgerton's ability to bring depth and intensity to his characters through attention to detail and authenticity is commendable.
The importance of finding unique character traits and creating identifiable elements in storytelling, as well as the significance of collaboration in the creative process, are highlighted by Joel Edgerton.
Joel Edgerton discusses the challenges of portraying intense and complex characters while maintaining relatability and vulnerability, showcasing the transformative power of acting.
Deep dives
Joel Edgerton's Impressive Acting Skills Highlighted
Joel Edgerton's immense talent and versatility as an actor are showcased in this podcast episode as he discusses his various film roles. From his magnetic performance in 'Black Mass' to his portrayal of a menacing character in 'The Stranger,' Edgerton's ability to bring depth and intensity to his characters is evident. His attention to detail, such as studying recordings of real people for accent accuracy, adds authenticity to his performances. Edgerton's dedication to his craft is commendable, and his ability to make each character he plays feel distinct and memorable is a true testament to his exceptional acting skills.
The Delicate Art of Directing and Writing
In addition to being a talented actor, Joel Edgerton discusses his experiences as a writer and director in this podcast episode. He highlights the importance of finding the unique character traits and motivations that drive a story, whether it's writing a script or performing on stage. Edgerton emphasizes the significance of creating identifiable elements and moments that resonate with audiences, illustrating how these choices can enhance the overall impact of a film or play. His collaborations with other filmmakers and the importance of collective feedback are also highlighted, showcasing the importance of community and collaboration in the creative process.
The Emotion and Vulnerability of Acting
Joel Edgerton delves into the emotional and vulnerable aspects of acting in this podcast episode. He discusses the challenges of portraying intense and complex characters, mentioning the need to balance being menacing or unlikable while still finding relatability and depth in their motivations. Edgerton reflects on the transformative power of acting, as it allows him to explore different facets of humanity and tap into universal emotions. He also touches on the unique vulnerability that comes with revealing personal experiences in performances, showcasing his admiration for artists who fearlessly expose themselves on stage or screen.
The Impact of Parenthood on Acting and Storytelling
Joel Edgerton reflects on the profound impact of becoming a parent on his creative process in this podcast episode. He shares how the love and protectiveness he feels for his children now shape his perspective when reading scripts and diving into father-child relationships portrayed on screen. Edgerton discusses the heightened emotional connection he experiences when working on stories that explore the dynamics between fathers and their children. Parenthood has deepened his understanding of these narratives, enabling him to bring new layers of authenticity and empathy to his performances and storytelling.
Challenges of working with physical limitations
The podcast episode discusses the challenges of working with physical limitations. The speaker shares a personal experience of rehearsing for a role with an injured arm, which required climbing rope ladders. The speaker highlights the importance of communicating limitations to the director, who responded with understanding. This example demonstrates the need for adaptability and communication when facing physical challenges in the performing arts.
Overcoming self-doubt in creative endeavors
The podcast explores the theme of self-doubt in creative pursuits. The speaker reflects on their own experiences of self-doubt, including struggles with addiction and feelings of judgment towards those who faced similar difficulties. They discuss the transformative power of empathy and how personal struggles can inspire a deeper understanding and empathy towards others. The speaker also shares insights on the challenges of directing and the fear of failure that comes with accepting new creative opportunities.
Joel Edgerton’s decision to start a filmmaking collective with his brother and friends in Australia is the foundation for his career and an ideal representation of the collaborative process. Joel talks with Marc about the allure of menace, which he infuses into the films he’s directed like The Gift and Boy Erased, as well as his performances in movies like Black Mass, Animal Kingdom and The Stranger. Joel also explains the revelation that occurred to him on his latest film, The Boys in the Boat, which made him understand why we all love an underdog story.
