Bertie Carvel, award-winning actor known for Matilda and Ink, reflects on his process and the philosophy of acting. He discusses the importance of collaboration, navigating the urge to share ideas, and how a good actor can elevate mediocre material. He also touches on preparing for roles, overcoming self-doubt, Shakespeare training, working on films, and the belief in acting.
Trusting instincts and making bold choices is crucial in an actor's process.
Collaboration and finding the meeting point between personal expression and the material are key to a successful performance.
Deep dives
Approaching a new role
When approaching a new role, actor Bertie Carvel emphasizes the importance of reading the script multiple times, allowing it to take root in the imagination. He trusts his instincts and sparks of ideas, even if he can't always articulate them clearly. Carvel believes in the value of making bold choices and learning to trust when he feels he can be good in something, even if it doesn't always require that surety in his belly. He also discusses the importance of finding a balance between instinct and logical articulation in his process.
The role of technique
Carvel reflects on his experience with acting technique, acknowledging that while drama school taught him various approaches, he believes acting technique is not a one size fits all solution. He has learned to trust his own instincts and find the techniques that work best for him. He emphasizes the importance of breaking down a role or scene to organize thoughts and intentions, but also recognizes the value of relaxation and authenticity in acting, cautioning against being too overthinking or rigid in one's approach.
Collaboration in acting
Carvel highlights the importance of collaboration in acting. He believes that the best work happens when actors feel seen and appreciated, when they have a voice and are given direction. He also discusses the dynamic of negotiation and suggestion in rehearsal rooms, and how it can lead to a shared understanding and the discovery of the best ideas. Carvel also acknowledges the parental role of a director, with the need to provide boundaries while allowing actors the freedom to explore and contribute.
The interplay between material and actor
Carvel explores the relationship between the material and the actor's performance. He admits that he needs to feel excited by the material in order to bring out his best, but also acknowledges that great actors can elevate even mediocre material through their performances. He mentions the importance of collaboration and finding the meeting point between personal creative expression and the vision of the director and the material itself, allowing actors to shine in their interpretation and delivery.
He already had an Olivier Award for his amazing performance as Miss Trunchbull in “Matilda” when Bertie Carvel made his Broadway debut in that unforgettable role. He went on to win a Tony the next time he stepped on the New York stage, playing a young Rupert Murdoch in “Ink.” Notable recent television credits include the BBC series “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell,” “Doctor Foster,” and in November he stars in “Dalgliesh” on Acorn TV. In this hour, I get him to reflect objectively about his process and philosophically about acting in general. He talks about why collaboration (or even the illusion of collaboration) is the key to unlock an actor’s potential, how sometimes a director’s “arrogance of ignorance” can actually be helpful, how he navigated the urge to share his ideas on the Joel Coen production “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (which will be out later this year), why he believes a good actor can elevate mediocre material, plus MUCH more.