Unconventional Techniques in Acting: The Case of Beef
Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac chose to wear earbuds during filming of the Netflix series Beef to listen to music while acting, which led to significant visual effects expenses. Their approach, however, represents just a fraction of the unusual methods actors employ to embody their roles.
As awards season approaches, one might not expect the second season of Beef to be a strong contender for visual effects awards. The series is a tightly woven, intense drama featuring a small ensemble cast grounded in realism. Yet, it was revealed that VFX artists had to meticulously remove the earbuds worn by Isaac and Mulligan throughout the production. Lee Sung Jin, the show’s creator, disclosed on a recent podcast that digitally erasing these "earwigs" incurred substantial costs.
Traditionally, actors such as Marlon Brando and Robert Downey Jr. have used earwigs to receive lines discreetly, avoiding the need to memorize scripts. In contrast, Isaac and Mulligan used theirs to listen to music while performing. During a blackmail scene, they played complex Thom Yorke compositions to enhance tension. For romantic scenes, they selected songs that intensified passion. Mulligan remarked,
"The beat would drop on the [kiss]. We were so delighted every time, we were like: ‘It did it again!’"
This method may seem unusual. Watching Beef reveals powerful performances, suggesting the earbuds may have contributed positively. Conversely, one could argue that professional actors like Isaac and Mulligan could deliver equally compelling performances without such aids. This perspective might resonate with VFX artists who, aspiring to create fantastical worlds, instead spent weeks digitally retouching Mulligan’s ears thousands of times.
When Actor Preparation Overshadows the Work
There is a risk that unconventional character preparation can overshadow the production itself. This has occurred previously. The first Suicide Squad film is often remembered less for its narrative or design and more for stories about Jared Leto sending rats and dead pigs to his co-stars to prepare for his role as the Joker.
Similarly, Fury, also directed by David Ayer like Suicide Squad, gained attention for Shia LaBeouf’s intense preparation methods. Specifically, he reportedly punched cars to get into character.
Television’s Constraints and Actor Commitment
The situation with Beef differs as it is a television series. Television productions typically lack the time and budget to accommodate extreme actor preparations. Nevertheless, such instances have occurred. James Gandolfini’s immersion into Tony Soprano’s character is legendary. Co-stars recall him "chirping like a chicken" before scenes, and crew members have shared anecdotes about his intense behavior. His frequent absences led HBO to impose fines of $250,000 per day when he failed to appear on set.
Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Kendall Roy in Succession is notable for his meticulous approach. A 2021 profile described him isolating himself from the cast and, in one scene, debating the type of salad his character would order at a restaurant. This level of commitment was reportedly unwelcome among co-stars; Kieran Culkin commented,
"That might be something that helps him. I can tell you that it doesn’t help me."Strong has maintained his methods, including reportedly requesting to be exposed to tear gas on the set of The Trial of the Chicago 7.
Maisie Williams and the Left-Handed Swordfighter
Maisie Williams, naturally right-handed, learned to swordfight with her non-dominant hand after George R.R. Martin mentioned in passing that Arya Stark was left-handed in his Game of Thrones books. This dedication to detail, like the earbuds in Beef, may seem excessive, especially if the audience does not perceive the effort.
However, considering the passionate Game of Thrones fanbase, Williams’ preparation likely spared her from criticism. Sometimes, such thorough preparation proves worthwhile.
