Anya Taylor-Joy has established herself as a versatile performer through acclaimed roles in films and television series including “The Witch,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” and “Furiosa.” Despite her reputation for deeply immersive performances, the actress has clarified that she does not employ Method acting techniques and has no intention to do so in the future.
In a recent interview, Taylor-Joy explained her perspective on why female performers typically avoid Method acting approaches. She attributed this distinction to practical life responsibilities that prevent women from fully committing to the technique. Taylor-Joy described acting as “a controlled psychosis,” where performers inhabit another person’s thoughts and mannerisms for extended periods. However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining professional boundaries on set, noting that behaving like a difficult colleague would ultimately undermine collaborative efforts.
Taylor-Joy’s viewpoint aligns with similar observations made by actress Kristen Stewart, who previously suggested that Method acting serves as a way for some male performers to manage the inherent vulnerability of their craft. Meanwhile, veteran actor Daniel Day-Lewis, widely recognized as one of cinema’s most prominent Method practitioners, has defended the technique as a legitimate approach to achieving spontaneity and authenticity during performances rather than the “lunacy” it is sometimes characterized as by outsiders.
Originally reported by Variety →
About the Author
