Stewart: Acting's 'Unmasculine' Nature Fuels Method Acting

Director Stewart recently articulated a view that the performing arts inherently carry a degree of vulnerability, which she perceives as 'unmasculine.' She proposed that Method acting, in particular, serves as a coping mechanism for some male actors, allowing them to project an image of strength and temper the inherent submissiveness of acting.

Stewart elaborated that this can manifest as aggressive pre-performance rituals, likening it to a 'gorilla pounding their chest' before an emotional scene. This, she suggests, makes the performance seem more like an unattainable 'magic trick.' She contrasted this with how male actors are often 'aggrandized for retaining self,' implying women do not receive similar admiration.

Further questioning this dynamic, Stewart recounted asking a fellow actor about female Method actors. She received a dismissive response, labeling actresses who exhibit intense on-set behavior as 'crazy.' This exchange reinforced her belief that actresses are not granted the same leniency or understanding for their craft compared to their male counterparts.