In the world of television, where performances often rely on subtlety and nuance, the second season of Netflix’s ‘Beef’ has taken an unexpected approach to character immersion. Stars Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan have opted for earbuds during filming, allowing them to listen to music that enhances their performances. This unique choice has not only shaped their acting but also led to significant visual effects expenditures to digitally remove the earbuds from the final cut.
A New Take on Character Preparation
As awards season approaches, one might not immediately associate ‘Beef’ with accolades for visual effects. The series is primarily a gripping character study, yet it has inadvertently found itself at the intersection of acting and digital artistry. Show creator Lee Sung Jin recently disclosed that the cost of erasing the earbuds, whimsically dubbed “earwigs,” was astronomical.
Traditionally, earwigs serve a practical purpose: they help actors receive lines without memorisation. However, Isaac and Mulligan have flipped the script by using them to listen to music that amplifies emotional tension during key scenes. In one particularly charged moment, the pair tuned into complex tracks by Thom Yorke, adding layers of depth to their interactions. “The beat would drop on the [kiss],” Mulligan remarked. “We were so delighted every time, we were like: ‘It did it again!’”
The Balance Between Method and Madness
Critics might argue that such elaborate techniques may overshadow the essence of the performance. After all, both actors are immensely talented and capable of delivering electrifying portrayals without the aid of music. This sentiment could resonate with the visual effects teams who, instead of crafting fantastical settings, found themselves meticulously airbrushing away earbuds from countless frames.
Historically, some have gone to extremes in the name of performance preparation. Jared Leto’s infamous antics during the filming of ‘Suicide Squad’—which included sending gifts like rats and dead pigs to fellow cast members—overshadowed the film itself. Shia LaBeouf’s bizarre methods for ‘Fury,’ including refusing to wash and even removing a tooth, have similarly drawn more attention than the movie’s narrative.
Yet ‘Beef’ occupies a different space, as television often lacks the resources to indulge in such eccentricities. The legendary James Gandolfini, for instance, was known for his idiosyncratic methods in embodying Tony Soprano, which included bizarre pre-scene rituals that often resulted in hefty fines for tardiness.
The Spectrum of Commitment in Acting
The commitment to character can vary drastically among actors, with some, like Jeremy Strong in ‘Succession,’ known for their obsessive attention to detail. Strong’s dedication has sometimes drawn the ire of his co-stars, with Kieran Culkin commenting that such intensity might not benefit everyone involved. His infamous insistence on discussing the minutiae of his character’s salad order is a prime example of how far some actors will go to ensure authenticity.
Maisie Williams also exemplifies this trend, going so far as to learn to swordfight left-handed for her role as Arya Stark in ‘Game of Thrones.’ Such dedication may seem excessive, yet it often pays off, particularly in a fandom as passionate as that of ‘Game of Thrones.’
Why it Matters
The unconventional choices made by actors like Isaac and Mulligan in ‘Beef’ reflect a broader trend in the industry, where the lines between preparation and performance blur. While the financial implications of such methods can be substantial, they also ignite discussions about the lengths to which artists will go to create compelling narratives. Ultimately, whether through earbuds or other eccentricities, these decisions shape the viewing experience, reminding audiences that the craft of acting is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.
