The magic of cinema lies not just in its storytelling but in the myriad ways stories are brought to life by actors who deliver performances that range from the heart-wrenchingly authentic to the delightfully absurd. In a recent roundtable hosted by The Hollywood Reporter, actresses Margot Robbie (Barbie), Emma Stone (Poor Things), Greta Lee (Past Lives), Annette Bening (NYAD), Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon), and Carey Mulligan (Maestro) shared their thoughts on the craft of acting, their personal experiences on set, and how they connect with their roles. This post dives into the essence of their conversation, providing a closer look at the nuances of acting as described by some of the industry's most respected figures.

Acting: a child's play grown-up

The discussion kicked off with an intriguing question: ‘How would you describe your job to a 5-year-old?’ This led to reflections on the notion of ‘playing pretend’ as a fundamental aspect of acting. Emma Stone reminisced about her childhood games, which, in hindsight, bore the essence of acting. This comparison beautifully illustrates that at its core, acting is about embracing another identity, much like children do in their imaginative play.

Playing pretend, yeah, playing pretend. I remember playing pretend really well. I remember the feeling of how deep can I get in it.

— Emma Stone

The blend of drama and comedy

Greta Lee brought up an interesting point about explaining the complexity of acting to her children, touching on the idea that acting, in many ways, mirrors the most vital aspects of life itself – the blend of tragedy and comedy. This duality is often reflected in performances where actors have to navigate between these genres, sometimes within a single role. The discussion delved into how these elements are intrinsically linked, highlighting the seamless bond between laughter and tears in the human experience.

I do goof around a lot... it kind of helps me relax. Sometimes it sort of depends because some people don't really enjoy doing that. But I do that sometimes just to keep things loose and you go in with a lot of uncertainty.

— Annette Bening

The physicality and emotion of roles

Margot Robbie shared insights into her role as Barbie, discussing the physical aspect of her character's evolution from a doll to a human. This transformation was not just an emotional journey but also a physical one, involving changes in costume, posture, and movement. This segment of the conversation sheds light on the often overlooked aspect of acting – the physical transformation that accompanies the emotional one.

I was like, ‘When you pair Spielberg with Dinosaurs, what do you get? A billion dollars. You pair Greta and Barbie, you're going to make a billion dollars.’ I was like, ‘God, I hope this works out.’

— Margot Robbie

Mulligan touched on the emotional weight and complexity of playing historical figures, particularly women whose stories are intertwined with larger historical narratives and figures. She expressed the pressure and privilege of bringing such characters to life, ensuring they are remembered and honored through her performance.

Her approach to Maestro underscored the intricate balance between historical accuracy and artistic interpretation, aiming to convey Felicia's spirit, strength, and struggles in a manner that resonates with contemporary audiences while staying true to the factual essence of her life.

Language and identity

Greta Lee and Lily Gladstone discussed the unique challenge of performing in languages that are not their first language or embodying cultural identities different from their own. This added layer of complexity underscores the depth of preparation and understanding required to portray characters authentically, going beyond mere language proficiency to embrace the cultural and emotional contexts of the roles.

It took months to get comfortable with [the Osage language]... Osage is a very difficult language... so when I had a handle of the language, then putting on Osage dress and holding myself the way I was told Osage women hold themselves... I understood.

— Lily Gladstone

Navigating personal and professional

Annette Bening and Emma Stone opened up about the personal connections they find in their roles and how their personal experiences inform their performances. This personal-professional nexus is a testament to the depth of connection actors must have with their characters, bridging their own experiences with those of the roles they embody to bring authentic performances to the screen.

The role of humor

The conversation also touched on the importance of humor on set, especially in films dealing with heavy themes. Lily Gladstone's experience on the set of Killers of the Flower Moon highlighted how humor can be a coping mechanism and a way to build camaraderie among cast and crew, contributing to a supportive filming environment.

The endless journey of learning

What resonates from this conversation is the continuous journey of discovery and learning in the world of acting. Each role presents a new challenge, a new opportunity to delve into uncharted territories of the human psyche and experience. The insights shared by these actresses shed light on the multifaceted nature of acting, from physical transformation and emotional connection to the balance of humor and gravity.

This post is based on insights from the Full Actress Roundtable featuring Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Lily Gladstone, Greta Lee, and more. For more, watch the original to learn about the profound journeys these actors undergo for their craft.