The One and Only
Heath Ledger’s Joker portrayal in “The Dark Knight” was an all-encompassing journey into the clownish villain’s mind. Fully absorbed in the creepy criminal mind, Ledger totally isolated himself in a hotel room for a month.
Between filming, the actor would write in his journal and read nothing but comics and source material related to the film. Rumors say the extreme role prep caused his untimely passing.
The Mystery Character
When asked by local ABC WTVC if he’s a method actor, Danny Glover said that people like to call it that, but “I call it ‘immersion acting.’” He said that he studied the great theories about acting. He added that sometimes people read something and start thinking and that he does that organically.
He said that he doesn't have the name for it but organically that’s where he goes. He also told WTVC that he was heavily influenced by his parents and their dedication to the Civil Rights movement.
Overcoming Difficulties
Glover's accomplishments become even more impressive when you learn a little more about his background. When he first started dabbling in acting it had to be in the Black Actors' Workshop of the American Conservatory Theater.
The man had to fight through dyslexia and his personal feelings of general awkwardness in order to become the man who played memorable characters in "The Color Purple", the "Lethat Weapon" franchise, and more.
Set Tension
Christian Bale (Batman) remembers Ledger being aggressive, saying he “was kinda egging [him] on.” Pushing for an authentic physical altercation during the interrogation scene, Ledger smashed into walls and damaged tiles of the prison setting. Some said depression led to his tragic passing, but Ledger’s sister Kate said he loved doing the film and looked forward to another Batman movie.
His life ended before the film was released. Posthumously, he was awarded an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor.
Going Extreme
As it turns out, Christian Bale also adheres to extreme role-prep measures. In "The Machinist", he nearly starved himself, shriveling down to almost nothing and shedding over 60 pounds.
Swinging the other way, Bale packed on 42 pounds to play Irving Rosenfeld in "American Hustle" and not just that, he shaved a receding hairline into a thick mop to achieve the perfect comb-over look.