Jacob Elordi & Gwyneth Paltrow | Actors on Actors

Variety
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About this episode Gwyneth Paltrow and Jacob Elordi discuss the evolution of the film industry, contrasting the hyper-commerciali… AI summary

Gwyneth Paltrow and Jacob Elordi discuss the evolution of the film industry, contrasting the hyper-commercialized modern landscape with the artist-driven cinema of the 90s. They explore the psychological toll of acting, the importance of taking breaks to maintain artistic integrity, and the specific methods actors use to prepare for physically and emotionally demanding roles.

Key takeaways 5
  • The film industry has shifted from an artist-centric model in the 90s to a hyper-commercialized business model, though Paltrow notes a recent resurgence of bold, original filmmaking.
  • Actors often face a 'breathless, ferocious' fear of unemployment that prevents them from taking strategic breaks, leading to burnout and a loss of passion for the craft.
  • Paltrow took a seven-year break after winning an Oscar to raise her children and establish her business, noting that this pause allowed her to return with more life experience and layering.
  • Elordi's preparation for 'Frankenstein' involved isolating himself for six months, using mirrors to practice movement, and cutting out personal habits (like specific foods) to embody the creature's loneliness.
  • Elordi was inspired by Joaquin Phoenix's technique of holding his breath to extreme physical limits to access raw emotion in performance.
Notable quotes 5 AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
  • “The worst day on a movie set is still better than the best day in the real world. And that's bullshit.”
    ▶ 00:00 Paltrow debunking the romanticized notion that acting is always superior to real life, acknowledging the demoralizing nature of bad sets.
  • “You're only as good as your last movie or that you do have to keep feeding this thing. And it's not true... if I could go back and talk to myself at that age, I would just say just take your time.”
    ▶ 39:16 Paltrow advising younger actors to slow down and not feel pressured by the industry's expectation of constant output.
  • “I just thought it's so bold. Like he has such a specific style as a filmmaker. And then I met with him and he's just awesome. And like, like creating worlds in his head and just the kind of artist that's like exciting.”
    ▶ 03:19 Paltrow explaining why she chose to work with Josh Safdie on 'The Go-Getters' after being disconnected from cinema for years.
  • “I was like, oh, shut. I was looking at myself from the outside on these sets... like you're an embarrassment.”
    ▶ 20:23 Elordi describing moments of deep self-doubt and disconnection from his work before finding renewed passion with 'Frankenstein'.
  • “A decision, like yes or no to a movie is like saying yes or no to being alive. Like, do I wanna live or do I want to die? That's what the stakes can feel like sometimes. And it's just so clearly not the case.”
    ▶ 39:47 Elordi highlighting the irrational pressure actors feel regarding their career choices.

Chapters & Sections (79)

00:00 The Impact of Social Media on Relationships chapter 3
00:00 Comparing Movie Set Life to Real Life
00:48 The Impact of Fame on Personal Relationships
01:30 Parental Concerns Over Social Media Portrayals
02:01 Collaboration on Film Projects and Industry Insights chapter 3
02:01 Character Development and Movie Experiences
02:38 Discovering New Talent in the Film Industry
03:16 Appreciation for Adam Sandler's Filmmaking Style
03:47 Working with Experienced Male Movie Stars chapter 3
03:47 Working with Established Male Movie Stars
04:19 Acting Commitment and Bravery in Portraying Unlikable Characters
05:05 Importance of Movies in Society
05:33 Changes in the Film Industry and Storytelling chapter 2
05:33 Changes in the Film Industry and Storytelling
06:10 Resurgence of Quality in Modern Cinema
07:09 Breaking into the Film Industry Naturally chapter 2
07:09 Breaking into the Film Industry Naturally
07:49 Early Career Breakthroughs and Film Industry Connections
09:10 Early Career Experiences in Film and Theater chapter 4
09:10 Early Career Experiences and Film Opportunities
09:47 Early Experiences in the Film Industry
10:19 Breaking into the Entertainment Industry
10:50 Early Career Experiences in Australian Film Industry
11:30 Overcoming Career Setbacks and Finding Success chapter 3
11:30 Overcoming Career Setbacks and Finding Success
12:11 Childhood Experiences Influencing Career Choices
12:44 Early Influences on Career Choice in Acting
13:42 Physicality and Movement in Acting chapter 2
13:42 Physicality and Performance in Film Acting
14:34 Childhood Influences on Artistic Development
15:25 Manifesting Roles in Film and Television chapter 3
15:25 Manifesting a Role in a Film
16:10 Audition Process and Casting Decisions
16:38 Casting Process and Decision Making
17:07 Finding Passion and Spark in Acting Career chapter 3
17:07 Discovering Passion in Acting Projects Again
17:55 Overcoming Creative Block and Finding Inspiration
18:27 Maintaining Creativity in a Career
19:19 The Struggle of Finding Joy in Acting chapter 1
19:19 The Struggle of Finding Joy in Acting
20:41 Taking a Break from Acting Career chapter 3
20:41 Benefits of Taking a Career Break
21:41 Career Break and Personal Growth Journey
22:14 Parenting and Empty Nest Syndrome
22:51 Filmmaking Process and Risk Taking in Cinema chapter 3
22:51 Taking Risks in Film Productions
23:19 Adapting Long Scripts into Film
23:54 Cinematography and Filmmaking Techniques Compared
24:52 Acting Techniques for Accents and Character Development chapter 2
24:52 Acting Techniques and Influences in Film
25:41 Accents and Character Development in Film
26:48 Preparing for Intense Character Roles chapter 3
26:48 Preparing for a Lonely Character Portrayal
27:24 Exploring Acting Process and Inspiration
27:58 Physical Performance in Acting Techniques
28:43 Escapism in Acting and Real Life chapter 5
28:43 Acting Immersion and Method Acting Techniques
29:24 The Benefits of Escapism in Acting
29:50 Escaping Reality through Acting and Fantasy
30:21 Revisiting a Role After a Break
31:03 Burnout and the Importance of Taking Breaks
32:08 Early Experiences in Acting and Career Choices chapter 3
32:08 Breaking into the Acting Industry as a Beginner
32:47 Childhood Influences on Career Choices
33:27 Early Career in Acting and Theater
34:01 Early Career Experiences in Film and Theater chapter 2
34:01 Early Career Experiences in Film and Theater
34:43 Collaboration on Upcoming Film Project
35:23 Acting Career and Stage Performances chapter 3
35:23 The Internet's Reaction to Weathering Heights
35:54 Returning to Live Theater Performances
36:26 Risks and Rewards of Public Criticism
37:08 Overcoming Pressure and Self-Perception after Major Success chapter 2
37:08 Career Impact of Public Perception Shifts
37:44 Overcoming Fame and Pressure at a Young Age
38:38 Breaking Free from Commercial Acting Expectations chapter 3
38:38 The Art of Taking a Break from Creative Work
39:08 The Pressure of Commercial Expectations in Acting
39:43 The Pressure of Decision Making in Hollywood

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