The madness behind The Method

Vox's Alissa Wilkinson talks with cultural critic and author Isaac Butler about his new book, The Method. They discuss the transformation that the craft of acting underwent, tracing its origins from Konstantin Stanislavski in post-revolution Russia, through Hollywood in the mid-twentieth century, up to today. They talk about some of the lesser-known influences and practices associated with The Method, evaluate some touchstone performances in the history of cinema, and speculate about what might happen at this year's Academy Awards.

Host: Alissa Wilkinson (@alissamarie), film critic and senior culture reporter, Vox

Guests: Isaac Butler (@parabasis), cultural critic, theater director, author

References:

The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act by Isaac Butler (Bloomsbury; 2022)

"Why the Oscars are so weird about real people roles" by Alissa Wilkinson (Vox; Feb. 22)

"Remembering Hollywood's Hays Code, 40 Years On" by Bob Mondello (NPR; Aug. 8, 2008)

United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc. (334 U.S. 131; 1948)

Enjoyed this episode? Rate Vox Conversations ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Vox Conversations by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.

Support Vox Conversations by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts

This episode was made by:

Producer: Erikk Geannikis

Editor: Amy Drozdowska

Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices