But for me, the challenge is how you turn a character into behavior. Once the director says 'action', you just try to live between those two worlds.
When I did 'Jump Street', I created that character; it was all me. I walked in and was just me. I could get out of bed and walk on set and be dressed.
I think that you can sort of have your own personal journey and you know, you can just kind of apply that to whatever characters you're playing.
I begin a book with imagery, more than I do with an idea or a character. Some kind of poetic image.
The first script I got was Narc and I really responded to it; it reminded me of a '70s type movie, I really liked the characters, I didn't anticipate the ending.
As much as most of the actors were kind of curious to know what their character meant in relation to the script and to the plot, they really were quite happy to be part of the adventure of not knowing.
Not long after 'The Pacific,' I began shooting the comedy 'Larry Crowne,' which was also with Tom Hanks, who also directed and plays the title character.
I think if an actor is right for a role, casting sees that, and the words that are on the page, depending on how it's written, can really help your character develop.
When you've played Buffy - who's such a strong female role model - it's really hard for another female character to compare to her.
There are always certain things that you tap into, your own personal experiences, and I try to base my characters on someone I know or someone I've seen.
If I get the walk of a character, that helps me find them. So I'm constantly looking at airports and train stations, registering walks.
I have to set an example, now more than ever. Facing death is the ultimate test of character. – Cmdr. William Riker
I also have a film coming up called Breaking Up, and my part in that was not written for a Latina, and my character is not particularly pretty or sexy or exotic.
I never get the tall, blonde, glamorous roles because I'm not tall, blonde and glamorous. I'm more the wee, disturbing characters because of the way I look or sound.
Poirot is a classic character from fiction, not a MacBook Air; he would not benefit from updates.
I definitely liked the Muppets. I definitely liked Yoda in 'Empire Strikes Back' and Chewbacca. I don't know if I was a fan of puppets or those, like, specific characters.
I can resist anything except temptation." Ren, main character in Sherrilyn Kenyon's novel Time Untime.
As different as me and Sigourney look is as different as these two characters are. I'm not filling her shoes. I'm doing a part that has the same monsters, but it's a completely different movie.
There's an unwritten law that you cannot have a Jewish character in a film who isn't 100 percent perfect, or you're labeled anti-Semitic.
I always have a contract with a character. Even when he's unappealing. The contract is to give him his due. To tell his story. And to keep his secrets.
When a child grows up without a father, there is an empty place where someone must stand, providing an example of character and confidence.
