Martin Freeman Slams Jim Carrey’s Method Acting as ‘Narcissistic Rubbish’

Method acting has always sparked debate in the film world, especially when it means working alongside someone who refuses to drop their character, even when the cameras aren’t rolling. Some of the most well-known names in the business, like Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale, have become almost as famous for their intense approach as for their performances. Day-Lewis, for example, once insisted on being carried and fed by crew members while filming My Left Foot. Others, like Robert De Niro, have taken a less disruptive route, famously driving a cab to prepare for Taxi Driver. It’s usually the big-name blokes in Hollywood who get away with this sort of behaviour, all in the name of their craft.

But not everyone is impressed by these antics. For some, the thought of being stuck on set with a so-called ‘method’ actor is a nightmare—especially when that actor seems to think their process puts them above basic decency. Martin Freeman, known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and other hits, is one of those who’s not buying into the hype. He’s made it clear he’d find it unbearable to work with someone who refuses to snap out of character, no matter how famous they are.

Freeman’s Take on Carrey’s Extreme Approach

Freeman’s strongest words were aimed at Jim Carrey’s performance as Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon. Carrey’s commitment to the role was so full-on that he reportedly couldn’t separate himself from Kaufman, a process captured in the documentary Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond. Appearing on the Off Menu podcast, Freeman didn’t mince words about what it would be like to work with Carrey during that period.

“He’s not only doing this, he’s brought a fucking camera with him, you know? And music. For me, and I’m sure, genuinely sure, Jim Carrey is a lovely and smart person, but it was the most self-aggrandising, selfish, fucking narcissistic, bollocks I’ve ever seen. And the idea that anything in our culture would celebrate that or support it is deranged. I mean, literally deranged?”

Freeman’s frustration was clear. He questioned the whole idea of ‘becoming’ a character, suggesting it’s not only unnecessary but also a bit ridiculous.

“You’re Not Supposed to Become the Character”

Freeman went on to poke fun at the notion that an actor should fully lose themselves in a role, arguing that it’s important to stay grounded and react to what’s happening around you on set. He said,

“‘I became the character’, no, you didn’t. You’re not supposed to become the fucking character. Because you’re supposed to be open to stuff that happens in real life, you know, because somehow at some point, someone’s gonna say cut. And it’s no good going, what does cut mean? Because I’m Napoleon. It’s like, shut up, man. You know, you need to keep grounded, I think, in reality, and that’s not to say that you don’t lose yourself for the time between action and cut, but I think the rest of it is absolute pretentious nonsense.”

He even joked that Carrey should have been “sectioned” for his behaviour, saying it was less about artistic dedication and more about losing touch with reality.

“Get the Job Done, Mate”

Freeman didn’t stop there. He called Carrey’s approach “highly amateurish,” arguing that real professionalism means getting the work done without all the drama. In his words,

“I think it’s highly amateurish. It’s essentially an amateurish notion. Because it’s not perfected, you know what I mean? Like, it’s not, for me, it’s not a professional attitude, you know, get the job done, man, fucking do your work, you know?”

For Freeman, the best actors are those who can deliver a great performance without making life difficult for everyone else on set. He reckons there’s no need for all the theatrics—just do the work and keep it real.