10. Tom Hiddleston's Methods
Tom Hiddleston revealed that, in order to get in to character and in order to express himself as Loki in particular scenes, he would take inspiration from a trio of actors who he felt were right for certain characteristics. The three actors in question were Peter O'Toole, Clint Eastwood and Jack Nicholson. For example, when Hiddleston looked at Peter O'Toole as inspiration for Loki he explained; "Interestingly enough, Kenneth Branagh said to look at Peter O'Toole in two specific films, The Lion in Winter and Lawrence of Arabia. What's interesting about The Lion in Winter is, O'Toole plays Prince Henry, and what's beautiful about his performance is you see how damaged he is. There's a rawness to his performance, it's almost as if he's living with a layer of skin peeled away. He's grandiose and teary and, in a moment, he turns hilarious and then terrifying. What we wanted was that emotional volatility. It's a different acting style, it's not quite the same thing, but it's fascinating to go back and watch an actor as great as O'Toole head for those great high hills". For the parts of the movie he drew inspiration from Clint Eastwood for, it was when Loki needed to look as though, whatever he was feeling, he had it hidden away in a drawer somewhere and had thrown away the key. And for the Jack Nicholson-inspired parts, it was when Loki was looking to be having a really good time and a deep sense of enjoyment whilst carrying out his dastardly plans. Apparently Tom Hiddleston also found the Loki helmet very uncomfortable to wear, as it was very heavy and he couldn't see out of it properly. He has claimed he channelled this discomfort into Loki's battle scenes.