10 Craziest Method Acting Behind Great Performances

Johnny Depp’s preparation for this adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s road trip into the death of the ‘60s was basically: being a big pest. After snaring the role of Raoul Duke (a sobriquet for the late hell raising author), Depp wasted no time in turning up at Thompson’s house, and setting up shop there for the next four months.

Depp melted into the scribe’s life, dressing and cutting his hair like Thompson, borrowing his clothes (many of which can be seen onscreen), and cruising around California in the film’s iconic red convertible. Whether he indulged in any of Thompson’s myriad vices has not been confirmed, but one would imagine the answer is: yes, lots.

Having an actor shadow you to study your mannerisms for months on end could be something akin to a living hell. In this instance, luckily, Thompson and Depp formed a firm friendship. The proximity worked wonders: while the qualities of the film are debatable, Depp is terrific, channelling, but not being overwhelmed by, a unique voice of 20th century culture.