by Emilia Clarke has become a household name, primarily due to her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s groundbreaking series “Game of Thrones.” However, her rise to fame is not solely attributable to her natural talent; it is also the result of her relentless dedication to character immersion. Clarke’s approach to preparing for her roles is a fascinating study in method acting, filled with unorthodox techniques that push the boundaries of traditional acting preparation.
A Dive into Sensory Deprivation
One of the most striking examples of Clarke’s commitment to her roles is her use of sensory deprivation. This technique became particularly prominent during her preparation for the 2016 film “Me Before You,” where she played Louisa Clark, a young woman caring for a quadriplegic man. To authentically portray the character’s interaction with the quadriplegic world, Clarke reportedly underwent sensory deprivation exercises. These exercises involved removing or dulling her senses to simulate the physical limitations experienced by individuals with quadriplegia.
The Science Behind Sensory Deprivation
Sensory deprivation, used primarily in psychological and neurological studies, involves restricting one or more senses to explore how the brain adapts. This can include anything from using blindfolds to simulate blindness, earplugs to create silence, or even more comprehensive methods like isolation tanks, where an individual is immersed in saltwater to reduce tactile sensation and sound.
Clarke’s Experience
For Clarke, this meant spending extended periods in environments where her physical senses were limited. By reducing her sensory inputs, she was able to more deeply empathize with the constraints and challenges faced by her character. This profound level of empathy and understanding translated into a performance that was not only convincing but also deeply moving. Clarke’s portrayal of Louisa Clark is marked by a nuanced understanding of the character’s emotional and physical landscape, a testament to her dedication to sensory deprivation techniques.
Creating Playlists: The Soundtrack of a Character’s Life
Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for emotional and psychological engagement. Emilia Clarke harnesses this power by creating elaborate playlists for each of her characters. These playlists are not just a collection of songs to set the mood; they are carefully curated soundtracks that embody the character’s essence and significant moments in the script.
The Role of Music in Character Development
Music can evoke memories, alter moods, and stimulate imagination, making it a potent tool for actors seeking to connect with their characters on a deeper level. By associating certain songs with specific emotions or moments in a character’s life, actors can quickly access the emotional state needed for a scene.
Clarke’s Method
Clarke’s playlists often include a mix of genres and artists, chosen not only for their emotional resonance but also for their thematic relevance. For example, for her role as Daenerys Targaryen, Clarke’s playlist might include empowering and epic tracks that reflect Daenerys’ journey from a timid girl to a powerful queen. These playlists serve as an auditory roadmap, guiding Clarke through the emotional highs and lows of her character’s arc.
Walking in Their Shoes: The Power of Physical Transformation
Physical transformation is another key component of Clarke’s approach to character immersion. For her role as Daenerys, Clarke took the concept of “walking in their shoes” quite literally. She wore wigs similar to Daenerys’ even when not filming, helping her get used to the physicality and weight of the character’s iconic platinum locks.
The Psychological Impact of Physical Transformation
Wearing a wig or costume can significantly impact an actor’s posture, movements, and overall demeanor. This physical transformation helps bridge the gap between the actor and the character, making the portrayal more authentic.
Clarke’s Commitment
By wearing Daenerys’ wigs outside of filming, Clarke immersed herself in the character’s physical experience. This continuous exposure allowed her to embody Daenerys’ presence more naturally, ensuring that her portrayal remained consistent and believable throughout the series.
Beyond the Screen: Emilia Clarke’s Holistic Approach
Emilia Clarke’s commitment to character immersion extends beyond specific techniques like sensory deprivation, playlists, and physical transformation. She approaches each role with a holistic mindset, integrating various aspects of her life to align with her character’s world.
Emotional and Psychological Preparation
Clarke often delves into extensive emotional and psychological preparation for her roles. This includes researching her characters’ backgrounds, understanding their motivations, and exploring their psychological profiles. For instance, her portrayal of Sarah Connor in “Terminator Genisys” involved studying the character’s history and mental state to accurately represent her as a resilient and complex figure.
Immersive Research
In addition to her psychological preparation, Clarke engages in immersive research to fully understand her characters’ environments and experiences. For her role in “Me Before You,” this included spending time with individuals who have quadriplegia and their caregivers, gaining firsthand insights into their daily lives and challenges. This immersive approach allows Clarke to portray her characters with authenticity and depth.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Emilia Clarke’s dedication to her craft is further highlighted by her ability to overcome personal challenges. During the early seasons of “Game of Thrones,” Clarke suffered from two life-threatening brain aneurysms. Despite these significant health issues, she continued to deliver powerful performances, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment.
The Impact of Health Struggles
Clarke’s health struggles added an additional layer of complexity to her acting journey. The physical and emotional toll of her recovery required immense strength and determination. However, these experiences also enriched her performances, allowing her to draw from a well of personal resilience and vulnerability.
Advocacy and Awareness
Clarke’s experiences with brain aneurysms led her to become an advocate for brain injury awareness and support. She founded the charity SameYou, which aims to provide better recovery treatment for survivors of brain injuries and strokes. This advocacy work not only showcases her dedication to helping others but also adds a profound layer of authenticity.
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