Classical acting, rooted in ancient theatrical traditions, emphasizes clarity of speech, formalized movements, and a deep understanding of the text. Ian McKellen is a master of this style, with a rich background in Shakespearean theatre. His performances in “The Lord of the Rings” as Gandalf showcase his ability to blend classical technique with contemporary film acting, delivering powerful and articulate portrayals that resonate with audiences.

Method acting, developed from Stanislavski’s teachings, involves drawing on personal experiences and emotions to create realistic characters. Daniel Day-Lewis is renowned for his dedication to this technique, fully immersing himself in roles. His performances in “There Will Be Blood” and “Lincoln” demonstrate his ability to live as his characters, often remaining in character off-camera to maintain authenticity and depth, earning him critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards.

The Meisner Technique focuses on genuine reactions and interaction with the environment, emphasizing improvisation and living truthfully under imaginary circumstances. Diane Keaton’s work in films like “Annie Hall” and “Something’s Gotta Give” highlights her use of this approach. Her naturalistic performances and spontaneous dialogue delivery create relatable, believable characters, making her a standout practitioner of the Meisner Technique.

Practical Aesthetics, co-developed by David Mamet and William H. Macy, centres on script analysis and physical actions rather than emotional memory. William H. Macy’s roles in “Fargo” and “Magnolia” exhibit this technique. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach allows him to create compelling characters grounded in the text, focusing on what the character wants and the actions they take to achieve their goals.

The Chekhov Technique uses physical gestures to access inner feelings and creativity. Jack Nicholson, known for his intense and dynamic performances, employs this method effectively. In films like “The Shining” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Nicholson’s use of psychological gestures and imagination brings a deep psychological complexity to his characters, enhancing their emotional impact and believability.

David Hyde Pierce, widely recognized for his role in the TV series “Frasier,” has also made significant contributions to theatre, employing Viewpoints techniques in his performances.

Trained in theatre, Pierce utilizes the principles of movement, spatial relationships, and physicality central to Viewpoints. His work in productions like “Curtains” and “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” showcases his ability to create dynamic and physically expressive characters.

By incorporating Viewpoints, Pierce enhances his performances with a keen awareness of the stage environment and interactions, bringing depth and authenticity to his roles, both comedic and dramatic.

Epic Theatre, developed by Bertolt Brecht, aims to provoke rational thought and social change rather than emotional involvement. Kevin Spacey, in his stage work and certain films like “American Beauty,” uses Brechtian techniques to emphasize narrative over emotional immersion. By breaking the fourth wall and addressing the audience directly, Spacey creates a sense of detachment that encourages viewers to think critically about the story and its themes.

Improvisation, with roots in commedia dell’arte, emphasizes spontaneous creation of dialogue and action. Robin Williams was a genius of improvisation, bringing this style to films like “Good Morning, Vietnam” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.” His quick wit and ability to create humor on the spot made his performances uniquely vibrant and unpredictable, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on the world of comedy.

Physical Theatre focuses on movement and physical expression, often with minimal dialogue. Andy Serkis is a leading figure in this style, particularly through his pioneering work in motion capture. His roles as Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” and Caesar in “Planet of the Apes” demonstrate his mastery of physical acting, using body language and movement to convey complex emotions and create lifelike, memorable characters.

Naturalism strives for a realistic portrayal of everyday life, emphasizing authenticity and believability. Kate Winslet exemplifies this style with her roles in “The Reader” and “Revolutionary Road.” Her commitment to naturalism is evident in her nuanced performances, where she portrays characters with depth and realism, avoiding theatricality and focusing on genuine human experiences and emotions.

These actors and their respective styles of acting highlight the diversity and richness of the craft, showcasing the various ways performers bring characters to life on stage and screen.