Film UK

Did cannabis help Kevin Spacey win the Oscar for American Beauty?


Director Sam Mendes has revealed how he accidentally discovered a way to make Kevin Spacey “lose control” in his performance.

The actor won a host of awards including the Oscar for his performance in ‘American Beauty’ but there was one particular scene where his character, Lester Burnham, gets high outside a real estate convention and it turned out to be a pivotal moment in establishing his character. Mendes was speaking at the Hay festival when he mentioned that during the shooting of this scene, Spacey had started to get the giggles which he said was “absolutely magic and…was absolutely the movie.”

Scene with Kevin Spacey getting high

The director intervened to bring his “method directing” to the forefront and it appears to have helped Spacey add another dimension to his art.

The film was critically praised but Mendes acknowledged that Spacey had an approach to acting that was “very manicured” and “well planned,” but he needed the character to also have a way about him that showed he wasn’t an organised thinker.

American Beauty Trailer

Over the span of his career, Kevin Spacey has been nominated 73 times including a second Oscar win for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in “The Usual Suspects.” Spacey was also recently awarded a Golden Globe for his performance in Netflix series “House of Cards.”

This year the actor launched his first online acting class where he teaches a programme to students online and hosts Q and A sessions with them.

Spacey will play the role of President Nixon opposite Michael Shannon in 'Elvis & Nixon', which comes out on the 24th June in the UK.

Iain Alexander

Founder - Film Industry Network

Share

Recent news

Mahdi Al-Sharshani Ali Brings Fresh Ingredients to the Film Production Industry

Madhi directed, wrote, and produced over 30 short films at the Doha Film Institute.

March 28, 2024

How to make your entertainment business look more professional

Whether you are new to the business world or not, it's essential to make a…

February 8, 2024

6 Career Tips for the Aspiring Sound Editor

Embarking on a career in sound editing is an exciting venture, filled with opportunities to…

January 17, 2024

Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival reveals 2024 lineup

The International Competition is set to showcase 66 films representing 52 nationalities.

December 19, 2023

Short film ‘Bridge’ to receive world premiere at Norwich Film Festival

NHS Receptionist receives BBC Talent Development Commission to make Short Film 'Bridge' which receives its…

November 8, 2023

On the Hunt with Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a First Look at ‘Kraven The Hunter’

Kraven the Hunter is part of Sony's broader strategy to build out its Spider-Verse, focusing…

October 30, 2023