Meryl Streep’s Method Acting Journey Ends with Iconic Movie
Meryl Streep stands as a towering figure in the realm of Hollywood, not merely within her own era but also throughout the annals of cinematic history. Her unique talent allows her to immerse herself in a vast array of roles, making it seem almost effortless as she breathes life into every character she portrays. From the emotionally burdened mother in Kramer vs. Kramer to the charming, up-and-coming actress in <em>Only Murders in the Building</em>, Streep’s performances are not only commercially successful but also consistently receive critical acclaim. She holds the remarkable distinction of having the most Academy Award nominations—21 in total—alongside an unparalleled 33 nominations for the Golden Globe awards, showcasing her enduring impact on the film industry.
Regardless of whether her performances are on the big screen or in television series, it’s evident that Meryl Streep possesses an extraordinary versatility as an actress. However, she has candidly acknowledged her one significant acting shortcoming: method acting. During the stylish and iconic film of the mid-2000s, The Devil Wears Prada, she embraced method acting to fully embody the cold-hearted essence of her character. Though this approach yielded impressive results, the emotional toll it took on her was profound enough to convince her to never pursue it again.
One of the most iconic roles in Streep’s illustrious career is her portrayal of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. This character has become a cultural touchstone, with her sharp wit and icy demeanor offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of high fashion. Miranda is widely perceived as inspired by Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue. To convincingly depict this formidable character, Streep turned to method acting, maintaining an aloof and distant demeanor around her fellow cast members. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Streep recounted her experience, stating, “It was horrible! I was [miserable] in my trailer. I could hear them all rocking and laughing. I was so depressed! I said, ‘Well, it’s the price you pay for being boss!’ That’s the last time I ever attempted a Method thing!” Despite the success of her performance, this intense experience led her to vow never to embrace method acting again.
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Streep’s commitment to her character, despite the personal toll, significantly enriched the film. The Devil Wears Prada remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its vibrant characters and the engaging interactions among them. This dynamic is brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast, including Stanley Tucci as Nigel, who provides a refreshing contrast with his warm and friendly demeanor amidst the ruthless nature of the fashion industry, and Emily Blunt as Emily, who perfectly encapsulates the fierce competitiveness that defines their world. However, the most compelling relationship in the film is undoubtedly between Miranda and her new assistant, Andy, portrayed by the talented Anne Hathaway. In the mentioned interview, Hathaway expressed her admiration for Streep’s approach to acting, noting, “I did feel intimidated, but I always felt cared for. I knew that whatever she was doing to create that fear, I appreciated [because] I also knew she was watching out for me.”
While it seems unlikely that Streep will revisit method acting, she is confirmed to reprise her role in the highly anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. As the world of fashion continues to evolve, fans eagerly await the return of the iconic character Miranda Priestly, hoping to see how she navigates the new trends and challenges in the industry.
The Devil Wears Prada
- Release Date
- June 30, 2006
- Runtime
- 109 minutes
- Main Genre
- Comedy
- Writers
- Aline Brosh McKenna , Lauren Weisberger
- Studio
- 20th Century Fox
The Devil Wears Prada is currently available to stream on Max in the U.S.
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