Elizabeth Banks Shares Insights on Acting and Lessons from Ray Liotta.
Actress Elizabeth Banks, known for her directorial debut in Pitch Perfect 2 and her recent film Cocaine Bear, discussed her experiences and shared valuable lessons from working with the late Ray Liotta. In an interview with The New York Times Magazine, Banks emphasized the importance of putting oneself out there and adapting to the evolving landscape of the acting industry.
Banks acknowledged that the path to success in acting has changed since she first entered the business. In the past, being featured in an episode of Law & Order was considered a rite of passage for aspiring actors. However, the current landscape is different, and Banks encourages actors to pursue opportunities and create their content actively. She stated, “I don’t know what those rites of passage are now… You’ve got to do your stuff and put it out there.” Banks highlighted the case of Scott Seiss, a standup comedian she cast in Cocaine Bear after being impressed by his TikTok videos. Seiss had already taken steps in his career but stood out due to his unique comedic talent. Banks emphasized the importance of actively pursuing creative endeavors and showcasing one’s work.
During the production of Cocaine Bear, Banks had the opportunity to direct Ray Liotta, one of his final films. Reflecting on a previous collaboration on a film called The Details, Banks shared a valuable lesson she learned from Liotta. In a pivotal scene, Liotta’s character extorts Tobey Maguire’s character, demanding payment or he will reveal the affair to Maguire’s wife. In an intense moment on a bridge, Liotta empties the money into the river, shocking Maguire’s character. Liotta then delivers a powerful speech condemning Maguire’s cowardice. Impressed by Liotta’s performance, the director called for another take. However, Liotta refused to comply, stating, “If you’re not going to direct me, then I did my work. I’m done.” This incident taught Banks the importance of trust between actors and directors and the need for effective communication.
Another valuable lesson Banks learned was the importance of conveying deep thought on camera. She cited her performance in the 2014 film Love & Mercy as an example. Banks played a role where she had to express her character’s contemplation and fascination with Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ frontman. The editor skillfully captured Banks’ expressions, allowing the audience to perceive her character’s inner thoughts and emotions without relying on dialogue. Banks thanked the editor for highlighting the actor’s job of actively listening and reacting to the scene.
Elizabeth Banks’ experiences in the acting industry and her collaborations with talented actors like Ray Liotta have provided her with valuable insights. She encourages aspiring actors to create their opportunities, emphasizes the importance of effective communication between actors and directors, and highlights the significance of non-verbal acting in conveying emotions and thoughts on camera. By embracing these lessons, actors can navigate the industry’s ever-evolving landscape and enhance their craft.
