Lynne Ramsay’s Unique Approach to Directing
Renowned filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, celebrated for her unflinching and visceral storytelling, has opened up about her experiences directing Hollywood heavyweights like Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Joaquin Phoenix. In a candid interview, Ramsay shared her unique directorial methods, which often involve pushing actors to their physical and emotional extremes.
The director, known for psychological masterpieces like We Need to Talk About Kevin and You Were Never Really Here, revealed her philosophy: “I want them to crawl like animals. It’s about stripping away the artifice to uncover something raw and human, even if it’s ugly.”
Robert Pattinson’s Animalistic Performance in Good Time
Ramsay’s collaboration with Robert Pattinson in the 2017 thriller Good Time showcased her ability to elicit primal performances. Pattinson played a desperate criminal on the run, and Ramsay recalled one particularly intense scene: “He’s crawling through a hospital, and it’s almost animalistic. That’s what I wanted—this sense of survival, of being pushed to the edge. Rob was incredible—he went places most actors wouldn’t.”
Jennifer Lawrence’s Fearless Commitment
Though their project together never materialized, Ramsay’s work with Jennifer Lawrence left a lasting impression. “Jen is fearless,” Ramsay said. “I asked her to crawl on the floor to embody her character’s despair, and she didn’t hesitate. She’s not afraid to get dirty, emotionally or physically.”
Joaquin Phoenix: “Totally Terrifying”
Ramsay’s experience with Joaquin Phoenix on You Were Never Really Here was particularly unforgettable. Phoenix, who played a traumatized hitman, delivered a performance critics called one of his best. “Joaquin is totally terrifying—in the best way,” Ramsay admitted. “He’s so committed and intense that it’s overwhelming. He’d stay in that dark headspace even off-camera, making the set an incredibly intense place.”
The Reward of Raw Performances
Despite the challenges, Ramsay finds immense satisfaction in working with actors who give their all. “It’s electrifying,” she said. “You’re creating something special, something that lingers long after the credits roll.”
What’s Next for Lynne Ramsay?
Ramsay remained tight-lipped about her upcoming projects but hinted at more boundary-pushing stories. “I’m always looking for actors willing to crawl like animals with me,” she teased.
For fans of Ramsay’s work, this promises more cinematic brilliance, and for the actors who dare to collaborate with her, it’s a reminder of the transformative journey ahead.
