Method

Method is a gripping psychological drama released in 2004. The movie is all about the tumultuous world of acting, ambition, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. It delves into the importance of the method acting approach and pushes it to its limits as the relentless search for authenticity begins to blur the boundaries between the reel and the real world.

Set in the backdrop of Bucharest, the movie features Elizabeth Hurley as Rebecca Fairbanks, a famous but fading movie star with a tarnished reputation. Known for her glamorous image and tabloid presence, she lands herself a strong opportunity to prove her acting prowess in an upcoming movie- "Forever Yours", a biopic about the infamous but significantly talented 19th-century murderess, Belle Gunness, a notorious serial killer.

Jeremy Sisto plays the role of actor Jake Fields, who is chosen to pair up with Rebecca and portray Belle's lover and one of her many victims. Fields is known for his method acting approach where he often becomes the character, experiencing it beyond the arc lights and confines of the set. The movie dramatically implies tension between Fairbanks' celebrity status and Field's earnest, immersive approach to acting.

Oliver Tobias adds an exciting layer to the storyline as he stars as Teddy, the ambitious first-time director of "Forever Yours". Teddy, who is also Rebecca's boyfriend, subtly orchestrates the evolving dynamics between Fairbanks and Fields in the hope of extracting intense chemistry and realism in the on-screen portrayal of their complex characters.

Rebecca, determined to prove the critics wrong and reinvent her career, decides to delve deep into the character of Bell Gunness. She chooses to adopt the 'method acting' approach, pushing herself to the edge, blurring the lines between her real self and the murderous character she is set to perform.

The plot intensifies when the actors start staying in character off-set, paving the way for suspense, psychological intrigue, and escalating tension. The movie takes us on a roller coaster journey of Rebecca's transformation into Belle and her subsequent struggle to disintegrate herself from the conceived character. The distinctive approach makes the movie a suspenseful watch as the audience wonders how much of Rebecca's on and off-set demeanor is method acting, and how much of it is her switching to the dark side.

Method is a character-driven narrative that explores lofty themes of identity, authenticity, and the destructive power of obsession. It reveals the gritty, unstable side of the entertainment industry, cost of fame, and the human capacity for transformation and self-deceit. The dilemma of assessing when the performance ends and where reality begins forms the backbone of the story, giving this film its uniquely haunting allure.

Elizabeth Hurley, well-known for her beauty and charm, shows impressive range and depth as an actress in this film. Her transformation from a fading star desperate for relevance to the embodiment of a notorious femme fatale showcases her versatility as an actor. Jeremy Sisto, too, delivers a commendable performance, subtly juggling between the curious, supportive co-actor and the character tormented by unrequited love and doomed fate. The chemistry between Hurley and Sisto on-screen, oscillating between attraction and repulsion, adds dynamism to the storyline.

Directed by Duncan Roy and based on a script by Katie L. Fetting, Method is a distinctive, thought-provoking movie that does an excellent job of unraveling its layered narrative. The film’s atmospheric cinematography beautifully captures the transformative journey of the characters against the scenic backdrop of Bucharest. The soundtrack complements the plot, enhancing the suspense and breathing life into the story.

In conclusion, Method is a compelling drama that uniquely marries showbiz, passion, crime, suspense, and psychological transformation in one masterful storyline. It elegantly poses questions about the nature of identity and the lengths to which one can and should go in the pursuit of authenticity and art. The electrifying performances by Elizabeth Hurley and Jeremy Sisto make this film a must-watch for any psychological thriller enthusiast.