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Josh Hartnett, a seasoned actor known for his roles in films such as “The Faculty,” found himself on the receiving end of some unexpected advice from co-star Matt Damon during the filming of Christopher Nolan’s historical drama “Oppenheimer.” Interestingly, this piece of advice came at a rather inopportune moment.
During an appearance on “The Tonight Show” (as reported by Entertainment Weekly), Hartnett spoke about his experience working with Damon. He shared that while Damon offered him plenty of valuable acting advice, one particular suggestion came a little too late to be of use.
Damon’s fundamental advice: Avoid gaining weight for the role
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In “Oppenheimer,” Hartnett portrays nuclear physicist Ernest Lawrence, a role which required him to gain 30 pounds. Damon, however, advised him against this weight gain – albeit after the fact. Hartnett recounts Damon’s warning:
“He’s like, ‘You’re gonna spend the rest of your life trying to get that weight off and it’s never gonna come off because your body’s gonna want to get that weight back on. You’re just gonna keep growing back out to that size, and you’re going to try and get it off, but it’s just gonna go back.’ And he kept telling me, like, over the course of the production.”
Despite Damon’s late advice, Hartnett appears to have successfully shed the weight, as evidenced by his shirtless scene in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Trap.” Damon’s stance on avoiding drastic body changes for roles is well-known, as demonstrated by his use of a body double in “The Martian” rather than undergoing weight fluctuations. This begs the question – should he have shared this advice with Hartnett before the weight gain? Nonetheless, Hartnett wasn’t the only actor in “Oppenheimer” who drastically altered their diet for the film.
Weight fluctuation for roles: A common practice
Universal Pictures
Actors gaining or losing weight for roles is not uncommon. For instance, Rob McElhenney famously gained 60 pounds in three months for a season-long gag on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” While none of the other actors in “Oppenheimer” underwent weight changes as dramatic as Hartnett’s, lead actor Cillian Murphy significantly reduced his food intake during filming to emulate Oppenheimer’s lifestyle during his trial, resulting in a gaunt appearance. Although it’s relatively easier to regain weight after fasting, this practice is likely not the healthiest option.
Damon’s advice, despite its poor timing, holds some truth. Significant body changes for roles can take a toll on an individual’s health. Christian Bale, renowned for his weight fluctuations for various roles, eventually had to stop due to health concerns. While dedication to a role is commendable, it’s hoped that actors will heed Damon’s advice and prioritize their health before undergoing drastic weight changes.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
