Adrien Brody recently discussed the intense efforts he undertook for his Oscar-winning role in Roman Polanski’s 2002 film, The Pianist. In the film, he portrayed Władysław Szpilman, a Holocaust survivor. To prepare, Brody drastically changed his physical appearance by following a near-fasting diet that resulted in a weight loss of 30 pounds, bringing him to a mere 129 pounds. During filming, he reportedly limited his water intake significantly, as the production was shot in reverse order to depict Szpilman at his weakest.
Brody reflected on this transformation, stating that it was crucial for the storytelling aspect and provided him with a profound understanding of emptiness and hunger. He admitted that the experience left him with lingering psychological effects, including insomnia and panic attacks, and he acknowledged experiencing symptoms of PTSD as a result of immersing himself so deeply into the character.
He shared candidly about his struggles following the role, revealing that he dealt with an eating disorder and depression for an extended period. Brody’s commitment to method acting has often led him into unique circumstances. For instance, while filming The Jacket, he requested to be left in a straitjacket for a more authentic experience. Additionally, during the production of Summer of Sam, he suffered a punch from a fellow actor, resulting in a permanent dent in his face.
In another role for the film Oxygen, which involves a serial killer, Brody opted to wear prosthetic braces, stating that the discomfort was unexpected when they were forcibly removed at the end of shooting. These insights into Brody’s intense preparation and dedication illustrate the lengths actors may go to in order to fully embody their characters.