Inside the Mind- Exploring James McAvoy’s Methodical Mastery of Split’s Complex Characters
How did James McAvoy prepare for Split?
James McAvoy’s portrayal of Kevin in M. Night Shyamalan’s Split has been widely praised for its depth and complexity. The film, which follows a man with 23 different personalities, demanded a high level of commitment and preparation from McAvoy. So, how did he manage to bring such a challenging character to life?
Firstly, McAvoy engaged in extensive research to understand the psychological and emotional aspects of a person with dissociative identity disorder (DID), which is the condition depicted in the film. He spent time reading books and articles on the subject, and even consulted with experts in the field. This research allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the character’s struggles and vulnerabilities.
Moreover, McAvoy employed a unique approach to embodying each of Kevin’s personalities. He created a separate space in his dressing room for each persona, complete with a different outfit and props. This helped him to mentally and visually separate himself from one identity to another, making it easier to transition between them on screen.
To prepare for the physical demands of the role, McAvoy engaged in rigorous training. He worked with a fitness coach to build a strong, yet agile physique, which was necessary for the film’s action sequences. Additionally, McAvoy had to adapt to the unique way in which each personality moved and spoke. For instance, some of the characters had a more subdued and reserved demeanor, while others were more aggressive and volatile.
One of the most crucial aspects of McAvoy’s preparation was his collaboration with the film’s editor. He spent hours discussing the transitions between Kevin’s personalities, ensuring that the cuts between scenes were seamless and helped to maintain the film’s tone. This meticulous attention to detail was essential in creating the sense of chaos and unpredictability that is central to Split.
Furthermore, McAvoy sought to bring a sense of humanity to the character, despite the dark and twisted nature of his personalities. He drew inspiration from real-life stories of people with DID, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. This approach allowed him to deliver a performance that was both terrifying and poignant, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
In conclusion, James McAvoy’s preparation for his role in Split was a combination of extensive research, creative visualization, physical training, and collaboration with the film’s team. His dedication to the character and the meticulous care he took in bringing Kevin to life has earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood.
