"I just like to turn up and see if I can blow the guy's mind"- When Mel Gibson answered if he liked to be directed

Mel Gibson, Oscar-winning actor and director, once discussed his preference for how he liked to be directed while filming. In a June 2015 interview with Michael Berkowitz for HuffPost’s Great Conversations: Mel Gibson, the Lethal Weapon star shared insights into his experiences working with directors throughout his extensive career. He elaborated:

"There's a lot of underpinning that goes on if you really want to do your job right, you want to get into the director's head about how he sees things and have him explain as much as possible every facet of what he's doing to assist you in helping him do what he's trying to do."

He continued:

"Then I just like to turn up and see if I can blow the guys mind. If not, I certainly want him to tell me, and I certainly want him to watch closely to make sure that I'm not doing something contrary to his big picture."

He said he wants to give something more than what is expected, whether through an emotional performance or an innovative take on a character. The statement points out Gibson's philosophy of collaboration, where he seeks to challenge himself and elevate the project as a whole.

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Mel Gibson's striving approach to exceed the director's expectation

A still of Mel Gibson from Blood Father (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Reflecting on his approach to acting, Gibson noted his commitment to bringing fresh, original ideas to his performances. He explained that his goal is to meet the director’s vision and enhance it by adding elements they might not have anticipated.

Gibson emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, highlighting the mutual respect required between actors and directors to bring stories to life effectively. He shared that this dynamic has been pivotal in his career as an actor and director.

Gibson also discussed his approach to creativity, which involves constant experimentation and adaptability. He stated that navigating the complexities of the film industry has taught him to make necessary adjustments while maintaining his artistic integrity. By continuously pushing boundaries, he has established himself as a versatile figure in Hollywood.

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Mel Gibson discusses film directing theory and collaboration

A still of Mel Gibson from On The Line (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

In the same interview. the Braveheart star reflected on his approach to creativity as an actor and a director. With decades of experience, Gibson shared insights into his evolving understanding of collaboration and storytelling. He noted that directing requires a clear vision, likening it to conducting an orchestra:

“You need to have a vision and make everyone play their part perfectly.”

This analogy underlined his belief in the importance of precision and teamwork in filmmaking. When discussing the challenges of balancing his acting and directing careers, Gibson explained,

“Acting is like being a paintbrush; directing is being the painter.”

Gibson also spoke about his commitment to bringing originality to his performances and his focus on surprising directors with new ideas.

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Mel Gibson on challenges, inspiration, and personal growth

A still of Mel Gibson from Braveheart (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

The actor-director also opened up about his personal and professional challenges throughout his career. Reflecting on his growth through these hardships, Gibson shared how his passion for storytelling kept him motivated, stating,

"There are moments in your career when you have to ask yourself why you’re doing this. For me, it always comes back to the story and the message."

Gibson discussed the difficulties of balancing creative vision with commercial demands, crediting these experiences for teaching him resilience. He emphasized the importance of partnership and mutual respect between directors and actors, which has been a cornerstone of his career. Gibson highlighted his inspirations, citing filmmakers like John Ford and Akira Kurosawa, and expressed admiration for their ability to create timeless work. He remarked:

"Their work transcends time, and that’s what I aspire to achieve—stories that stay with people long after they leave the theater."

Mel Gibson's dedication to pushing creative boundaries while navigating the intricacies of Hollywood underscores his goal to craft impactful, enduring stories.