I don't like this idea of Method. I come from that school, but what I was taught was that it's your imagination. You do your homework, and you use your imagination.

In this quote, Mark Ruffalo expresses his discomfort with the Method acting approach, which is known for its deep emotional immersion and psychological techniques. While Ruffalo acknowledges that he comes from the same school of acting, he believes that acting should be more about tapping into one’s imagination rather than relying on the intense, often taxing methods associated with the Method. He suggests that an actor’s creative process should be about preparation (doing their homework) and using their imagination to bring the character to life, rather than over-identifying with the character’s emotional state.

Ruffalo’s view contrasts with the Method acting philosophy, which often encourages actors to draw from personal emotions and experiences to connect deeply with their roles. While Method can lead to powerful performances, Ruffalo values the freedom and flexibility that imagination allows in crafting a character. He believes that actors should have the freedom to explore and interpret their roles without becoming consumed by them emotionally.

The origin of the quote comes from Ruffalo’s experience as an actor, having trained in acting and worked in various styles throughout his career. His perspective reflects a broader debate within the acting community about the most effective ways to prepare for a role. Ruffalo’s statement emphasizes his belief that imagination, rather than emotional exhaustion or psychological intensity, should be the driving force behind an actor’s work.

Ultimately, Ruffalo’s quote advocates for a balanced approach to acting, where research, discipline, and imagination work together to create an authentic and dynamic performance. He suggests that acting should be more about the creative process and less about trying to live the character’s emotions in a way that could be mentally or physically draining.