Darren Aronofsky is sharing a cut and dry take on the Method acting debate: He simply “hates” the practice.

“I hate Method actors,” the auteur said during a French Cinematheque masterclass in Paris, from Variety. “[By all means], do a tremendous amount of research and really work hard, but acting’s make believe. If you’re going to do an intense scene, [there’s nothing wrong with] keeping yourself isolated, focused and ready in between takes to maintain that emotion. It’s a sport, a game — only, to be a great basketball player, you don’t have to be dribbling all the time. That’s not how it works. You do your homework, and get yourself ready. It’s only a fake reality between action and cut.”

He added that the particular acting technique is “just something to hide behind, as opposed to doing the work and being professional.” However, the director did clarify that an all-immersive approach could be “fine,...