Ryan Reynolds, known for his charismatic and often lighthearted roles, faced one of the most challenging experiences of his career during the filming of “Buried.” In this gripping thriller, he portrayed a U.S. truck driver trapped in a coffin in Iraq. Beyond the intense role, Reynolds confronted a series of physical and emotional challenges that left a profound impact.
The Grueling Role
During the filming of “Buried,” Ryan Reynolds found himself in a daunting situation, both physically and emotionally. He was confined to a claustrophobic coffin, armed only with a cell phone and a lighter. This demanding shoot pushed him to his limits and tested his emotional resilience, as reported by Parade.
Ryan Reynolds Opens Up
In an interview with Parade, Ryan Reynolds candidly discussed the profound impact the role had on him. He likened emerging from the coffin to a rebirth, saying, “I definitely felt like I emerged from the box as a different person than the one that went in. For all of the difficulties and the challenges in shooting a movie as different as this, it was a great experience. Anything at the time that I thought was insurmountable or incredibly difficult, the scars and things, are just spoils of war.”
Physical and Emotional Scars
Reynolds bore the physical marks of his ordeal, with visible scrapes, bruises, and even a small bald patch as souvenirs from the set. However, the emotional toll was more enduring. Spending 17 consecutive days in a heightened state of anxiety and panic left him jittery and affected his nervous system. He acknowledged, “All of the physical injuries are like souvenirs. But the emotional stuff is harder. When you’re spending 17 straight days in a heightened state of anxiety and panic, it’s not very good for your nervous system, so you walk away pretty jittery.”
Battling Insomnia
The toll on Reynolds’ nervous system extended to his sleep patterns. He admitted, “I definitely struggled with a lot of insomnia when I was working on this film, and that was something that was new to me.” The incessant anxiety and stress during filming disrupted his sleep, presenting a novel and unwelcome challenge for the actor.
Unconventional Relaxation
After the grueling filming schedule, Reynolds attempted to unwind but found that traditional methods didn’t suit him. He typically favored adventurous experiences over traditional vacations. However, even the beach, a common retreat, didn’t provide solace, as it reminded him of his character’s coffin. Consequently, he abandoned relaxation and returned home after just six hours.
Impressive Acting
Despite the taxing circumstances, Reynolds’ performance in “Buried” was so remarkable that the crew had to check on him multiple times to ensure his well-being. His dedication and commitment to the role left a lasting impression on those involved in the production.
Conclusion
Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal in “Buried” not only showcased his acting prowess but also revealed the challenges he faced during the filming process. It serves as a testament to the toll that intense roles can take on an actor, both physically and emotionally, and underscores the dedication required to deliver an exceptional performance.