Jacob Elordi, the Australian actor celebrated for his roles in Saltburn and Priscilla, recently undertook a significant physical transformation for his role as a World War II prisoner of war in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. This Prime Video miniseries, based on Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel and set in Elordi’s hometown, marks a significant point in his rapidly growing career.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North: Embracing the Role of Dorrigo
Elordi's commitment to the role of Lt. Col. Dorrigo Evans in The Narrow Road to the Deep North involved a drastic weight loss achieved through a rigorous and immersive process. He was drawn to the project by director Justin Kurzel, whose work he had admired since his early teens. Elordi prepared extensively, immersing himself in research about medical surgeons and the Burma Railway. However, Kurzel emphasized the importance of authenticity over academic knowledge, urging Elordi to "be true."
To prepare for the role, Elordi and his fellow cast members underwent a six-week "prisoner bootcamp" overseen by nutritionists and trainers. This experience mirrored the harsh conditions endured by prisoners of war, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared hardship. Elordi described the experience as profoundly calming, with the weight loss process stripping away everyday worries and fostering a deep connection with his fellow actors.
The Weight Loss Experience: Camaraderie and Sacrifice
Elordi noted that the weight loss journey was a shared experience that fostered a unique bond among the cast. The shared hardship created a supportive environment where the actors looked out for one another, offering support and understanding. He stated, “It was a very calming experience to do it with all the lads. I think there was something quite profound that happened in that it wasn’t a complete torture,” he said. “There was a peace that sort of came over all of us when we were in the camps, and you reach a level of love that goes beyond what you’re used to in your everyday because everything gets stripped away, and you come down to the bare bones of, ‘Is my mate okay Am I okay? How can I help? Do you want a jelly bean?,” he said. “You’re watching each other and you’re taking care of each other." The shared experience of physical deprivation created a sense of unity and empathy among the actors.
The physical demands of the role also brought a sense of immediacy and focus. Elordi explained that hunger stripped away extraneous concerns, forcing the actors to focus on their immediate needs and the well-being of their fellow cast members. He stated, “There’s something that happens when you are hungry. All the extra things that you have in your day-to-day life that you worry about, they all sort of start to strip away. All you can think about are the men that are in front of you and if they're going to be okay and where your next meal is coming from." This immediacy mirrored the harsh realities faced by prisoners of war, enhancing the authenticity of their performances.
Read also: A Story of Commitment
Diet Details
While specific details of Elordi's diet for The Narrow Road to the Deep North remain private, his comments suggest a restricted caloric intake designed to simulate the conditions of starvation experienced by prisoners of war. The actor mentioned an incident involving "sushi train," where he and his castmates consumed fried chicken sushi, leading to illness. This anecdote suggests that their diet may have been unfamiliar or challenging for their bodies.
Transition to Frankenstein: Rebirth and Rebuilding
Immediately after completing The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Elordi transitioned to another demanding role: the creature in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming adaptation of Frankenstein. Elordi found a surprising connection between the two roles, viewing his Frankenstein role as a rebirth after "killing" Dorrigo.
Elordi described this transition as a process of physical, spiritual, and mental rebuilding. He stated, “I had this wonderful thing happen, which is probably saying too much, but there was this thing that happened in the process where I got to kill Dorigo in a way, who was the closest thing to a man, that I've gotten to play in my career in a lot of ways. And so I got to die as a man and then kind of be reborn in this creature, which is this character that is totally starting from scratch. So I have to rebuild myself physically and spiritually and mentally through playing the creature so strangely, they're actually connected. And it sounds a little bit like hippy dippy, but it really, going from the hunger into that, it really was this one process." This suggests that the physical and emotional challenges of portraying Dorrigo prepared him for the demanding role of the creature.
Physical Transformation for Frankenstein
While details about Elordi's physical preparation for Frankenstein are scarce, it is likely that he underwent a different kind of transformation to embody the iconic monster. This may have involved gaining muscle mass and adopting a specific posture and gait. The actor's dedication to physical transformation suggests a commitment to fully embodying each role he undertakes.
The Broader Context of Weight Loss and Hollywood
Elordi's experience highlights the extreme lengths to which actors sometimes go to embody their characters. Weight loss and gain have become increasingly common practices in Hollywood, with actors often undergoing dramatic transformations to meet the demands of their roles.
Read also: How Jacob Elordi Stays in Shape
The Ethics of Extreme Transformations
The practice of extreme weight loss and gain raises ethical questions about the potential health risks and the pressure actors face to conform to specific physical ideals. While some transformations may be necessary for certain roles, it is important to consider the potential impact on actors' physical and mental well-being.
The Audience's Fascination with Weight Loss
The public's fascination with weight loss is reflected in the popularity of reality shows like The Biggest Loser and scripted series that address body image issues. These programs often focus on the struggles and triumphs of individuals seeking to lose weight, tapping into a deep-seated cultural obsession with appearance and health.
However, some critics argue that these shows perpetuate unrealistic expectations and promote potentially harmful dieting practices. The focus on rapid weight loss can be misleading, as sustainable weight management typically involves gradual lifestyle changes rather than extreme measures.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL