Australian actor Joel Edgerton has opened up about the unique challenges of his latest cinematic venture, a near-silent performance in the Netflix film Train Dreams, revealing how crucial advice from a previous project paved the way.
The Art of Silence: Conveying Emotion Without Words
In Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley, Edgerton portrays Robert Grainier, a railroad worker and logger living in isolation in the Pacific Northwest. The character's life is defined by profound grief, having lost his wife and daughter in a devastating wildfire. The role demanded an actor capable of expressing deep internal turmoil with very little dialogue.
Edgerton discussed the parallels between this challenge and his experience playing Richard Loving in the 2016 film Loving. He recalled a pivotal note from that film's director, Jeff Nichols, who instructed him to "understand you less".
This guidance, Edgerton explained, became the foundation for his work on Train Dreams. It taught him to trust in his ability to convey a character's internal thoughts and emotions through subtlety and presence, rather than relying on spoken words to carry the narrative.
Redefining Masculinity On Screen
Beyond the technical aspects of his performance, Edgerton also shared his perspective on masculinity, a theme deeply woven into his character's solitary existence. He was openly critical of the "alpha" male archetype, which he described as a performance rooted in insecurity.
Instead, the actor advocated for a different kind of strength, one characterised by quiet confidence. This philosophy aligns perfectly with his portrayal of Grainier, a man who embodies a resilient, introspective form of masculinity far removed from loud or aggressive stereotypes.
The film, which began streaming on Netflix, showcases a different side of Edgerton's considerable range, proving that sometimes the most powerful statements are made in silence.
