Jesse Plemons has described the intense and isolating experience of acting in the film I’m Thinking of Ending Things as a significant “acting challenge” that tested his limits. Known for his versatility and over two decades of experience, Plemons faced one of the most demanding shoots of his career in this 2020 Netflix film directed by Charlie Kaufman.
The Unique Pressures of Jesse Plemons’ Role in I’m Thinking of Ending Things
While many young actors like Timothée Chalamet, Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and Adam Driver are praised for their talents, Plemons stands out with his unpredictable and transformative performances across television and film. His television roles in series such as Friday Night Lights, Breaking Bad, Fargo, Black Mirror, Love & Death, and Zero Day earned widespread acclaim. Furthermore, his collaborations with renowned directors including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson, Yorgos Lanthimos, Alex Garland, and Alejandro González Iñárritu set him apart from his contemporaries.
Among these, working with Charlie Kaufman proved to be uniquely taxing due to Kaufman’s distinctive style, which blends dark humor, ironic surrealism, and intense existential themes. This complexity made the filming process especially grueling for Plemons, requiring him to spend long periods performing alone and thoroughly studying Kaufman’s intricate script.
Technical Demands and Emotional Strain on Set
Plemons explained that much of the filming during the first week took place inside a car, which was recreated on a soundstage. This setting contributed to a highly concentrated shooting schedule, with approximately 11 pages of script shot daily under controlled conditions, including artificial snow effects.
I don’t think it’s spoiling much to say that in the first week, we were shooting pretty much in a car every day,
Plemons said.
Thank God we shot that on a stage. I was pretty intimidated because we were shooting on average 11 pages a day, every day, on a stage, prop guys throwing snow.
This approach differed significantly from the faster shooting styles Plemons was used to with other acclaimed directors. Kaufman’s preference for long, uninterrupted takes demanded extraordinary focus and endurance.
‘Psychological torture’ is too strong, but it did have a strange effect,
Plemons recalled.
The longest take is something like 16 minutes, I think? So, it was like ‘Action! See ya in a while!’ It changed acting for me in a way, I think.
Plemons’ Performance Amidst Challenging Subject Matter and Global Events
The film’s heavy themes and unconventional style made it an intense viewing experience, unlikely to have been easily accessible for broad audiences regardless of external circumstances. Released during a year when theatrical screenings were severely limited, I’m Thinking of Ending Things did not have the chance to reach moviegoers traditionally, yet it remains an artistic accomplishment, earning growing respect over time.
Despite the difficulties encountered during this project, Plemons’ career trajectory did not rely solely on its reception. Soon after, he earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in The Power of the Dog and won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in Kinds of Kindness, highlighting his continuing rise in the industry.
The Lasting Impact of Working on a Kaufman Film
Jesse Plemons’ experience on I’m Thinking of Ending Things illustrates how demanding acting challenges can push performers into new territories of craft and expression. His collaboration with Charlie Kaufman, despite being exhausting, expanded his understanding of long-form takes and the psychological depth required for complex characters. This project remains a significant milestone, reinforcing Plemons’ reputation as an actor willing to embrace difficult roles that redefine his approach to the craft.
