“The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman” debuted at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars actor Shia LeBeouf who plays Charlie, a typical guy (that sometimes trips on acid) who falls for a married woman, Gabi, played by actress, Evan Rachel Wood. The plot is centered around Charlie who basically dies saving the woman he loves, Gabi.
In order to master a character, it is essential to become the character. Some actors and actresses will take up a new sport, a new hobby, live that character’s lifestyle, or do drugs. Did we just say that? I think so.
For his role in “The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman” LeBeouf popped — or dropped — acid (whatever the correct term is) and then taped himself so he could get a thumbs up approval from co-star, Wood. WTF.
That’s right, this isn’t a joke. LeBeouf even told MTV:
I was kind of scared, I’d never done acid before. I remember sending Evan tapes. I remember trying to conjure this [acid-trip feeling] and sending tapes and Evan being like, ‘Yeah, that’s good, but that’s not, but this is, but that ain’t,'” says LaBeouf. “Not like she’s the expert on set. I’m just saying you reach out to friends, and you sort of gauge where you’re at. So I was sending tapes around.”
Don’t be alarmed though — LeBeouf confirms he did not show up to work tripping on acid, at least not completely …
You don’t show up completely wasted. You don’t show up completely tripping on acid. But you’re rooting for something and you’re pushing yourself toward it. Everyone’s got their own way,” says LaBeouf.”
Check out the trailer for the film below.