Shia LaBeouf Got Drunk On Moonshine Preparing For a Role
From Disney to Hollywood, Shia LaBeouf has gained success as an actor. Over the course of his career, he has done some newsworthy stunts and caused controversy. One of the most well-known events was when he placed a bag over his head that read, “I AM NOT FAMOUS ANYMORE,” and more recently has faced backlash for his alleged abuse of ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs.
The actor also gained a reputation for his method acting. LaBeouf has gone to great lengths to prepare for his roles. While filming the movie Lawless, he consumed moonshine to appear as an authentic bootlegger.
Shia LaBeouf starred in ‘Lawless’
Lawless is a 2012 drama film that takes place in the year 1931 in Virginia. The movie stars Tom Hardy and LaBeouf. The two actors have respect for each other, and LaBeouf mentioned that Hardy intimidated him on set. Perhaps, Hardy was trying to get into character for a crime drama that focuses on bootlegging.
In the movie, three brothers are running a moonshine business. They are living during the Prohibition era. Since their operations are illegal, they use a gas station and a restaurant to cover it up. Later, the U.S. Marshal arrives to request a portion of the brothers’ alcohol profits. In exchange, the police would ignore their activities. However, they refuse the offer. The youngest brother gets beaten up as a message to the others. Two men attack the oldest sibling, who ends up needing to go to the hospital.
The main characters retaliate, and the Marshal tries to shut down their business. The brothers manage to avoid arrest and lead honest lives following the end of Prohibition.
Shia LaBeouf often uses method acting
Many fans may remember LaBeouf from Disney Channel when he starred in the show Even Stevens. He branched away from Disney and landed roles in popular movies like Transformers. The actor has built a reputation for being a serious method actor.
Some method actors may adopt certain personality traits and behaviors to get into character before filming. Others may use more extreme means to accomplish their goals. For example, LaBeouf went to great lengths to make his character in Fury appear more convincing.
One of his co-stars mentioned in an interview that LaBeouf removed a front tooth for the film. The actor explained in further detail that he had it pulled out by a RadioShack. He also cut his face to create a wound that the character has. The actor believed that makeup would not make the scar seem realistic enough.
His determination for his work may create tension with other actors. Brad Pitt admitted that he did have some issues with LaBeouf’s “energy.” Of course, Pitt does praise his co-star’s abilities and respects his commitment.
Shia LaBeouf got drunk to prepare for ‘Lawless’
Just like in some of his other films, LaBeouf did not hold back on his method acting when it came to filming Lawless. According to Food & Wine, he legitimately was drunk while shooting one of his scenes. In the film, his character is a bootlegger during Prohibition.
Since the type of alcohol presented in the film is moonshine, LaBeouf drank real moonshine in order to appear as a drunk bootlegger. When he arrived on set, his face had a bloated look and bloodshot eyes that he was hoping to achieve.
There may have been ways for makeup artists to get the same effect. However, the actor felt that he could not get that look while being sober. When viewers are watching the movie, they are not only seeing a wasted character but a tipsy actor as well. “I did it for the movie. I didn’t drink off set for no reason,” LaBeouf stated.
