In a recent interview, actor George Clooney shared a candid recollection of his audition for the film Bram Stoker’s Dracula, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Clooney revealed that he was significantly affected by Coppola’s assessment of his performance, which he described as “hurtful.”
During the red carpet premiere of Jay Kelly’s project, Clooney recounted his experience with Entertainment Weekly, stating that he initially believed his audition went well. He later inquired with his agent about how he had performed. To his surprise, Clooney learned that Coppola thought he appeared “drunk” during the audition. “Which I was not, but that cuts,” he remarked, emphasizing how the director’s comment impacted him.
The audition experience took place when Clooney was feeling particularly relaxed, having taken Percodan prior to his performance. Ultimately, he did not secure a role in the film, which went on to feature a star-studded cast, including Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Cary Elwes, Richard E. Grant, and Sadie Frost.
Clooney’s Method Acting Approach
Clooney previously reflected on this audition in 2016, revealing that he attempted a method-acting approach by getting drunk to embody the character he was auditioning for. This technique did not yield the desired results, and he ultimately did not land the part.
Released in 1992, Bram Stoker’s Dracula achieved considerable commercial success, grossing approximately $215.8 million against a production budget of $40 million. The film was also recognized during awards season, receiving nominations in four categories at the Academy Awards, including Best Costume Design, Best Sound Editing, Best Makeup, and Best Art Direction, winning in the first three categories.
Based on the 1897 novel by Bram Stoker, the film’s narrative unfolds in 19th-century England and Romania, centering on the character of Count Dracula. The story explores his obsession with Mina Murray, the fiancée of his solicitor, Jonathan Harker. Believing Mina to be the reincarnation of his deceased wife, Elisabeta, Dracula’s ensuing actions create turmoil for Mina’s friends, prompting the intervention of vampire expert Abraham Van Helsing.
Clooney’s recent reflections highlight the emotional challenges that actors often face during auditions, emphasizing the subjective nature of artistic evaluations in the entertainment industry.