The method behind ‘Method’: Ashton Arbab’s first feature

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“Life's so short, and you only get one of them. So I think if you're passionate about something, you should always do it at 100%.” Photo by Sydney Ponce.

Not every 23-year-old is writing, directing, producing and acting in their production company’s latest film. But with his first feature film “Method,” Ashton Arbab is.

“Method” is a 90-minute psychological thriller that follows 12 actors who receive callbacks for a Broadway production. Set in a regal, golden-age theater, things take a turn when the famous casting director pushes his actors deeper and deeper into method acting. 

The film is produced by Arbab Entertainment, Arbab’s own production company, which he started as a hub for his artistic endeavors in 2019. The Los Angeles native hopes it will become a well-regarded production house that handles multiple film genres and even TV series. 

Arbab dreamed up the concept for the film last November. Since then, producers Ari Novak, Savannah Porter and Taylor Smith joined the project. After releasing a public casting announcement, the team received more than 60,000 audition tapes.

“I like exploring and creating messed-up characters with a traumatic past or that have dealt with a lot of hardship. I want to create deep stories.” Photo by Sydney Lau.

Method acting, a process of personally accessing and “living” a character’s experiences and emotions, is an interest of Arbab’s that extends beyond his current project. He said he grew up inspired by “generational talents” Leonardo DiCaprio and Joaquin Phoenix, who’ve been willing to commit years preparing for a role before ever stepping on set. 

“I find that fascinating because they genuinely become the characters before the cameras even roll,” Arbab said. “One day, when that kind of role comes into my wheelhouse, I want to be ready for it.”

He’s also drawn to stories that deal with challenges and struggles without resolution. Timothée Chalamet’s character in “Beautiful Boy” is one Arbab would have loved to play himself. “I love that story — it’s so deep and raw and gritty — it’s beautiful. I cry every time I watch it,” he said. In the film, Nic (Chalamet) battles a drug addiction and depression with repeated recovery failures.

Arbab has developed and played similar roles in the past. “Off My Shoulders,” his debut film, is a 2024 drama short he directed, wrote and starred in about addiction, death in the family and an ensuing internal struggle. 

His second short, “Summer of ‘76,” channeled the fashion, music and style of the 1970s in a coming-of-age story about three teens who hit the road in search of a long-lost rock band. “I’m a musician, and my dad’s a fashion guy — he dressed like the Rolling Stones and McJagger in the 70s. So I really loved switching to that for this project,” he recalled.  

In “Method,” Arbab felt inclined to return to the darker psychological genre, which he considers his niche. His character, Levi, has spent the last four years in Los Angeles trying to catch a big break. As with the 11 other actors called back, Levi’s backstory is unveiled as he explores his character in the play. 

As a result, “Method” could be regarded as a film that provides a form of meta commentary on the complex, multidimensionality of method acting. Arbab named “Whiplash,” “Black Swan” and “The Menu” as comparable movie influences.

So far, Arbab’s greatest challenge in making the film, which is set to start shooting in October, has been its budget. With success stories like “Obsession” selling for 15 million on a $750,000 budget, Arbab’s enthusiasm for the film’s potential is anticipatory. How far can he push his own $20,000 budget film given the current indie climate?

His overarching goal for the project is more modest. “I just want to make a name and make a statement for independent filmmaking,” Arbab said. “We’re really lucky that a lot of people believe in the project and really want to help make the vision come to life.”

He attributes his drive and motivation to his dad, who inspires him to stay committed to manifesting his dreams and passions.

“Being an actor has really helped my directing skills, because I can talk to actors and give them notes with an actor’s sense.” Photo by Sydney Lau.

Though he likes to explore all aspects of the filmmaking process, acting — which he started professionally at six years old — remains Arbab’s greatest passion. “I think that’s really translated into the directing aspect as well, which I’d say is a close second, because I also love being behind the camera and having a huge say in how a story is being told,” he said.

Arbab’s influences come in waves — he often latches onto a trend, then pivots with the ever-changing media landscape. Right now, he’s heavily influenced by watching other young adult actors develop their careers and characters in shows like Gina Fattore and Louisa Levy’s “Off Campus” or Megan Park’s “Sterling Point.” 

This study of actors includes awards season. “I love getting so deep into watching every movie that could potentially be nominated and getting influenced by them, then watching the awards and winning speeches.”

In the future, Arbab dreams of playing a cowboy in a western movie and acting in a military movie. For now, he’s looking forward to his upcoming movie “Princess” with Lucy Hale, which is expected to be released in 2027. Ongoing negotiations over distribution and release dates began at the Cannes International Film Festival in May. 

“I want to create deep stories, and I think that starts with the roots of the characters. I want someone watching my movies to see themselves in my characters, because that’s what’s going to attach them emotionally to the film.” Photo by Sydney Lau.
About :

Terra King is a writer, editor and artist based in Portland, Oregon. Her work centers around the human condition, rights and culture. In her free time, Terra likes to go dancing, swim and bop around with friends. Visit Terrasform.com for more.

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