Bronson Pinchot’s Reflections on Acting, “The Residence,” and the Power of Being

Bronson Pinchot, a seasoned stage and screen actor, discusses his career, the nuances of acting versus simply “being,” and his experience filming Netflix’s “The Residence.”

Pinchot recounts a pivotal moment in his career where a director requested a pause before a monologue, a decision that initially seemed disastrous. A post-performance encounter with audience members solidified the lesson: sometimes, less is more. This experience shaped his approach to acting, highlighting the importance of conveying emotion without overacting.

In “The Residence,” Pinchot portrays Didier Gotthard, a reserved pastry chef with a secret. He explains that the role provided an opportunity to utilize the subtleties of a well-written script, contrasting his portrayal with his earlier, more demonstrative role as Balki Bartokomous in “Perfect Strangers.”

When asked about his initial reaction to the script, Pinchot praised its economical writing style that allowed for much to remain unsaid, creating a rich tapestry for acting. He compares the experience to a dancer discovering a perfect stage, finding joy in the unspoken emotions that the script implied.

He elaborated on the contrast between his typically demonstrative style and the reserved nature of his “Residence” character. He acknowledged that his acting style often veers towards more demonstrative performances; however, he highlighted that the key to effective theater performance is fullness of being, rather than overt demonstration. This differs sharply from film acting, where subtlety and allowing the camera to capture inner emotion is key.

Pinchot shared his approach to working with scene partners, emphasizing the value of collaboration with talented individuals which allows for a focus on genuine emotion, rather than forced acting. He describes the filming of a scene with both Andre Braugher and Giancarlo Esposito, highlighting the unique dynamic each actor brought to the scene. This underscores the importance of collaborative dynamics and shared experiences in shaping a memorable performance.

He described the multiple versions filmed for each scene, each revealing a different perspective on the events. He further highlights the intriguing complexity of the script where all characters possess some degree of guilt, adding layers to the mystery beyond the central crime. Pinchot revealed his skill in deducing whodunits, comparing it to his astute observation skills honed over years of experience.

Finally, Pinchot shares his current source of joy: creating an oasis-like space within his Pennsylvania home, a skill he considers an extension of his ability to create focused realities amidst the chaos of filmmaking.