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In a surprising revelation, actress Michelle Williams has described her experience living with then-co-star Ryan Gosling during the filming of the critically acclaimed movie 'Blue Valentine' as 'horrible.' The unusual living arrangement, suggested by the film’s director Derek Cianfrance, was intended to help Williams and Gosling immerse themselves in their roles as a couple facing a dissolving marriage. However, it appears the method didn't quite yield the desired results.

Williams shared the story during a recent appearance on the 'Armchair Expert' podcast with Dax Shepard. She detailed how the director proposed they move in together for a period to better understand the dynamics of a long-term relationship going through a rough patch. The goal was to create a deeper sense of authenticity for their performances, blurring the lines between their on-screen and off-screen lives.

“Derek, our director, asked us to move in together,” Williams explained. “And it was… horrible. It was just horrible. I really do think that he thought it would be a bonding experience. I think he thought that we would, like, become these method actors and really understand what it was like to be married and then have your marriage fall apart.”

While the concept might seem intriguing on paper, the reality proved to be far more challenging. Williams admitted that the close proximity and intense emotional preparation took a toll on both of them. The attempt to embody the complexities of a failing marriage extended beyond the set, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere within their shared living space.

“I think we were just… we were both so young and so bad at being adults,” Williams added with a chuckle. “And we were just kind of… grumpy at each other. It was not a good time.” She didn’t elaborate on specific incidents, but her description paints a picture of a situation that, while perhaps well-intentioned, ultimately proved detrimental to their well-being.

Despite the less-than-ideal living arrangement, 'Blue Valentine' remains a powerful and poignant film, praised for its raw and unflinching portrayal of love and loss. Williams and Gosling’s performances are widely considered among the best of their careers, demonstrating their ability to convey complex emotions even under difficult circumstances. The film’s success underscores the dedication and commitment of both actors, even if the methods used to achieve it were, according to Williams, somewhat 'horrible'.

The story provides a fascinating glimpse into the sometimes-unconventional techniques employed by filmmakers to elicit authentic performances. It also serves as a reminder that even the most talented actors are human, and that the pursuit of artistic excellence can sometimes come at a personal cost. Listeners to the 'Armchair Expert' podcast were captivated by Williams’ honest and candid account, adding another layer of intrigue to the already compelling story of 'Blue Valentine'.