Finding Empathy: What Actors Val Kilmer, Matthew McConaughey Can Teach Us About Studying King David’s Men

When we see actors on screen, it’s tempting to believe they effortlessly secure their roles based on appearances alone. However, skilled performers excel at making their craft appear seamless. We often fail to recognize the immense effort and dedication required behind the scenes to bring characters to life. The empathy they develop serves as a model for a deeper level of learning as we study scripture.

In the recent biographies of Val Kilmer and Matthew McConaughey, both actors describe the process of developing a profound understanding and empathy for their characters, enabling them to breathe life into their roles.

In his memoir “Greenlights,” Matthew McConaughey recounts his initial reaction when reading the script for “Dazed and Confused.” Reading the lines of his iconic character, David Wooderson, he said, “I know this guy.” His ability to relate to and recognize aspects of familiar people in other characters played a significant role in creating some of his most iconic moments on camera. In fact, his off-screen inspirations often influenced his on-screen performances.

Similarly, Val Kilmer’s recent documentary showcases footage of his meticulous study and transformation into the characters he portrayed. For his starring role in “The Doors,” he dedicated over a year to studying Jim Morrison’s mannerisms both on and off stage. By contrast, one of his disappointments came from playing Batman, since the restrictive suit hindered his ability to do much more than follow directions.

During his time as a student at Juilliard, Kilmer told a professor that he was having trouble connecting with the experiences of his character. The professor promptly reminded him that a creative can always find a way to identify with the emotions of their character, which enables them to bring them to life. Rather than dismissing those emotions, one must delve deep to understand them.

How can we apply this approach to our study of all the men in King David’s life?

When we encounter the stories of King David’s men, our initial response might be to either pass judgment on the, or to view them as extraordinary heroes whose achievements seem unattainable. What if instead we placed ourselves within their narratives? What if we acknowledged their struggles, virtues, and flaws as something relatable? By adopting the mindset of “I know that person,” we might gain a fresh understanding of those around us and develop the ability to correct our own shortcomings when necessary.

The characters in the Bible offer us the invaluable gift of wisdom and experience, provided we open ourselves to listen attentively to their voices.