Michelle Williams Describes 'Horrible' Experience Living with Ryan Gosling During Blue Valentine Filming

Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling had a challenging experience living together while filming their 2010 drama "Blue Valentine," which aimed to authentically capture the deterioration of their characters' relationship. During a two-week break from filming, the actors lived together and engaged in improvisations designed to create tension and annoyance between them, as encouraged by director Derek Cianfrance. This method involved exercises such as burning their characters' wedding photos and acting out emotionally charged scenarios, which Williams described as "horrible" and involving the revelation of their worst qualities. Despite the difficulties, Williams reflected on the experience as valuable and creatively fulfilling, noting that such freedom to explore characters' dynamics is rare in modern productions. Gosling also emphasized the immersive nature of their work, aiming for genuine disconnection between their characters. Williams earned an Oscar nomination for her role in the film, which was critically acclaimed for its raw portrayal of a relationship's decline.