Key Facts
Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz starred together on Fox's Bones for 12 seasons. Despite their on-screen chemistry, the two actors had vastly different methods when it came to delivering their dialogue. Deschanel, who played Dr. Temperance 'Bones' Brennan, stuck rigidly to the script, while Boreanaz, as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth, often ad-libbed and paraphrased his lines.
Details: Deschanel's Precision vs. Boreanaz's Flexibility
In a recent appearance on David Duchovny's Fail Better podcast, Deschanel explained the contrast. 'He played a character when we were working together that very much didn't have to say the words verbatim,' she said of Boreanaz. 'My character spoke in a very specific way, and I had to say them exactly as written.'
Deschanel's character was a forensic anthropologist, and her dialogue was laden with scientific jargon. 'I was speaking science. Most of my career has been playing the scientist. I have to get my mouth around the words,' she noted. Her training at Boston University's conservatory program, where she studied classics like Shakespeare and Chekhov, reinforced the importance of preserving the text. 'I would not ever ask to change — especially playing Brennan. The lines were as written,' she added.
Boreanaz, on the other hand, had the freedom to be more spontaneous. Because Booth wasn't a scientist, his dialogue didn't require the same precision. Deschanel observed that Boreanaz could quickly glance at the script and then perform the scene naturally. 'He could just look [at the script] and then do the scene. He spent time looking at it too. I don't mean to minimize. But I think in a pinch, he could do that where you'd look at it and be able to do the scene. I can't imagine,' she said.
Impact on the Show
These contrasting approaches contributed to the dynamic between Brennan and Booth. Deschanel's strict adherence to the script made Brennan's scientific expertise feel authentic, while Boreanaz's relaxed delivery made Booth relatable and grounded. The result was a balanced partnership that resonated with audiences for over a decade.
What Readers Should Know
- Deschanel and Boreanaz's methods were shaped by their characters' backgrounds: Brennan the scientist vs. Booth the FBI agent.
- Deschanel's conservatory training emphasized textual fidelity, which she applied to her role.
- Boreanaz's ability to ad-lib allowed for more natural, conversational scenes.
- The actors respected each other's approaches, recognizing that what worked for one wouldn't work for the other.
FAQ
Why did Emily Deschanel stick to the script on Bones?
Deschanel played forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan, whose dialogue was full of scientific terms. She felt it was crucial to say the lines exactly as written to maintain accuracy.
How did David Boreanaz approach his dialogue on Bones?
Boreanaz, playing FBI agent Seeley Booth, had more flexibility. He often paraphrased his lines to sound more natural, which suited his character's less scientific background.
Did Deschanel ever ask to change her lines?
No, she said she would never ask to change her lines, especially for Brennan, because the lines were written exactly as needed for the character.