along with marlon brando and james dean, clift was one of the original method actors in hollywood; he was one of the first actors to be invited to study in the actors studio with lee strasberg and elia kazan. he also executed a rare move by not signing a contract after arriving in hollywood, only doing so after his first two films were a success. this was described as "a power differential that would go on to structure the star-studio relationship for the next 40 years".