What do you see in the mirror?

One of the first things I notice with actors is how reluctant many are to watch their own work on camera.

Few people enjoy staring at themselves in the mirror. The reflection in the mirror is filled with flaws: nose is too big, lips too small, eyes too puffy, hair too lifeless, skin too red.  Any combination of self-criticisms fog up the mirror image.

The cat looking in the mirror sees a big hairy lion and thinks something is wrong with it. Why don’t I look like the the other cats?

For some actors, the concerns with looks are actually what paralyzes them from ever exploring working on camera.  

Who would want to cast me since I have all of these flaws and there are a ton of others who have both talent and “perfect” looks?

I want you to see what I see when I look at you: talent and personality.

We can all make a long list of actors whom we admire based on their sheer talent and presence on screen. In fact, the list of my favorite actors mostly doesn’t include the “beautiful” people.

So why would you hold yourself to a different standard?

What do you notice most about a riveting scene in a movie or TV show?  For me, it’s the moment to moment connection between two people. It’s the little nuances of relationships and thoughts and character reveals. In comedy, I’m waiting for that clever or silly joke that makes my belly ache from laughing so hard.

We watch people be people.

We watch what they do, how they treat each other, what they say, how they get out of a bad situation. We actually love characters’ flaws. I’m not perfect, so I love to see other people also be NOT perfect.

When actors start working and reviewing their work on camera, this is the typical first response: the actor starts picking him/herself apart physically and progressively feels more insecure than ever before about his/her body.

Here’s the way to move forward against your physical insecurities:

1. Recognize that we ALL have insecurities about our bodies.
2. Dress so that you feel good about yourself (e.g., wear updated and fitted clothing; for anyone who wears makeup, wear simple makeup so that you feel at your best).
3. And, most importantly, focus on acting.

It’s that simple. It always comes back to The Work.

Be the actor that you know you are and THAT is what we will watch intensely.

Trust me, I’ve heard it all. You are not alone with your fears and concerns about how you may look on camera.  It’s just how you dance with these fears.

Share your beauty with the world. Don’t hide out from that camera.  We would love to SEE you…just as you are.

If you see the Lion in the mirror, perhaps that is what is fierce about you. What is powerful, strong, and totally unique about you. You are NOT like the other cats. Thank goodness. You are so much more riveting by just being you and doing good work as an actor.

Your fan in the mirror,

Heidi

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