"Claire Danes' acting chops have been on full display since her star teenage turn in My So-Called Life. Now that she is 46 and starring in a new Netflix show, The Beast in Me-no spoilers; don't worry, I have two episodes to go myself-her ability to showcase subtle, complex, and rapidly shifting emotions remains impressive. Why is this surprising or noteworthy, you may ask? She is an actor, after all."
"Danes' character in The Beast in Me "reads" as a 40-something complex and compelling person whose face not only provides a beacon for aging naturally but remains a versatile canvas on which to display a host of emotional experiences such as empathy, fear, hope, agitation, and elation. (Her co-star, Matthew Rhys, also appears to be aging naturally, although this is less notable as male actors are under less pressure to maintain a flawless, youthful appearance.)"
Seeing women age naturally on screen can counteract pervasive youth-beauty pressures and normalize authentic appearance. Facial feedback and expressive faces enable fuller emotional experience and deepen empathy. Using the face to convey subtle, shifting emotions supports richer interpersonal connection and social understanding. Female actors face substantial pressure to use fillers and surgery, while male actors experience less scrutiny. A natural-looking performance can serve as a visible model for aging with complexity and emotional versatility. Characters who forgo heavy make-up can embody life events such as loss and divorce while communicating nuanced internal states.
Read at Psychology Today
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