Developing confidence as an artist
Ian McKellen admits that it has taken time and life experience to develop the self-confidence that now helps fuel his dynamic roles.
“Suppose it had been me who played Tom Jones [1963], not Albert Finney?” McKellen said.
“There was never any question of me playing those sorts of parts.
“I was a frightened little gay boy [he publicly came out in 1988] who was putting his liberty in jeopardy every time he made love because it was against the law at the time.
“I wasn’t ready to be a big anything… I’ve got the self-confidence now, nothing frightens me.” [Entertainment Weekly May 19 2006]
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Sometimes an external aspect of a role can fuel confidence.
“Every time I put on that suit I felt a sense of surreal power.”
That is what Halle Berry said about her costume for “Catwoman.”
But self-assurance may not be an enduring experience, even for someone with strong talents.
Nicolas Cage has admitted, “I beat myself up every time I start a film but that’s certainly not unique.
“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t beat themselves up at one time or another. I think that’s human nature…”
He said that doing ‘Adaptation’ “literally rejuvenated me. Seeing the kind of chances Spike [Jonze] and Charlie [Kaufman] take made me want to do the same.
“That’s why I decided to direct.. [which] was an exhilarating experience because it proved I’m still pushing my limits.
“It’s so exciting for me to be creatively naked. That’s how I felt when I first started out.”
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Psychotherapist Mihaela Ivan Holtz works with creative people in TV/Film, performing and fine arts.
In one of her articles on her site, she writes about how crucial healthy self-esteem and confidence are:
“As a creative or a performer you know too well that moment when you have to ‘show up!’
Perhaps it’s right when you step onto the stage or when you are about to present your creative ideas to a room packed with important people.
It’s that moment when you almost feel drunk on the cocktail of your emotions – a mix of fear and courage at the same time, flooding all that you are.
This mix of fear and courage can take you right to where you hope to be – that emotional space where your feelings blend just beautifully in a powerful mix, you flow into your performance.
As matter of fact, it feels so right that you are not scared anymore…”
See more in article Developing confidence as an artist.
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