Javier Bardem has proven his acting prowess with his outstanding filmography that spans across several genres. His performances have garnered critical acclaim throughout his career, with the actor receiving four Oscar nominations, even winning one for his remarkable performance in No Country for Old Men (2007).
With an actor of his caliber, many might assume that he would enjoy watching his performances after production, but the reality is otherwise. He has reflected on the same, revealing a very humane reason for not watching his filmography.
Javier Bardem Reflected on Why He Avoids Watching His Own Films
Several actors in the industry like to stay away from watching their own performances after working on a project for the time being. In the case of directors, writers, or producers, they are more than happy to witness the result on-screen, as it was years of hard work, but actors had to get into a certain character, embody it completely, and give their best shot before moving on to another project.
However, things are far from simple as there are often other reasons that lead an actor to keep their distance from reviewing their work. Although, Javier Bardem shies away from the same due to a very humane reason, as he is grounded in humility and self-awareness.
Just like anyone, he too is his own harshest critic, who cannot stand to watch himself on-screen, which is quite similar to how we cringe after hearing our own voice after recording it. In a GQ interview back in 2012, the actor reflected on his discomfort with seeing himself act on-screen. He shared,
The fact that I like to make characters doesn’t mean that I like to watch my characters being made, my performance. I can’t even watch that f–king nose, that f–king voice, those ridiculous eyes. I can’t handle that.
While he intensely criticized his physical appearance and voice for being the reason that he averts from watching movies, he also expressed his commitment to his craft.
But when I’m doing it, I don’t see my nose or hear my voice; it’s like there’s something stronger, bigger than that. And I need to express it.”
The Skyfall actor reflected that he completely immerses himself into his character, which allows him to transcend his insecurities, without compromising his craft. His statement perfectly explains the complex perspective in the acting process that actors like Bardem often face.
Javier Bardem Expressed His Thoughts on Acting
In another interview, the Loving Pablo star reflected on the complexity that actors often face in acting, particularly when it comes to watching themselves on-screen. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, he expressed that he finds it “hard to watch” himself as “you see yourself from every perspective possible, exposing things of your own self that you are not especially proud of, maybe.”
This could seemingly hint at the vulnerabilities that he would want to stay hidden, but his job demands to showcase it on-screen, which would be bothersome for many. However, he took pride in his work, as he expressed,
You have to try to understand, to imagine. It’s not that you have to feel like him. I don’t believe that. It’s a work of imagination. You can feel the opposite, that’s fine!
The actor further reflected on the incredible power of cinema, which can have a drastic impact on others. As a powerful means of communication, visual arts as per him offer opportunities for reflection – be it art, literature, or cinema. The Dune actor‘s approach in choosing not to watch his own films serves as a reminder that actors too have their own fears and insecurities, just like us, and often get blinded by the glamour of Hollywood.
