John Lithgow on Watching His Own Movies

TL;DR

The actor shares his experiences with watching his own performances and favorite past roles.

Transcript

A GOOD MORNING SULK. DO YOU WATCH YOUR OWN WORK? ARE YOU A PERSON THAT IS ABLE TO? A LOT OF ACTORS SOMETIMES HERE ON THE SHOW WILL SHOW CLIPS FROM THE MOVIE OR SHOW AND THEY LOOK AWAY BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO SEE THEMSELVES? >> I UNDERSTAND THAT. I USED TO BE THAT WAY. GOD NEVER INTENDED US TO SEE OURSELVES ACT, I THINK. >> Jimmy: MAYBE NEVE... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤳 Many actors struggle with the idea of watching their performances due to feelings of embarrassment and self-doubt.
• 💦 Nostalgia plays a significant role in how performers view their past work, enabling them to appreciate it differently over time.
• 🧡 Watching oneself perform can evoke a wide range of emotions including humor and sadness, showing the depth of acting's impact on both the performer and audience.
• 🧑‍🏭 The actor's experience with simultaneous filming of "Footloose" and "Terms of Endearment" highlights the demanding nature of the entertainment industry and the juggling of various roles.
• 😃 The unique blend of different genres in shows like "Third Rock from the Sun" resonates with professionals who find joy in their creations despite the differences from their personalities.
• 🥰 Relationship dynamics, like watching shows alone or sharing them with loved ones, reflect the common struggles of balancing personal enjoyment and vulnerability.
• 👶 Emotional responses to films can change over time, indicating growth and aging, which can provide actors with new perspectives on their past roles.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do some actors avoid watching their own performances?

Many actors find it challenging to watch themselves perform due to self-criticism and discomfort, feeling that their portrayal may not represent them accurately or fearing judgment from others. They often prefer to focus on new projects rather than reflect on past roles, which can lead to a sense of insecurity or embarrassment.

Q: What prompted the actor to watch "Third Rock from the Sun"?

The actor mentioned that he found "Third Rock from the Sun" to be a mad and extravagant show that is quite different from his own personality. He enjoys this juxtaposition and cherishes the humor in the series, which he considers a guilty pleasure, allowing him to appreciate his work without the pressure of performance.

Q: How did the actor feel about his role in "Footloose" after watching it recently?

Upon revisiting "Footloose," the actor felt a sense of pride in his performance and noted that watching it after many years allowed him to appreciate his contributions to the film. He enjoyed the nostalgic experience of reminiscing about his younger self and acknowledged how much he enjoyed that version of his acting.

Q: What led the actor to watch "Terms of Endearment," and what was his reaction?

The actor chose to watch "Terms of Endearment" on a plane out of limited viewing options, and he was surprised by his emotional response. He found it deeply moving, reflecting on how the film elicits emotions from its audience and acknowledged the rarity of films that can successfully blend humor with profound emotional depth.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The actor discusses his initial discomfort in watching himself act, noting how many performers prefer to avoid their own performances due to embarrassment.

• He reveals that he enjoys watching "Third Rock from the Sun," finding it humorous, and admits to watching episodes alone to avoid looking ridiculous while indulging in nostalgia.

• Reflecting on his past works, he mentioned watching "Footloose" and "Terms of Endearment" and expressed satisfaction with his performances, appreciating the emotional depth of the latter.