It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes.
Sally FieldRead
I find that’s one of the great things about acting-you have the opportunity to stand in somebody else’s shoes. Each character faces a dilemma in her life, and as an actor you’re able to step into that character’s skin, look through her eyes. You leave transformed, a different person, because once you live a little bit of someone’s life, it changes you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Acting allows individuals to experience life from different perspectives, leading to personal transformation.
In this quote, Sally Field expresses the profound impact of acting on an individual's understanding of humanity. By stepping into the lives of various characters, actors are given the chance to empathize with their struggles and worldviews, resulting in a transformation not just in the portrayal of the character, but also within themselves. This process enriches their own life experiences and broadens their perspectives, illustrating how art can foster compassion and connectivity among people.
Themes
ActingEmpathyTransformationPerspectiveCharacters
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a drama school graduation, an instructor quoted this to inspire students.
More from Sally Field
All quotes →I've never had my heart broken. It's a very sad state of affairs. I think everybody should have their heart broken. I don't think it says anything good about me at all.
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But there isn't any second half of myself waiting to plug in and make me whole. It's there. I'm already whole.
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When I was born, the doctor looked at my mother and said, "Congratulations, you have an actor!"
Sally FieldRead
I was raised to sense what someone wanted me to be and be that kind of person. It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes.
Sally FieldRead
I started to repeat to myself "If I'm not where I want to be, it's because I'm not good enough... yet." Which meant it was up to me.
Sally FieldRead
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