Hollywood has always been known for its cult of eternal youth, where the glossy images of stars on screen create an illusion of an ideal that millions aspire to. But behind the scenes of this world often lurk extreme measures that actresses take to maintain their popularity and stay in the game. One of these measures has become plastic surgery and filler injections, which often turn into an addiction, leaving naturalness and true beauty far behind.
A prime example is actress Nicole Kidman, whose talent is undeniable, but in recent years, public attention has increasingly shifted to her changing face. The pursuit of perfect skin and wrinkle-free features has led actresses to lose their individuality, becoming prisoners of a uniform appearance. In an attempt to combat the signs of aging, many stars go to extreme lengths, constantly injecting fillers, Botox, and other cosmetic products, which over time rob their faces of expression and mimicry, negatively affecting their performances. I was left with a rather disheartening impression of the characters played by Kidman in notable series like "Nine Perfect Strangers" and "The Undoing." Unfortunately, her only means of acting was through her eyes, often bulging unnaturally. In "Nine Perfect Strangers," she was inexplicably given a wig, further emphasizing her unnatural appearance. But I do recommend watching these series.
Cinema always reflects trends in life and society, highlighting in an artistic way everything that has gone too far. A recent example is the film starring Demi Moore, Substance. The film vividly portrays how far people are willing to go in their quest to preserve youth. Substance has become a metaphor for the destructive obsession with eternal beauty, reflecting the modern culture of plastic surgery. The film masterfully illustrates how the perception of aging can transform into a real paranoia, especially for women whose careers often depend on their appearance.
Kidman and other actresses who resort to endless "lifts" become prisoners of the industry's pressure. Instead of celebrating natural aging and showing that beauty exists at every age, this pursuit only serves to destroy self-esteem and identity while setting false standards for millions of fans around the world.
This trend is further amplified by the media and social networks, where youth is associated with success, and aging—with failure and obscurity. Substance takes this to the next level, showing how the beauty industry exploits the fear of aging, creating "ideal" versions of people where there is no room for the natural process of life.
The need to change the approach to aging in Hollywood is becoming increasingly apparent. Actresses like Nicole Kidman, Courteney Cox, Melanie Griffith, Meg Ryan, and Renée Zellweger could set an example for the next generation by showing that beauty should not depend on age or the number of cosmetic procedures. Instead of endlessly chasing an ideal, it is important to embrace naturalness and allow age to be part of the unique story a face tells.
In my opinion, it is much more pleasant and interesting to see how a woman's beauty changes with age, as a new charm emerges—not of youth, but of confidence. Let’s be honest, no matter how many surgeries or injections you undergo, age is still evident. Your gaze, gait, and behavior all reveal it, creating a discord between you and a smooth, wrinkle-free face. Why do women like Monica Bellucci, Isabella Rossellini, Diane Keaton, Julia Roberts, and Cindy Crawford continue to fascinate us? Because they have chosen to be beautiful here and now, in their own age, rather than chasing after an elusive youth that they no longer need. They are confident in themselves!
In conclusion, I want to share a quote I read many years ago in an interview with Isabella Rossellini, which made me think and shaped my attitude towards myself, my appearance, and aging in general: "I could get plastic surgery, trying to look younger. But I have never seen a 65-year-old woman with plastic surgery who looks 20. You understand what I mean? She may not have wrinkles, but you still look at her and say, 'Okay, maybe instead of 65, you look 58. But then, when you're 75, you'll look 68.' To me, it's like winning the battle but losing the war."
P.S. I highly recommend watching the wonderful film Book Club, starring incredible, mature actresses. And I look forward to your thoughts on this topic!
コメント