Memo To L.A.

To the Film Making Professionals Based in the USA:

I would like to say a few words regarding the image of American actors. As technology grows, the television and film industry becomes more and more international. BBC America especially has expanded the basic American citizen's viewpoints and cultural awareness. And as this happens, we've realized something-- American TV actors and British TV actors are easily distinguishable. Why? Frankly, because all American actors look alike.

I realize that is an extreme generalization, and probably will offend someone, but it's unfortunately true. In America today, we value particular images so much that many casting directors seek out actors who have those images, even over actors who are more appropriate for the roles. Actors must have a particular body type, make-up job, acting style, and even hair color to get a main role in even minor TV series. This way, the main character has the image that has been sold to Americans already. Even character actors require a special "character role" image (the "funny best friend", or "the ex-boyfriend", or "the wise-cracking sidekick"). It would seem that viewers today prefer the old Commedia dell'arte style of acting.  To be attractive, a lead character must have perfect teeth, which requires good (and expensive) orthodontia. This changes the structure of the jaw slightly, and that, combined, I needn't say, with things like plastic surgery, really makes all those actors' faces look the same. Besides that, beauty in America today seems to depend on a specific weight range, as well as particular hairstyles and fashion styles. Don't two women with the same hairstyle tend to blend together more? Hence, we have trouble remembering who is who throughout the show. And I don't think it's the actors' faults, or even the casting directors' faults-- this is simply the image American society has bought into, and it makes money.

But do we really prefer it? The BBC is experiencing a huge American following right now, something that might seem unexpected to some. The BBC does a wonderful job of casting people with different facial structures and body types. This not only adds interest to the characters the actors play, but adds credibility and sympathy to the performance. It's no wonder people would rather see a BBC actor than an ABC family actor! What's even more interesting to me is that certain roles (like "the mother" or "the neighborhood snoop") are still played by people who are just as stylish and fashion-conscious as the lead actress, and the actors with bit parts ("the nerdy friend") are still given expensive wardrobes and hairstylists. Why can't a mother be played by someone with a "matronly" body type? Someone who is beautiful, but wears normal clothes and light makeup? And honestly, couldn't a nerdy friend just wear a normal hoodie? But the truth is, the new "character role" images have become too popular, and have become clothing styles and brands, which make even more money. Being the "nerdy friend" is just as trendy as being the big star... hence several of the latest fashion movements. So you can't have traditional-looking people anymore-- it doesn't sell an image. Contrast this with BBC television, where, in many cases, the actors look like real people (perhaps because they are) who wear reasonable clothing and probably eat normal meals. Just because someone doesn't look like the current image doesn't mean they aren't beautiful. Shouldn't we emphasize instead the beauty in all people, in all skin tones, in all hair colors, and in all fashion styles?

To push it a bit further, this obsession with the image is unhealthy for society as a whole. Surely we've fought long enough to have the freedom to express ourselves the way we wish that we don't need someone to be constantly telling us that we should all look the same. And surely we've earned the right to hold our own opinions and standards. It makes one begin to wonder if all our current lifestyles are, in fact, based on an image that the media has sold us. Am I trying to dress like "the funny roommate" or "the geeky classmate"? Scary thought.

All I'm really saying is that maybe American TV programs should borrow a few ideas from the BBC. I'm not saying I like all BBC programs or that I don't like any American programs. I'm not even saying that BBC actors don't occasionally become molds for images just like American actors. I just think that maybe more Americans would be happy if we changed things up a bit.

Plus, I'm getting a headache from trying to remember who is who in the latest sitcoms.

Sincerely,

MISFORTUNATE LUCK