Exploring the Journey of an Actor

Leo

Welcome everyone to this week's episode! I'm Leo, and today we're joined by the talented actor 檀健次. We're going to explore some really interesting topics, including the pressures of personal appearance in the acting world. So, to kick things off, I'm curious, when you first started out, did you have any specific expectations about how you should look or the types of roles you wanted to play?

檀健次

Thanks for having me, Leo! Honestly, when I first began my career, I never put much thought into my appearance or the roles I was meant to play. A few years ago, I didn't even consider the notion of being cast in more refined or glamorous roles. My focus was mostly on realistic portrayals, reflecting the life experiences I understood.

Leo

That's a fascinating perspective! It's interesting how our views on appearance and roles can evolve over time. Speaking of evolution, what was your mindset regarding fame and recognition when you were starting out?

檀健次

I must admit, I never set any concrete expectations for 'being famous' or anything like that. For me, having a stable job and a steady income in this industry felt like a blessing. I always felt that if I could keep working consistently, I was already doing well. The idea of becoming famous was something I left to fate.

Leo

That’s a refreshing take! It shows a lot of humility. What do you think has kept you motivated to stick with acting despite the challenges, especially in such a competitive field?

檀健次

I believe my background plays a huge role in this. From a young age, I was training, competing, and then signed on as a trainee for about four years. That prolonged journey made me realize that there are no shortcuts. I never expected to achieve success overnight, so I didn't carry the weight of disappointment on my shoulders.

Leo

That’s very insightful. It sounds like your mindset has definitely helped you navigate the ups and downs. But even with that perspective, do you still experience any anxieties when taking on new roles?

檀健次

Absolutely. My background in dance and competition ingrained a strong competitive spirit in me. When I step on stage or in front of the camera, there's always that urge to excel. My anxiety mainly stems from wondering whether the audience will connect with my portrayal and if I've done enough to bring the character to life.

Leo

That's a huge pressure to carry! If you had the chance to explore different types of characters, are there any specific roles that you feel particularly drawn to at this point in your career?

檀健次

Definitely! I’m really eager to dive into roles that allow me to explore my darker side, like playing a villain. Those types of characters can really push you to inhabit extremes that aren't part of everyday life.

Leo

That makes a lot of sense. It sounds like a fascinating way to explore different aspects of human nature. But I imagine with that comes the challenge of ensuring those portrayals resonate without coming off as cliché or over-the-top. How do you strike that balance?

檀健次

You hit the nail on the head. Early on, I didn’t really grasp what people meant by a character feeling 'oily' or unconvincing. Now, I understand that it boils down to having a sense of moderation and depth in performance. Audiences have become more discerning, and it's essential to deliver something logically sound and nuanced.

Leo

It’s incredible to hear your thought process on this. Looking back on your career, are there any particular projects or roles that stand out to you as pivotal in your growth as an actor?

檀健次

For sure! One of the most significant ones had to be the film '秘岸', as it opened my eyes to the world of acting. Then there was '军师联盟', which marked a return to acting for me and deepened my reverence for the craft. It truly inspired me and reinforced my confidence in my ability to shape complex characters.