Audiences in every medium are becoming far more savvy. No one goes to watch a Tom Cruise movie any more just because it's starring Tom Cruise.
Self-consciousness can destroy a performance. Getting rid of that is always good.
I just wanted what was outside to be different.
It's amazing what a bit of soot and shaving can do for muscle definition, honestly.
There are dedicated actors and there are people now who only stay famous for putting on weight, losing it, then putting it on again.
Concept is what makes actors raise their game.