Cinema and the concept of authenticity in acting

The concept of “iPhone face” has emerged as a critique in historical films, referring to actors whose appearances feel too modern for the period setting. Critics argue that certain actors, such as Millie Bobby Brown, Margot Robbie, Dakota Johnson, Timothée Chalamet, and Lily-Rose Depp, possess facial features or styling that are too closely associated with the contemporary era to maintain immersion in period dramas.

While some viewers found Lily-Rose Depp's portrayal in the film Nosferatu to be authentic, others have criticized performances like Millie Bobby Brown's in Enola Holmes due to modern details like manicured nails. This phenomenon suggests that the perceived lack of authenticity may stem from more than just facial structure, potentially involving grooming and overall presentation.

In contrast to the debate over modern aesthetics, some actors achieve authenticity through transformative character studies. For example, Lady Gaga portrayed Patrizia Reggiani in the 2021 film House of Gucci, spending eighteen months adopting the character's mannerisms and nine months practicing an Italian accent to recreate the life of the socialite involved in the Gucci family legal drama.