few lines and responses if pushed in front of a camera. The decline in privacy, the need not just to exist but to be seen to exist might also be playing a part here. One can see it in everyday social life—young people now often sound as though they are living within their own movies or TV sitcoms. Friends and Sex and the City have a lot to answer for. Great screen actors are still thrilling and special—but perhaps all of us now are a little readier for our close-up.