A prime example is Timothée Chalamet in The King (2019) or Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu (2024). No matter how talented their performances are, these actors seem to continuously look out of place when trying to portray characters from a bygone era.
So, what exactly is to blame for this phenomenon? What deems a person iPhone-aware? It's not just about poor makeup and hairstyle choices — cosmetic procedures like veneers, Botox, and lip fillers play a significant role. These enhancements, which were unheard of in previous centuries, create a polished and pristine look that can feel too contemporary for historical settings. These symmetrical, flawless faces have become incredibly normalised among celebrities, leading to a feeling of disconnection for audiences when actors try to portray characters from the past.
The debate intensified with Margot Robbie being cast as Catherine Earnshaw in the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. As the personification of Barbie, it's hard to imagine her portraying a woman from the 1800s, especially with her dyed blonde hair that left many disappointed.
With pure white teeth, airbrushed skin, and snatched features, many actors seem out of sync with the rugged realities of past centuries.
Some argue that the iPhone face breaks immersion in historical dramas. With pure white teeth, airbrushed skin, and snatched features, many actors seem out of sync with the rugged realities of past centuries. On the other hand, focusing on beauty trends can undermine an actor's skill and perpetuate unfair standards, often aimed at women where no matter what changes they make, their appearance will never be good enough for the industry.
While the "iPhone face" might seem like a shallow critique, it reflects how modern beauty standards are shaping our media and our knowledge of history. Whether it's a real issue or just nitpicking, today's beauty trends are blurring the lines between authentic representation and present-day standards, which could possibly impact historical perception for future generations.