"Acting is a masochistic form of exhibitionism. It is not quite the occupation of an adult"

This quote by Laurence Olivier speaks to the concept that acting is a form of exhibitionism that is rooted in a particular level of masochism. Olivier is recommending that acting is not a profession that is normally related to adults, as it needs a certain level of vulnerability and self-sacrifice. He indicates that acting is a kind of self-expression that is frequently viewed as childish or immature, as it needs an actor to put themselves in a susceptible position in order to develop a believable efficiency. Olivier is suggesting that acting is a kind of exhibitionism that is not always viewed as a fully grown profession, as it needs an actor to put themselves in a susceptible position in order to produce a believable efficiency. He suggests that acting is a form of self-expression that is frequently viewed as childish or immature, as it requires a star to put themselves in a vulnerable position in order to produce a credible efficiency. Olivier is suggesting that acting is a type of masochistic exhibitionism that is not necessarily seen as a fully grown profession, as it needs an actor to put themselves in a vulnerable position in order to create a credible efficiency.