"I work out the other bits, too, but I need to know what I look like, very early on. And then it's like a template; I'll fill that person out. If I get that out of the way, then I'm all right"

Judi Dench's quote reveals a basic element of her acting procedure, highlighting the value of visual personification in her character advancement. She stresses the significance of understanding what her character appears like at the start. For Dench, appearance is not a superficial layer but a fundamental component that informs the whole portrayal. This method aligns with the concept that physicality and look can deeply affect a person's behavior, interactions, and self-perception, which is especially important in acting where authenticity is essential.

Dench's mention of needing to "understand what I appear like, very early on" underscores her reliance on visual cues as a springboard for delving deeper into her functions. By establishing a character's physical look, she creates a "design template" or structure upon which to build the remainder of the character's personality, feelings, and backstory. In this context, the design template helps with a structured yet flexible process where Dench can check out and complete her character's nuances naturally.

Furthermore, the idea of exercising the "other bits" suggests that once the appearance is settled, the more intricate parts of the character-- such as psychology, motivation, and relationships-- can be developed with higher ease. Dench conveys a sense of relief and preparedness in specifying, "If I get that out of the method, then I'm all right", indicating that solving the visual part of her character permits her to dive into the more abstract elements of her performance with confidence and clearness.

In general, Dench's quote reflects the interaction between external and internal character advancement in the craft of acting. Her dependence on early visual identity suggests an understanding that look is intertwined with identity, providing her a clear course to accessing the internal world of the character she represents. This holistic technique encapsulates the multifaceted nature of acting, where the visual and psychological dimensions are harmoniously formed to develop an engaging and credible character.