"You know, acting is very fascinating. But being an actress is not, because you become so concentrated on yourself"

The quote by Beatrice Wood catches a nuanced point of view on the occupation of acting, contrasting the interesting process of acting itself with the possibly self-absorbed nature of being a starlet. It highlights the dichotomy in between art and identity within the theatrical profession.

Wood starts by acknowledging the attraction of acting, explaining it as "remarkable". This suggests a deep appreciation for the craft itself. Performing involves immersing oneself in varied functions, checking out human feelings, and understanding different aspects of life. The fascination likely comes from the opportunity to enter another person's shoes and experience the world from a range of perspectives. It is an innovative procedure that requires empathy, imagination, and a desire to delve into various aspects of the human experience.

Nevertheless, Wood contrasts this intrigue with the disadvantage of being an actress, which she describes as "not" remarkable. This suggests that the profession itself, beyond the act of performing, might become problematic. The expression "since you become so concentrated on yourself" indicates a shift in focus from the external exploration of characters to an inward fixation with one's own identity and status. As starlets navigate a world that typically stresses appearance, fame, and individual branding, they may end up being overly focused on their own image, losing the sense of self that originates from genuine expression and exploration.

Wood's quote is reflective of the tension in between art as an immersive experience and business of acting, which can sometimes reduce the artist to mere commodity status. The self-concentration she discusses might detract from the sense of wonder and discovery that acting at first influences. Hence, the quote acts as a cautionary tip to those in the acting occupation to remain grounded in the creative pursuit itself rather than getting captured up in the shallow trappings of popularity and ego. In essence, Wood calls for a balance in between the love of efficiency and the realities of the theatrical profession.