Coolness and Autonomy: The Paradox of Trying Too Hard
Psychology Today | 07.09.2026 00:37
On the set of The Thomas Crown Affair, director Norman Jewison became increasingly frustrated with his star actor Steve McQueen. Jewison kept imploring him to play the role with more visible charisma, more swagger. McQueen refused. He underplayed everything. He let silences hang. He did less when the script called for more.
