Mia Goth admits she thinks actors are ‘weird’ and she’s ‘socially awkward’ as she poses for kooky shoot

Mia Goth is known for her socially awkward, eccentric personality, which she believes may be why she gravitated towards acting. “The easy, charismatic ones who are great in social settings and at parties don’t tend to be the best actors,” she says. Following an interview, the actress showcased her unique style, posing in a series of colorful outfits, including a lime green skirt suit, a Velma-inspired ensemble with a purple cardigan and orange jumper, and a striking red shift dress paired with matching tights and heeled boots. She also embraced a bold side in a floor-length leopard-print gown and a dramatic black Victorian-style dress with corset details.

In her interview, Goth reflects on how her childhood shaped her and addresses rumors about her feelings toward acting. On the morning of their conversation, Goth had read an article accusing her of hating her craft, a claim that left her indignant. For those familiar with her work, it’s clear that Goth’s ability to portray women in extreme, often unsettling situations is remarkable, capturing their essence with raw, visceral power.

Goth views acting as more than a profession; it’s a deeply spiritual experience for her. “Performance as possession seems like a pretty fundamental idea when it comes to acting,” she explains, emphasizing her approach to character preparation. Unlike other actors known for horror roles, Goth does not see herself as a scream queen, even though she often portrays fierce, unhinged women. “When I’m reading the script, the genre isn’t what jumps out at me first,” she says, noting that her focus is always on approaching the character in a grounded way.

Currently filming Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Goth plays Elizabeth, Victor Frankenstein’s fiancée. Reflecting on her time on set, she shares how shadowing del Toro has given her a fresh perspective on filmmaking. “It’s highlighted for me how vastly different the two experiences are,” she says, adding that she feels most liberated and confident on set, finding it a space where she can fully express herself.

Goth’s background is filled with a deep appreciation for authenticity, mirrored in her admiration for the unpretentious writings of Charles Bukowski, whose work she discovered while filming Nymphomaniac: Vol II in Germany. This blue-collar, straightforward approach resonates with her views on acting as a feeling sport rather than an intellectual one.

Her performances are fearless, often described as gripping smoke, elusive yet tangible. Her close collaboration with director Ti West in the X, Pearl, and MaXXXine trilogy showcases Goth’s commitment to her roles. Playing both Maxine Minx, a 1970s porn star, and Pearl, an elderly woman whose repressed dreams turn deadly, Goth’s portrayal across these interconnected films has earned her critical acclaim. She admits she doesn’t follow any particular acting method, instead crafting her own approach, finding inspiration in moments like a passage from David Mamet’s True and False that reminds her to embrace discomfort and vulnerability.

Goth’s partnership with West is particularly significant; his trust in her abilities allows her to push boundaries. Their collaboration on Pearl was a creative endeavor born out of pandemic restrictions, leading to an unexpected prequel that combined Goth’s and West’s favorite cinematic influences: Dancer in the Dark and The Wizard of Oz. Originally envisioned in black and white, the film was transformed into a Technicolor fever dream, highlighting Pearl’s larger-than-life persona.

Reflecting on her career, Goth acknowledges the mythic, unhinged essence of her characters, drawing parallels to Björk’s performance in Dancer in the Dark. Her journey began when Lars von Trier cast her in Nymphomaniac straight out of secondary school, an experience she describes as transformative. Unlike the turmoil Björk faced on set with von Trier, Goth recalls the director’s support and kindness, making it one of the most formative moments of her life.

Goth’s bold, unfiltered approach to her craft and her unrelenting passion for exploring complex, often unsettling characters set her apart in the acting world. She is an artist continually learning, evolving, and pushing the boundaries of what performance can be, never afraid to lose herself completely in her roles.