This moment from The Talented Mr. Ripley is a masterclass in Dangerous acting without force. Nothing is “played,” nothing is pushed. Everything is owned. Neuroscience tells us that when a character’s intention is clear and embodied, the viewer’s brain stops scanning for meaning and starts tracking consequence. This is why Point of View matters. The information is on the page, but the ownership is personal. Hoffman’s Freddie is so specific, so singular, that he’s instantly recognizable. That spec