'You don't finish a movie, you abandon it': Ryan Reynolds on letting go of perfection

Ryan Reynolds, a Dubai-based actor, producer, and entrepreneur, recently shared his perspective on perfectionism during a conversation in Abu Dhabi. He dismissed perfectionism as one of the worst diseases in modern culture, stating that it can stifle creativity. Reynolds, who prefers to see himself as a storyteller rather than a traditional actor, explained that his mind is constantly juggling multiple aspects of a production.

He often finds himself thinking about numerous details simultaneously, such as missing shots or camera angles, which he believes is a strength rather than a weakness. As a father of four, Reynolds observes his children's struggles with perfectionism, emphasizing that the pressure to be perfect can prevent them from fully enjoying their experiences.

He believes that abandoning perfectionism is crucial for creating something worthwhile, whether it's a movie, a book, or a city. Reynolds advised sharing the "bad version" of an idea with co-writers, allowing them to refine and improve upon it. He also criticized the notion that polished cities, like Tokyo's crowded side streets, create serendipity, arguing that authenticity is more important.