Benicio del Toro: Rethinking Masculine Beauty
Benicio del Toro is undoubtedly a phenomenal actor. His notable performances include Sicario, Traffic, Snatch and Che, with some of my personal favourites being The Hunted, Escape at Dannemora, 21 Grams and China Moon. Beyond his craft, he’s worth highlighting as an example of substance over spectacle, especially at a time when men face increasing pressure from beauty standards.
We often focus on impossible beauty standards for women, but men face similar pressures. Increasingly, males seem to feel compelled to alter themselves, and we’ve all seen examples of once handsome stars looking unrecognisable after such changes. Benicio is one example of how individuality and authenticity can carry more weight than fitting an aesthetic template.
Most would agree Benicio is strikingly handsome, yet unconventional. These subtle features further add depth and character to his already expressive performances and are part of what makes him unmistakably himself. It’s a reminder that authenticity and individuality are far more compelling than perfection.
His “imperfections,” notably his hereditary dark circles, don’t diminish him; they enhance him. When asked about his appearance, Benicio famously responded simply, “I have dark circles under my eyes. Deal with it.” The response is telling not because of what it says about his face, but because of what it reveals about his stance. There is no defensiveness, no impulse to change himself for public comfort. It reflects a refusal to negotiate with external pressure and a quiet confidence in letting things be as they are. In a culture where men are increasingly falling to presssures to change and rework themselves to meet narrowing ideals, that attitude feels quietly strong. It suggests that confidence is not found in constant self correction, but in knowing when not to move at all.
A book I recently read, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, discusses the alarming rise in anxiety and depression, noting that while rates are higher among young girls, they are also rising among young boys. Suicide rates for males remain disproportionately high, which makes sense considering that men often approach life in action oriented, problem solving ways. Societal pressures; often amplified by figures promoting narrow ideals of masculinity, can significantly chip away at mens self esteem and mental health; altering the way in which they view their worth.
So for young men today, it’s worth remembering that Benicio demonstrates how perceived “flaws” can set someone apart and highlight their unique presence. His example shows that you don’t need to conform or change to a cookie cutter ideal to become legendary; success often stems from craft, presence and authenticity rather than following imposed standards.
He’s not someone we see in countless films every year; his choices feel careful and considered, resulting in an array of standout performances. His career doesn’t appear driven by quantity or fame, and his absence from social media underscores a commitment to privacy, focus and authenticity in both his work and public presence. By not seeking external validation or conformity, he allows his work and characters to speak for themselves. For young men especially, this should demonstrate that success isn’t always about constant visibility or meeting societal expectations; it’s about individuality and trusting the value of your own presence without feeling pressured to become someone else.
As a woman, I’ve long had issues with my own hereditary dark circles but now I embrace them. They serve as a small, visible reminder of being human and the value of depth and individuality over surface idealized perfected alterations.
Ultimately true success isn’t dictated by conventional attractiveness. Many men achieve remarkable things through skill, presence, and authenticity rather than fitting a narrowly defined aesthetic. Visible “imperfections,” even those society might label as flaws, can become distinguishing features that set someone apart and we only need the confidence to stand strong in them and embrace them.