Even though I know intellectually that Tatiana Maslany plays all the roles that she does on Orphan Black, I can’t quite wrap my head around it when I see her on screen playing against herself. It just does not seem possible that it’s the same person.

I don’t even understand how someone can learn to move their eyes and their face so differently. In a hundred years, I could not train myself to do what she does.

That she makes it look so effortless, that it is in fact unnoticeable unless you consciously repeat to yourself as you’re watching the show, “They’re all the same woman. The same woman. The same woman,” demonstrates just how hard it must be.

My favorite moment from Episode 8, and one where Maslany particularly shines is when Allison is venting and gives this little speech:

Alison:  We’re all messed up, except you, Sarah.
Sarah:  I’m the biggest mess there is, Alison.
Alison:  No.  No, no, no, because you say, “Eff it.”  I tried to say, “Eff it” today and I blew up my whole life.  I just wanted to say, “Eff it,” “Eff you,” and I effed it.  I effed it all up.

Alison is wound so tight even when she tries not to be that it’s like she is going to explode at any moment. What a great character, because you both empathize with her and don’t like her very much. That takes skill beyond skill to pull off as an actor.

What Maslany does is art in motion. I’d hate to act on the other side of her. No matter my credentials, I’d feel like such a poseur.