Julia Louis-Dreyfus

As Selina Meyer in Veep, Louis-Dreyfus makes the effort to look composed visible just before it fails. The setting is political, but the social mechanics are familiar: wanting approval, misreading an encounter and covering embarrassment with authority. Her Television Academy interview explains the work of developing the character rather than modelling her on one real politician. Start with the early seasons and watch the tiny changes in smile, posture and pace when Selina realises a conversation is escaping her control.