Have been spending quality time studying some lovely Aussies of late.
…Mostly their English works, of course.
The theme is by accident, not design.
…Have been indulging in “An Idea Husband” where Cate Blanchett serves up a steady dose of dignity and propriety, while playing with Wilde’s words like the pro she is. Followed by a Frances O’Connor kick…because she was such a delicious Gwendolen herself, and though I refuse to watch her working at it (for my own good), I can watch her natural play and ease and bite in other pieces, guilt-free. So I do.
…”Mr. Selfridge”, “Iron Jawed Angels,” Mdm. Bovary,” and currently: “Mansfield Park.”
Every actor has their “forte,” no matter how eclectic their works.
Blanchett was born with the baring of a queen, a woman with insane amounts of strength and power. Quite smartly, she’s played them frequently. With command and elegance and unquestioning authority.
…Very much a Gwendolen trademark, and I will borrow from it liberally, thank you.
Meanwhile, O’Connor nearly explodes with her inward eagerness to explore possibilities. She manages to achieve a frequent feeling as if she is somehow cooking over a slow flame, bringing an intriguing energy, constantly drawing your eye to even her smallest choices.
…If you’re unfamiliar with her, she might be an amalgamation of a Kate Winslet and Jennifer Ehle…I’d say. Though, Kate at her neutral is more explosive and raw, and Jennifer (only the best Lizzy Bennet of all time): more dimply with blatant laughter in her voice.
In the end: I defy anyone to out-English these Aussie ladies. They absolutely own it…giving me two sides of excellent modeling to work from…though I am still at quest for a final third.
From Cate: That deeply-cut and cultured dignity…at the very height of “womanity.” From Frances: That deliciously naughty period-specifc nature of being up to no good and being quite good at it.
…What I need next, is my Farce-queen.
We are pressing the limits of our design, up to the absolute edges of sex and comedy…farce being my least experienced skill, for sheer lack of practice after doing decades of drama, after drama, after drama.
I have a wealth of teachers at my disposal, but have yet to pick the athletically-comedic poster-girl, that will complete my team of artistic direction for planting Gwendolen firmly where she should be.
…Have found the voice.
…Have found the still postures and posings.
…Still exploring the confines and explosions of her sexual nature.
…Not even begun on the boundaries of the “ridiculous.”
I need to find my missing teacher.
…So specific.
None of the screwball comedic ladies of the 30′s will work. It requires more dignity. Maybe a Myrna Loy/Nora Charles vibe?
…Ultimately, I want an almost theatrical vastness and presentation. Not “farce” so much as “grandness.” (Which is different.) Rooted in seriousness, that is funny only because she takes it so seriously. As if she’s seen twenty-too-many three-act love stories on stage, and very much fancies herself as playing the heroine in real life.
…Like a silent movie.
Yes!
…That’s what I need!!
I’m not going back far enough!
Time to pull out and play with some Gish and Garbo I think.
…Ohh…..Garbo.
Fuck. Yes.
Totally deliberate. Completely serious, always with life-and-death consequences. Sexual vibe in spades. Fantastic body posture usage and expression when words are not enough.
BAM!
Two Aussies, and a Swede walk into a bar, and: My new English trifecta is born.
…Study blogging narration saves us again!
Woop!
~D
