Breakthroughs, People.
It’s rare in life as you get older to have life changing breakthroughs that aren’t rooted in something awful. You get to a certain age and if you aren’t really in the market or searching for a breakthrough it’s always going to be surprising. Something that just happens as a reaction, to cope. I’m speculating here, but it sounds solid.
I believe I am still looking for something, creatively and personally. I don’t always acknowledge it but I keep putting myself out there on the line.
With acting, I don’t really feel like I know what I am doing. I believe I am instinctually good but I rarely feel like I have a craft in place other than trying. Which ain’t nothing. Putting myself out there.
Certainly all of you who listen to the show hear me picking the brains of actors. I am trying to cobble together some method of approach. Glean some magic information. I’m sure it’s annoying on some level.
Reading Al Pacino’s book reframed a lot of how I looked at acting. As a mode of expressing personal truth. But unlike comedy, it is to service a story or a piece of art. My comedy has always been about arriving at some personal or cultural truth. I believe that is all I’ve been concerned with. I never really thought about acting as a way to do that. To find truth within the role or the performance. It was just something I wanted to be good at or learn. To transform myself, be part of a collaborative effort, be seen. Make a great performance.
I certainly wasn’t in it for the money. I never am.
I was working on set last week with one of the best actresses ever and I had no choice but to go places I’ve never gone before in any part of my life and do it as a character. I really didn’t think I could get there but with her help I did. I can’t go into detail now. I know that seems like a tease but I will tell the story when the rest of the cast is announced. Soon.
I will say this. After doing that scene, which you wouldn’t necessarily think would have this type of impact on me, I don’t think I will ever be the same.
A breakthrough, a release, a whole new world in a way. It opened up something that will change my entire perception of how I create and act and express myself. I took a chance, dug deep and let it happen. I’ll tell you about it soon.
On a different note, Kit’s crazy mini Bull Terrier bit my ear. We were sitting outside and she just ran up and bit my fucking ear. Drew blood. Left a mark. I panicked because I am shooting a movie and it was a significant gash pretty close to my face.
I had to go in and get it glued up. I think it will cover easily but now you know. Like an easter egg of some kind. If the movie makes it out you can wonder which scenes I am doing with a damaged ear. I mean, hopefully the movie comes out well enough and that isn’t the only reason you’re watching.
Today I talk to the prolific director Robert Zemeckis about his new film Here and most of his other ones. On Thursday I talk to country singer Keith Urban about life and music. Great talks.
Enjoy!
Boomer, Monkey and LaFonda live!
Love,
Maron
