In a new Personal History, Molly Ringwald revisits the experience of starring in Jean-Luc Godard’s interpretation of “King Lear”—one of the director’s most unconventional films.
The year was 1986, and I had just graduated from high school—both in real life and in the films of John Hughes. Onscreen, the high schools I attended were big and Midwestern, mostly situated in the suburbs of Chicago.
On a day off from work, I took a cab alone to meet Godard and the producer Tom Luddy uptown in a suite at the Sherry Netherland. Luddy greeted me at the door and led me into the living room, where we both sat making small talk—so small, I don’t even remember what it was about. The director made an entrance after a couple of minutes, and from then on I was aware only of his commanding presence. Godard paced the room, scrutinizing me through his glasses, which had thick, tinted lenses.
I had been told that Woody Allen, whose filmmaking clout was then at its zenith, was playing the Fool in “King Lear.” Accompanied by “The Pick-up Artist” ’s still photographer, Brian Hamill, who regularly worked with him, I stopped by Michael’s Pub, where Allen played clarinet with a jazz ensemble most Monday nights. After Brian introduced us, I mentioned that I had agreed to do the film with Godard and asked what his experience had been like, since he had already filmed his part.
By this time, I had some sense of the plot, which seemed to have changed since my original meeting with Godard and even since the outline he had sent to me in Los Angeles. The narrative was now roughly this: The world has been destroyed, post-Chernobyl, and a puckish little man named William Shakespeare Jr. The Fifth is tasked with re-creating his famous ancestor’s work.
The French actress Julie Delpy was playing Virginia in the film; the director Leos Carax had the role of Edgar . Julie was a year younger than I was but knew far more about Godard than I did. She had already acted in a small part in his 1985 movie “Detective”; it had been her first film role. “He’s a genius,” she solemnly assured me. When I wasn’t working, my friend Angie and I explored the town with her.
Godard never dined with us. It’s a shame that he sequestered himself from everyone, because, considering how much he revered cinema and old Hollywood, I have a feeling he would have loved Burgess’s stories. Looking back on it now, I think he was actually a bit shy, trapped in his mind. Perhaps the only way he could make sense of anything was to film and edit it.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tributes for Grant Wahl pour in after soccer journalist's death at World CupLeBron James, Billie Jean King and many journalists were quick to honor Grant Wahl's impressive career.
Read more »
'I Don't Care' is a book about what matters in friendship, illustrated by best friendsWhen illustrator Molly Idle read the text of Julie Fogliano's children's book, she immediately thought of her buddy Juana Martinez-Neal — and in true friend form — she volunteered her for the job.
Read more »
Cowboys-Texans grade report: Dallas found a way to win, albeit in disappointing fashionHere are Jean-Jacques Taylor’s grades from the Cowboys’ 27-23 win at AT&T Stadium: Run offense: It didn’t help that Terence Steele went out with a left...
Read more »
Meet the choir group helping dementia patients unlock memoriesThe talented singers at Music for Dementia sharpen the hazy past through performances that help trigger memories and regain their light. Through music, the singers are able to find a sense of peace for themselves and their families. NBC’s Molly Hunter reports in this week’s Sunday Spotlight.
Read more »
Win a Ticket to 'It's a Wonderful Life'Fill out this form for the chance to win a ticket to the virtual table read of 'It's a Wonderful Life,' hosted by the Ed Asner Family Center in honor of Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann. The cast includes Christina Applegate, Fred Armisen, Brendan Fraser, Ken Jeong, Phil Lamarr, Seth Rogan, J.K. Simmons, Jean Smart, and more. The event is one-night only, December 11 at 5pm PT, and it will include the table read, a performance by Jennifer Hudson, a live Q&A with the cast, and a silent auction of rare signed collections on WhatNot.
Read more »
Jaguars defense abused by Derrick Henry — until they began to rack up the turnovers'Hats off to the defense.' For the first quarter, Derrick Henry looked like running over the Jaguars once again — until the defense stepped up in Nashville.
Read more »