Key Moments
Glenn Close | Full Address and Q&A | Oxford Union
Oxford UnionKey Moments
Glenn Close discusses her acting career and advocacy for mental health awareness, revealing the profound personal impact of mental illness on her family and how it shaped her understanding of human connection and empathy.
Key Insights
Glenn Close believes actors must maintain a child's appetite for imitation, attention, and play, seeing the world with a child's unbiased heart to connect with characters.
The profound impact of her family's struggles with mental illness, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, led Close to co-found the 'Bring Change to Mind' initiative to combat stigma.
Close highlights that understanding and portraying characters requires finding something to love in them, even the 'evil' ones like Cruella de Vil, to foster empathy rather than judgment.
The director Mike Nichols advised Close to 'drown in each other's eyes' during scenes, emphasizing that genuine connection in acting requires mutual trust and allowing a fellow actor to enter one's vulnerability.
In 'Fatal Attraction', Close fought to portray Alex Forrest not as a psychopath, but as a victim of early sexual abuse, asserting that her character's destructive behavior was rooted in profound self-destruction rather than aggression.
Close's personal journey, marked by her family's involvement with 'Moral Re-Armament' and her own later struggles with self-identity, instilled in her a deep understanding of the need for connection and the damaging effects of isolation.
The actor's child-like perspective on connection
Glenn Close posits that at the core of an actor lies a child-like spirit, driven by a need for imitation, attention, and play. This requires seeing the world with an innocent, unbiased heart, a perspective she believes is crucial for authentically embodying characters. She recounts an epiphany at age five or six in a hayfield where she realized her body was acting independently, leading to a profound sense of self-awareness and separation from the world. This feeling of being an observer, separate yet within, fueled her desire to connect through acting. She likens this to the necessity of human connection, stating that we 'die without it.' The intimacy of cinema, particularly a close-up shot where eyes meet, offers this vital connection. This perspective is echoed in her recollection of Mike Nichols' advice to 'drown in each other's eyes,' underscoring that true acting requires a deep, trusting connection with a scene partner, where vulnerability is shared and a sense of safety is established.
Navigating darkness: Family history of mental illness
Close's personal narrative is deeply intertwined with the pervasive impact of mental illness within her own family. She reveals that her family history includes significant struggles, such as her uncle's schizophrenia, for which he was institutionalized, and her grandmother's severe depression, which led to hospital stays. Growing up, these conditions were not discussed, reflecting a societal stigma that made seeking psychological help almost unthinkable, akin to inviting a 'Democrat to dinner.' This silence and lack of understanding created a hidden burden for her family. The realization of this pervasive issue became critically apparent when her younger sister, Jessie, reached out at age 50, contemplating suicide. Jessie's subsequent diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and her son Kaelen's struggle with schizoaffective disorder requiring hospitalization, forced the family to confront the reality of mental illness head-on. This profound personal experience became a driving force for Close's advocacy, compelling her to co-found 'Bring Change to Mind' to combat the stigma that isolates and harms individuals and families.
The art of empathy: Finding humanity in every character
Close emphasizes that to truly embody a character, an actor must find something to love in them, regardless of their actions or perceived 'evil.' This principle is central to her approach, as she believes that without love, there is only judgment, hindering genuine understanding. She illustrates this by discussing characters like Cruella de Vil, whom she describes as 'truly evil with no redeeming quality,' yet still suggests that even such a character must have a root in humanity. For roles like Alex Forrest in 'Fatal Attraction,' her deep dive into the character's psyche revealed not a psychopath, but a victim of profound childhood trauma. Similarly, for Patty Hewes in 'Damages,' understanding her character's past abuse provided the necessary empathy to portray her complex motivations. This dedication to finding the humanity within each role allows Close to connect with characters on a fundamental level, fostering a deeper understanding for herself and, consequently, for the audience.
The shadow of 'Fatal Attraction' and its controversial ending
The role of Alex Forrest in 'Fatal Attraction' marked a significant turning point in Close's career, but it also brought immense personal challenge and public scrutiny. Initially, Close struggled with the character's extreme behavior, seeking validation from psychiatrists who confirmed Alex's actions were consistent with severe childhood sexual abuse. This understanding led Close to portray Alex as a self-destructive individual rather than a mere villain. However, the film's original ending, where Alex commits suicide and implicates Dan, was deemed too dark for test audiences. The studio's decision to reshoot the ending, making the wife the killer, deeply disturbed Close. She felt this change betrayed the character she had worked to humanize, transforming Alex into a more universally hated figure. Despite her reservations, the altered ending propelled the film to massive commercial success, but Close believes it also perpetuated the stigma surrounding mental illness, framing it as something monstrous to be eradicated rather than a condition requiring understanding and treatment.
Early life influences and the power of imagination
Close's childhood, spent on farms in Connecticut, was rich with imagination and a strong connection to nature. She humorously recalls believing she was a horse and running on all fours, an early inclination toward embodying other beings. Her early play involved elaborate imaginative scenarios, like pretending to be Lucky the cowboy's sidekick, even to the point of being partially a horse. This early immersion in play and imagination foreshadowed her future career. She also highlights the strong influence of her grandmothers, survivors of significant historical events, noting that they never had the chance to pursue their own passions for acting and singing. This familial legacy, combined with her own innate inclination towards make-believe, laid the groundwork for her eventual path as an actress, driven by a deep-seated need to express herself and connect with others.
The cult experience and the path to selfhood
At age seven, Close's world was profoundly altered when her parents, seeking to 'change the world,' became deeply involved with a fundamentalist group called 'Moral Re-Armament.' This involvement led to a nomadic lifestyle, moving between communal living centers for fifteen years. During this period, Close describes experiencing 'thought reform,' where her sense of self was suppressed in favor of group conformity. She felt pressure to please others and belong, becoming the 'good little soldier' while her own fragile sense of self withered. Only after fifteen years, upon leaving the group and enrolling in college, did she begin the arduous process of reclaiming her identity. This experience of lost selfhood and the subsequent journey toward independence and self-discovery deeply informs her understanding of human connection and the vital importance of authentic self-expression.
Finding her voice: The transformative power of theater
College became a sanctuary for Close, a place where she could finally explore her true self. She immediately joined the theater department at William & Mary, finding a pivotal mentor in Dr. Howard Scammon. His consistent encouragement, famously encapsulated in the phrase 'Just do it,' helped her navigate her initial insecurities and embrace her acting ambitions. Under his guidance, she delved into diverse roles, honing her craft and discovering the transformative power of the stage. Her early professional career in New York and regional theaters was a period of intense learning, culminating in her role in the musical 'Barnum.' It was this production that led to a life-changing audition for George Roy Hill's film 'The World According to Garp,' introducing her to a wider cinematic audience and solidifying her path in Hollywood.
Advocacy and the fight against mental health stigma
Close's commitment to mental health advocacy stems directly from her family's experiences and her own observations of societal attitudes. She co-founded 'Bring Change to Mind' with her sister Jessie and nephew Kaelen to confront the stigma surrounding mental illness. Their mission is to encourage open dialogue and create a culture where individuals feel safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment or discrimination. Close emphasizes that mental illness is a human issue, affecting one in four people, and that the isolation and shame associated with it are incredibly damaging. She advocates for a shift in both attitudes and behaviors, urging people to be present for those struggling and to challenge their own biases. By sharing personal stories, promoting understanding, and supporting accessible mental healthcare, Close hopes to foster a world where individuals with mental health conditions can live full, productive lives, free from the debilitating weight of stigma.
Mentioned in This Episode
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Common Questions
Glenn Close believes she became an actress because she never wanted to stop playing. A profound sense of separation and a childhood realization of being an observer in her own life also contributed to a need for connection through acting.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
William Close attended this university on a veteran's scholarship.
Mental health hospital where Glenn Close's great-uncle was treated for schizophrenia.
An organization co-founded by Glenn Close to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Publication to which Glenn Close made a statement regarding the Harvey Weinstein allegations.
Mentioned as the favorite sports team of Glenn Close's paternal grandmother.
Mental health hospital where Glenn Close's grandmother received treatment for depression.
The old Broadway theatre where Glenn Close worked.
Mentioned as the favorite sports team of Glenn Close's paternal grandmother.
Glenn Close's first professional job was as an understudy and swing.
Co-star in Tom Stoppard's play 'The Real Thing', directed by Mike Nichols.
Character in 'Fatal Attraction' whose complex motivations are discussed.
Actor mentioned for his Method acting in 'On the Waterfront'.
Director who cast Glenn Close in 'The World According to Garp'.
Actor in 'The Natural', mentioned in relation to Glenn Close's character's choices.
Actor who was slated to play the father in 'The World According to Garp'.
Director who directed the first PSA for 'Change the Mind'.
Glenn Close's grandmother, whose acting passion was unfulfilled.
Playwright of 'The Real Thing', a play in which Glenn Close and Jeremy Irons starred.
Character in 'Sunset Boulevard' who lived in isolation for 20 years.
Glenn Close's acting coach, who helped her break through initial barriers.
Character from 'A Streetcar Named Desire', mentioned in comparison to Norma Desmond and Albert Nobbs.
Glenn Close's father, who served in the U.S. Air Force and later pursued medicine.
Late genius director who gave Glenn Close advice during a play rehearsal.
Character in 'The Natural' whose actions Glenn Close analyzes.
Actress from the era of silent films, compared to Norma Desmond.
Mentioned as an actress who was mistaken for Glenn Close.
A professor and mentor to Glenn Close at William & Mary.
Glenn Close's grandmother, whose singing passion was unfulfilled.
Mentioned in relation to Patty Hewes' character's relationships.
Actress whose performance in 'The Lion in Winter' is contrasted with Close's portrayal of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Actor who co-starred with Glenn Close in 'The Lion in Winter'.
A famous cowboy and singer from the 1950s, mentioned in the context of childhood Westerns.
British actor whose quote 'Scratch an actor and you'll find a child' is referenced.
Character in 'The Big Chill' whose actions Glenn Close analyzes.
Playwright of 'Twelfth Night', in which Glenn Close performed at college.
Mentioned in the context of going through airport security.
A famous cowboy and singer from the 1950s, mentioned in the context of childhood Westerns.
Author whose quote about actors is referenced, and who stated that actors must be unbiased.
A character Glenn Close played who disguised herself as a man to survive.
Mentioned in the context of Glenn Close's statement to The New York Times regarding allegations.
Character in 'Air Force One' whose actions Glenn Close analyzes.
Author whose work Glenn Close references in discussing human behavior.
Character in 'The Lion in Winter' played by Glenn Close, whose complexity is discussed.
A film in which Glenn Close played Alex Forrest, whose character is deeply analyzed.
A film in which Glenn Close analyzes the character of Vice President Catherine Bennett.
A film in which Glenn Close portrayed Eleanor of Aquitaine.
A play by Albee with challenging dialogue that Glenn Close performed in.
A favorite cowboy show from Glenn Close's childhood, inspiring her play.
A film in which Glenn Close played Iris Gaines, whose motivations are explored.
A film directed by George Roy Hill.
The only character Glenn Close has played who is truly wicked without any redeeming quality.
A film in which Glenn Close discusses the character Norma Desmond.
A film directed by George Roy Hill.
A film in which Glenn Close played Sarah Cooper, whose motivations are explored.
A film directed by George Roy Hill.
A film in which Marlon Brando's acting technique is discussed.
A film for which Glenn Close auditioned and was cast as Jenny Fields.
A TV series in which Glenn Close played Patty Hewes.
Glenn Close identifies as a 12th-generation resident of New England.
The location where the first PSA for 'Change the Mind' was filmed.
Glenn Close identifies as a native of Connecticut.
The birthplace of Glenn Close's paternal grandmother, who survived the 1900 Galveston hurricane.
Where Glenn Close's siblings live and where she bought a house.
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