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As I read through Julianne Nicholson’s story, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for her resilience and determination. Her journey in the acting world was not an easy one, filled with setbacks and disappointments, but she never gave up.
At the age of 18, Julianne Nicholson arrived in New York City with dreams of modeling. However, she soon grew disenchanted and realized her true passion lay in acting. “I was working as a waitress and living it up,” she recalls during a Zoom call from A24’s offices in Manhattan. “I was just being a young adult in New York, carefree and unfettered. It was quite the contrast to ‘Janet Planet.'”
I’ve had the pleasure of watching an extraordinary new film set in the sun-soaked summer of 1991. In this production, I have the distinct honor of appearing on screen. This unassuming gem, much like Jack Nicholson, eschews pretentiousness and yet manages to perform small wonders. Since its debut at Telluride Film Festival, “Janet Planet,” the directorial debut of the acclaimed playwright Annie Baker, has been the talk among discerning moviegoers. We can’t help but passionately recommend this understated indie gem to our friends, as if sharing a cherished present.
Starting this Friday in New York, followed by Los Angeles on June 28, “Janet Planet” will make its grand debut. In parallel, the brilliant and Emmy-winning actress Nicholson is also preparing for her big reveal, having likewise encountered the same stories that we have.
“Typically, when I’m introduced, comments like ‘underused,’ ‘underappreciated,’ and ‘overlooked’ are made about me,'” Nicholson shares with a weary grin at the age of 52. She tries to disregard others’ views on her celebrity status and its supposed magnitude. “Usually, I’m content with my work. But occasionally, I’m struck by the thought, ‘Have I not had enough recognition yet? I’m so exhausted!'”
People who have collaborated with Nicholson won’t need me to emphasize her talent or the manner in which she seamlessly blends into her roles. You won’t hear them questioning why Nicholson isn’t a bigger name in Hollywood. In an individual conversation, Baker expresses her bafflement regarding this issue. “I find it quite odd,” says Baker, aged 43. “From my perspective, Julianne is a highly celebrated figure.”
In “Janet Planet,” Nicholson stars as the title character, a solo mom to the quirky and needy 11-year-old Lacy. They reside in a rustic, bohemian community in western Massachusetts. As portrayed by newcomer Zoe Ziegler, Lacy is an oddly anxious child who heavily relies on her mother’s support. However, their bond will be tested by three adults: Janet’s live-in boyfriend (who’s leaving), an old friend, and a potential new suitor. To her daughter, Janet seems like an enigma: an acupuncturist with a diverse work history, romantic past, and multiple lives. Although we don’t learn about her background, we sense her troubled past through Nicholson’s weary gaze and tired expression. She portrays Janet as a woman in the process of healing and discovery, reflecting the authentic charm of small towns, reminiscent of where Nicholson grew up.
In her early childhood, Nicholson was born in a Boston suburb. When she was seven years old, her family relocated to the small town of Wendell, Massachusetts. With her mother and stepfather, she seamlessly adapted to rural life, which included no electricity, using an outhouse, and drawing water from a pump.
In 1978, I relocated there, and the atmosphere reminded me of [the film’s time period], as Nicholson explained with a friendly yet straightforward tone. The area was inhabited by an “alternative lifestyle” community, as she gestured quotation marks, implying some discomfort towards any potential negative implications. My mom was initiating her herbalist practice, my stepfather was a skilled woodworker, and they constructed their own residence. They didn’t engage in smoking marijuana; instead, they were productive individuals with thriving businesses and families.
Baker, the writer-director, was unaware that Nicholson had grown up just ten miles from her until they discussed the script.
Baker remarks that Julianne is capable of portraying five distinct emotions simultaneously. He stresses that Janet is unlike his own mother and praises Julianne’s ability to embody complex characters. These characters include someone experiencing intense passion while detaching, a loving yet alienated parent, and an attentive yet distracted individual. The contrasting emotions were crucial for the character development, requiring an actor who can convincingly portray contradictions, which Julianne accomplishes effortlessly.
Janet works her way towards finding peace, expressing at times her desire to abandon the need for approval. This resonates with Nicholson as he shares, “I’m surprised, because sometimes I believe I come across as quite straightforward and bold in my professional life. Yet, privately, there are moments when I feel like a people-pleaser. Perhaps it’s my Boston Irish Catholic upbringing or just an inherent trait, but at times, not softening my words can seem intimidating, even if that’s not what I mean to convey.”
Nicholson is encouraging her children, Ignatius, 16, and Phoebe, 15, to be assertive. She tells them, “It’s okay to decline requests and potentially disappoint others. We can’t make everyone happy all the time. It’s essential that we prioritize ourselves to avoid getting into trouble.”
After her parents’ divorce, Nicholson resided with her mother, Kate, prior to the arrival of her stepfather. The three of us formed a small unit – my mom, my sister, and I. My mother was just 20 when she gave birth to me, but she had already been maturing since she was 10, being the eldest of ten children. She is an extraordinary woman; she leaves people in awe whenever they encounter her, even up to this day.
Kate played a crucial role in the beginning of Nicholson’s acting journey, although not directly. Following her relocation to New York, Nicholson struggled for years to establish herself as a performer. It wasn’t until she met the right acting coach, Sheila Gray, that things clicked into place. “She employed sense memory techniques,” shares Nicholson. “On my first day in her class, she positioned an empty chair before me: ‘Imagine someone sitting there.’ I could sense my mother’s scent and picture her clearly. Instantly, it felt significant to me.”
Occasionally, Nicholson relies on her past experiences when getting ready for acting roles, and she has delivered some unforgettable mother (and maternal figure) portrayals in films such as “I, Tonya” and “Blonde.” Her role as the quintessential loving mom in the humorous biopic “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” was particularly noteworthy. However, to embody Janet, she chose a new approach.
In a lighthearted yet thoughtful tone, Nicholson admits, “I believe the human journey can be quite isolating.” He chuckles and adds, “Despite having a fulfilling life with my cherished family, I sense a profound sense of solitude within Janet’s character. This doesn’t mean I personally feel this loss, but I can empathize with what it could mean for her if she truly delved into it.”
After working with Gray and attracting attention from a manager, Nicholson secured roles in films and TV shows, earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination for the 2000 drama “Tully.” She landed the lead in the short-lived NBC sci-fi series “The Others” and appeared in ensembles for “Ally McBeal” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” However, she hadn’t yet achieved a breakout role that would make her a household name. Around 2011, opportunities began dwindling, leaving her in her early 40s and questioning her career choices. She scrutinized her body of work and felt it fell short.
As a devoted cinematography enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on that puzzling chapter of my life. I confess, with a tinge of regret, that I invested copious amounts of time and energy into something that didn’t turn out to be the captivating masterpiece I had envisioned.
Over time, things began to gain traction for Nicholson. She landed a role in Sam Shepard’s play “Heartless,” which was a dark comedy. In addition, she joined the star-studded cast of the 2013 film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “August: Osage County,” featuring acting greats Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.
She recalls the “August” experience with a mix of fear and confidence. A part of her was petrified, yet another part felt ready to interact with people when the cameras were on. Additionally, she gained assurance from being invited to join that particular group. It’s a complex memory for Nicholson, acknowledging that much of her work depends on how others view her, even though she finds it frustrating.
Starting from August, she’s been enjoying a string of successes. Most recently, she received an Emmy award for her role as Kate Winslet’s stern friend in “Mare of Easttown.” Craig Zobel, the show’s director, had harbored a desire to work with her for quite some time.
“During the early 2000s in New York, Julianne was featured in many well-regarded indie films,” he explains. “Having her around during filming made the day feel easier and more enjoyable for me.”
Regarding whether Nicholson will ultimately have her breakthrough moment, Zobel is assured. In my view, she’s similar to Sam Rockwell in the sense that she can now take on any role, yet she retains her roots as an actor from New York.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Nicholson, once a vibrant New York actress, has recently made a significant life change. Two years ago, she and her family, including her husband of almost two decades, English actor Jonathan Cake, uprooted themselves from the bustling city and settled down in the tranquil English countryside. This move marks a full-circle moment for Nicholson, as she finds herself living off the beaten path much like she did in her own childhood. (Fortunately for her, modern conveniences such as electricity and running water are now part of the equation.) I can relate to her appreciation for solitude in this new setting, and it’s heartening to hear that her children have taken well to their new school. Nicholson’s freewheeling spirit from her younger days has given way to a more settled existence, but her passion for acting remains undiminished.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’ve come to realize that the hustle and bustle of city life has begun to wear me down. Currently, I find myself in the heart of New York City, and while I adore its energy and vibrancy, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed. The noise level here is something I’ve grown accustomed to, yet it still manages to leave me drained. If I were to reside here permanently, I fear that the constant stimulation might become too much for me to handle. Despite my love for this dynamic urban environment, I believe it’s time for me to explore other living options and recharge my batteries.
In the movie “Janet Planet,” Nicholson portrays a woman trying to start anew after numerous past failures. Her daughter, however, cherishes her just as she is. Those who have kept up with Nicholson’s acting career over the last few decades can relate. Her unique personality has been showcased for years.
As a film enthusiast, I can still recall the unforgettable evening when I was awarded an Emmy. The air was charged with love and camaraderie, something I longed for during those pandemic days. Being in that room filled me with a sense of belonging that I often missed in my daily life. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, it felt like a beacon of hope. Winning an Emmy was more than just recognition; it was a reminder that we’re all connected through our shared passion for storytelling. Every day might feel monotonous, but those moments of triumph make it all worthwhile. I’m grateful to continue working in this industry and cherish each experience as if it were my first Emmy win.
Julianne Nicholson continues to live her best life, whether you noticed or not.
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2024-07-18 18:48