As I read through this article about Julia Louis-Dreyfus, I can’t help but be in awe of her resilience and curiosity. Her ability to find humor in even the most stressful situations, like tapping on a wooden table base in a panic because there’s no wood for a prop, is a testament to her unique perspective on life.
How old do you feel?
On her podcast “Wiser Than Me,” Julia Louis-Dreyfus frequently asks women guests, many of whom are over 70, about their feelings regarding their age. The responses vary, sometimes significantly from what’s on their birth certificates. Patti Smith, for instance, thinks she’s between 9 and 11 years old in her mind but feels every one of her 77 years in reality. Fran Lebowitz, who was 72 at the time, replied directly with “eighty-two” or even ” ninety-two,” on some days.
“Julia, how old do you feel in this moment? We’re enjoying a bottle of mineral water and some lime on the patio of a Pacific Palisades restaurant, not too far from your house. This place is part of Rick Caruso’s meticulously designed outdoor malls, where it’s common to spot celebrities these days according to their website. During our chat, Louis-Dreyfus momentarily stops and looks towards a paparazzo nearby. After a brief pause, she jokes, ‘Maybe Kim Kardashian is getting an ice cream.'”
“Anyway … how old do you feel,” she asks me, turning the question around.
Hey, I asked you first.
“I feel like I’m 35 — a very experienced 35,” Louis-Dreyfus, 63, says.
Why did you land on that age?
“She replies, ‘I’m genuinely excited to explore new experiences and undertake fresh endeavors.’ Pausing momentarily, she adds, ‘I’m all set and prepared to take action.'”
As a movie lover, I’ve noticed that Louis-Dreyfus has been exploring new territories in her acting lately. She’s moved away from the hilarious roles that earned her eleven Emmys for shows like “Seinfeld,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” and “Veep.” Instead, she’s taken on more complex characters in indie films. Last year, I was captivated by her performance in “You Hurt My Feelings” directed by Nicole Holofcener. In this film, Louis-Dreyfus played a writer who was heartbroken when she found out her husband didn’t appreciate her labor of love – her novel. Now, she’s back with another thought-provoking role in the upcoming dark comedy “Tuesday.” This movie finds Louis-Dreyfus portraying a single mother who strikes a deal with Death to save her teenage daughter.
As a movie buff, I’d say that I’ve recently discovered two fascinating films: “Tuesday,” directed by Daina O. Pusić in her debut production, and “You Hurt My Feelings.” These movies are special to me because they carry the A24 label – the indie studio known for its distinctive logo that instantly elevates a film to cinematic sophistication.
“Louis-Dreyfus strongly identifies with the group, stating ‘I’m completely on board,'” she shares, adding that Jonathan Glazer’s thought-provoking Holocaust film “The Zone of Interest,” which she watched a year ago, continues to linger in her thoughts.
“The type of movies I prefer are currently being produced,” Louis-Dreyfus added. “I’m fully on board with them.”
“Noah Sacco, the head of A24 films, has been a long-time admirer of Julia’s talent. Witnessing her skillfully take on a more serious role was a breathtaking experience for us. We’d be thrilled to include her in nearly all our projects.”
Louis-Dreyfus appears somewhat taken aback by the intensity of the audience’s response towards her. Despite delving into midlife anxieties and wounded pride in “You Hurt My Feelings,” which was undeniably a comedy, it seems that “Tuesday” presents a more challenging role for her. In this production, she is required to portray a range of emotions including fear, regret, anger, and grief. Her character, Zora, initially attempts to maintain normalcy and keep the hope alive for her terminally ill daughter’s recovery. However, when Death makes an unexpected appearance – in the form of a talking macaw – Zora is forced to acknowledge the inevitable end of all she cherishes.
“Louis-Dreyfus admitted taking a bold step out of her comfort zone for this role. She shared, ‘I took a risk with this project, something new and different from my past work. But it’s precisely what I’ve been yearning to do. And with the opportunity given to me, I knew I could bring it to life.’ What a fantastic chance to prove myself!”
“During our Zoom conversation, Pusić shared with me how impressive her versatility is. Her comedy is always on point, but when asked to perform nuanced drama or intense emotional scenes, or even my own absurd scenarios, she does so with an unwavering commitment and conviction.”
“However, it’s her determination that truly inspires me,” Pusić adds, “her courage to venture into new and unknown grounds with such confidence and vitality.”
I’ve recently watched a thought-provoking film where the lead actress, Louis-Dreyfus, navigates through unfamiliar territory. For some time now, she has been pondering the concept of mortality. Tragically, her father, Gérard Louis-Dreyfus, passed away in 2016. The following year, she herself received a breast cancer diagnosis. Heartbreakingly, in 2018, her half-sister, Emma, died suddenly from a seizure while camping in the Sierra Nevada. She was only 44 years old.
As a movie buff, I can totally relate to the idea that Louis-Dreyfus often explores this topic on her podcast. After all, endings are a common theme in many films, and they can be particularly difficult to deal with when they involve the loss of someone we love. So, when I’m faced with the challenge of moving forward after such a loss, I try to focus on finding ways to cope and keep the memory of my loved one alive. It’s not always easy, but reflecting on the good times we shared and finding new ways to honor their memory can help bring comfort and healing.
On Tuesdays, the theme of conclusion holds true for Zora’s character as well. Unlike others, she finds it hard to move on and lives with a deep longing for her daughter.
People don’t often discuss death in depth, perhaps because it makes us uneasy. However, it is an unavoidable reality for all of us. Not only our own demise, but also the losses we experience if we’re fortunate enough to live long lives. It’s worthwhile to have conversations about this topic.
In a weary tone, Arinzé Kene as Death explains to Zora, “The way you live is the way she will continue to exist.”
“Hearing that line once more brings tears to my eyes, Louis-Dreyfus shares with me. ‘Time has a way of healing, but connections remain,’ she explains, reflecting on her own experiences.”
Over the course of my interviews with Louis-Dreyfus throughout the years, I’ve noticed that she tends to keep her emotions in check. Therefore, when when she became emotional while discussing a particular scene in “Tuesday,” it took me back to a few recent instances during her podcast where her voice faltered. For instance, there was the occasion when she described herself as a bundle of nerves while conversing with Bonnie Raitt, and used the word “holy” to express her deep admiration for her music.
“Things hit you a little differently as you get older,” she says.
I have experienced that feeling of instability and unease when I’ve had to leave my familiar surroundings and loved ones behind for work. It can be a disorienting and unsettling sensation, especially when you find yourself in a place that holds emotional weight.
As a parent, she chose to avoid considering that idea and found it distressing instead.
Louis-Dreyfus and her long-term spouse, Brad Hall, are parents to two adult sons: Henry, aged 31, and Charlie, aged 27. Have there been any narrow escapes or significant incidents involving their children?
“No, thank goodness that didn’t happen,” Louis-Dreyfus responds. Glancing around, she adds, “Let’s hope I don’t jinx it.” We’re in a booth with an iron table. I suggest hitting my head against it, but that doesn’t seem effective. The search becomes more desperate. “There isn’t even a piece of wood here,” she exclaims. Just as she says this, Louis-Dreyfus lifts the table and finds a wooden base plate underneath. She taps on it for good measure.
“You wouldn’t happen to be superstitious, would you?”
“Hey, it works,” she says, laughing. “Or so I tell myself.”
Louis-Dreyfus once shared on her podcast an experience where she and a cherished friend went hiking in Los Leones Canyon with their children. Among them were Charlie, who was three at the time, and his playmate. As they called out for their boys when they went missing, no response was heard. Minutes turned into quarters of an hour, yet there was still no sign of them. Just as the mothers prepared to contact the authorities, they detected laughter and saw the boys appearing from behind a large boulder.
“That gave me a real scare,” Louis-Dreyfus admits. “All I could think about was how I would contact Brad to break the news that we had lost our three-year-old.” She chuckles.
“Yeah, that’s a conversation …” I start.
”… that you do not want to have,” Louis-Dreyfus says, finishing the thought.
She goes on to express, “Raising boys has brought the most beautiful stability into my life. It clarified my values for me. Many parents share this sentiment. For me, they have been a constant source of focus. In our unpredictable world of entertainment, it’s reassuring to be reminded of what truly matters.”
Five years have passed since our last conversation, and I’ve observed a subtle change in Louis-Dreyfus’ outlook on life. Her unyielding optimism remains, but now she exudes a newfound sense of relaxation and curiosity. Her podcast conversations seem more exploratory, as if she is delving deeper into the complexities of aging and existence.
“Five years ago, I felt tense; now I’m somewhat more at ease, although I can’t explain why,” Louis-Dreyfus shares.
Well, let’s think about that for a minute.
She expresses her desire to be more mindful and fully engaged in the present moment, as she admits to being a workaholic who’s always on the go. Although she continues to keep busy, she strives to pause regularly, take deep breaths, and savor each experience. This newfound awareness might be an age-related development.
When asked about Louis-Dreyfus’ age by Pusić, she responds: “I’d estimate her age to be around twenty-one on one hand, yet she may as well be a hundred and fifty. She exhibits both profound wisdom and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.”
Louis-Dreyfus bursts out laughing when I relay this.
“Great. I’m glad I came off like that,” she says. “I fooled her real good.”
As a film enthusiast, I’ve discovered new realms in my creative journey now that I’m older. With each passing year, I gain valuable experience that enables me to approach projects with fresh perspectives. Five years ago, I wouldn’t have been capable of creating “Tuesday” or starting a podcast. My curiosity has deepened, and I find myself eager to explore new topics with a greater sense of understanding. The more I learn, the more I realize how much there is still to discover. Age brings wisdom and opens doors to endless opportunities.
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2024-07-18 20:26