December 11, 2007
Time for another blog … and by happy coincidence, here comes Christmas. About which, more in a moment.
First, as always, I want to acknowledge and thank those of you who have gone to the time and trouble to read my musings -- and respond.
Thanks, Debbie and the several Marys. Glad you liked the Geico commercial, Judith. It’s astonishing how many people have seen it, and commented on it. I’m very glad you like my book, Gina. Maybe we’ll meet in Nantucket.
Now to the subject of Christmas, which is, hands down, my favorite day of the year. It has been since I was a kid.
As I write in Inside Inside:
In my novel Mirrors, I seized the opportunity to express my feelings through the character of a young woman: “You know what I like best about Christmas? It’s so -- whimsical: normally sane people dragging messy, living trees into neat, dead rooms and using embarrassing words like joy and merry; choirs singing in banks,
trumpets braying on street corners; janitors and bartenders hanging tinsel -- everything you’d be fired, arrested, ostracized or committed for, any other time of the year.”
Her words, my sentiments, formulated in adulthood, but formed in childhood, trudging home on white snow under a black sky from a Fisher Theatre matinee, enchanted by the movie and the Christmas lights on Grand Boulevard and Wood-ward Avenue -- and by the conviction that suddenly this had become a joyful place and time: Christmas was around the corner ... inevitable!
Comments
Erin wrote:
I had no idea yo were bloging on Bravo now! I loved your interview with Diane last wek on NPR! I love how you almost lost your job as a young boy becaus of your oh so loud Latin translations! I, too, thoroughly enjoy your comercial! I will have to check back often to read your latest post. Merry Christmas.
posted on December 13, 2007 at 1:48 AM
Susannah wrote:
This is the most delightful blog to find -- I came to Bravo to find the wonderful Johnny Depp interview DVD that I saw advertised during the wonderful John Cusack interview..... oh, well, they're all wonderful! It makes my day when I see that my DVR has captured another Inside the Actor's Studio, and then I have to wait until I have fully focused time to watch it, because it is like no other TV. The source of creativity, the molding of imagination -- these are inspirational matters, and I've never seen it done as well as you do. Thank you.
posted on December 15, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Karen wrote:
I enjoy your show tremendously and would dearly love to see the elusive Viggo Mortensen make an appearance. As his recent work with David Cronenberg in A History of Violence and Eastern Promises attests, he is an actor of tremendous subtlety who immerses himself entirely into his characters. He is also a published poet, a talented photographer and painter, a singer/musician, and founder/owner of Perceval Press, a small publishing house specializing in the work of emerging artists.
An exceptionally thoughtful and articulate person, he would have a great deal to share with your students and the viewing public. And, by the way, he was that Aragorn guy in The Lord of the Rings. Who knows? He might be a popular draw . . .
Best holiday wishes, Karen
posted on December 19, 2007 at 2:50 PM
Sherrie Phillips wrote:
In a very shallow pool of offerings on television (including cable) yours is definitely one of the best. Few interviewers are as well researched, thoughtful and respectful of their guests. Nothing is more annoying to me than an interviewer who frames their questions in a way that reflects their own viewpoint and then talks over their guest. I am not just enterained by your interviews. Movies and literature are great psychological tools that reflect back to us our own experiences and emotions. Your interaction with your guests always enhances my appreciation & admiration of their performances and teaches me something about myself as well.
I look forward to reading your book (a friend already has it and is loving it) and to many more exceptional shows! Happy Holidays
posted on December 28, 2007 at 11:36 AM
JUDITH wrote:
Happy New Year 2008!! I hope your holidays were joyful and triumphant.
I am deeply into Inside Inside. One of my resolutions is to read a minimum of 25 pages each evening. I'm proud to say that after two days of the New Year this is one resolution I've managed to keep - so far :). I'm not bragging - just cautiously optimistic.
I look forward to your interview with Michelle Pfeiffer. In the meantime, may your New Year be safe, healthy and prosperous.
posted on January 2, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Cloe wrote:
James. I am such a big fan or yours!! I was wondering..if you could have any other profession, what would you be? And also, do you have any children?
posted on January 3, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Nico james wrote:
I remember hearing the phrase "Gentleman and a Scholar" when I was very young, and thinking that it would be a wonderful thing to be described as such. In watching your show, and now in the midst of reading your book, I must say you are such a man -- but more, an artist, teacher, bon vivant, and graceful lover of the world. After 30 years of reading memoir and biography, as well as many acting/theatre tomes, I must say how moved I am by the beauty, clarity, style, and soulfulness of your book. It will be a permanent member of my books for rereading and share a shelf with Noel Coward, Nadezda Mandelstam, Maya Angelou, Robertson Davies, Rilke, and the like. The connections you make in the course of the book are particularly poignant. I find that aspect of the shape of the book truly inspiring. But deeper still is the infectious nature of your passion for learning and the level of excellence your life reflects. I am truly inspired by the full measure of all you have brought to the world through TV, The Actor's Studio and The New School, and now your book. In a world seemingly bent on exploitation and ill-use, you return dignity and beauty to whatever you touch. And like the greatest heroes of my own life, you are completely unimpressed by yourself or your accomplishments. You remind me of Anthony Dowell partnering Natalia Makarova -- so gallant, focused only on her -- elevating them both to mastery, mystery, and transcendence. May you and yours be ever blessed.
posted on January 3, 2008 at 7:31 PM
Willi Ratliff wrote:
How do I order the Johnny Depp
interview on DVD. You advertised
it, but no info on how to get it.
I love Johnny Depp. Most actor
ever.
Thanks
Willi(I am a girl) ha.
posted on January 9, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Apply food stamp wrote:
I wanted to research this subject and write a paper. Your post what a thousand words would not. Nice job.
posted on September 24, 2008 at 8:17 AM