Jessica Lange, the award-winning actress known for her powerful roles in film and television, discusses her attraction to dark and complex characters, like Frances Farmer and Blanche DuBois. She shares insights into her latest performance as Lillian Hall, reflecting on themes of grief and loneliness. Lange delves into her globe-trotting career, starting with King Kong and touching on iconic works like Tootsie and American Horror Story. The conversation reveals her passion for emotional depth and the artistic challenges of portraying profound human experiences.
Jessica Lange's affinity for exploring the darkness in her characters reflects her deeper understanding of grief, loss, and loneliness.
The conversation highlights the necessity of personal perseverance and mental hygiene in an increasingly disillusioned political landscape.
Creative expression is emphasized as an essential tool for coping with adversity and fostering connection in the face of trauma.
Deep dives
Embracing Challenge in Fitness
Fitness requires ongoing challenges to maintain interest and motivation. Peloton offers a wide array of training programs, including specialized programs for running and strength training, all designed to push personal limits. Classes are led by expert instructors who are athletes themselves and understand how to help participants achieve their fitness goals effectively. Engaging with these programs allows individuals to discover their potential and embrace the transformative power of fitness.
Navigating Political Disillusionment
The discussion reflects a sense of disillusionment with the current political landscape, suggesting a feeling of resignation about the state of affairs. The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal perseverance, mental hygiene, and caring for oneself and others in a changing environment that may seem hostile. While the notion of 'fighting the good fight' may feel lost, there remains value in serving and supporting others, indicating a shift in focus from political engagement to personal integrity. This perspective underlines the necessity of maintaining sanity and connection amidst external chaos.
Art as a Means of Expression
Creative expression is highlighted as a vital means of coping with life's difficulties and preserving sanity. The speaker announces ongoing conversations with creative individuals to explore their art and life, emphasizing the need for artistic expression in response to trauma and challenges. This endeavor is seen as a way to connect people, foster understanding, and remind them of the importance of creativity during tough times. The intention is to inspire listeners by showcasing the resilience and value of artistic pursuits.
Reflections on Personal Growth
The importance of personal growth and sensitivity is explored, with the speaker acknowledging a trajectory of change stemming from past behaviors and experiences. There is recognition of having evolved from a more selfish existence to a place of empathy and understanding, shaped by life's challenges, including grief and disappointment. This transformation allows for a more conscientious approach to life and interactions with others. The speaker reflects on the ongoing journey of self-discovery and the complexities of human nature.
The Complexity of Free Speech
The complexities surrounding free speech are examined, highlighting a societal tension where speaking out can lead to severe consequences in various contexts. The speaker contemplates the ideological nature of modern censorship, suggesting that while freedom of expression is legally protected, there are significant social and cultural repercussions to consider. This creates a landscape where certain voices may be silenced or marginalized based on perceived insensitivity or the context of the conversation. Ultimately, the discourse underscores the need for individuals to remain steadfast and assertive in their right to voice opinions amidst pervasive fear of backlash.
Jessica Lange admits she’s always drawn to the darkness and madness of her characters, whether it’s Frances Farmer or Blanche DuBois or her most recent performance as The Great Lillian Hall, which dealt with the trifecta of grief, loss and loneliness. Jessica and Marc talk about how she enjoys plumbing the depths of emotion, but also enjoyed a life that’s taken her all over the world, a career that started in the palm of King Kong, and a body of work that includes Tootsie, All That Jazz, American Horror Story and more.
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