The Deliverance Star Glenn Close Didn’t Know How To Play a ‘White Woman Living in a Black Community’

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The Deliverance Star Glenn Close Didn't Know How To Play a 'White Woman Living in a Black Community'

As a cinephile with over four decades of movie-watching under my belt and an encyclopedic knowledge of Hollywood, I eagerly await the release of Lee Daniels’ latest masterpiece, “The Deliverance,” which will premiere on Netflix on August 30. With a star-studded cast featuring heavyweights like Andra Day, Mo’Nique, Omar Epps, and the legendary Glenn Close, this chilling tale of demonic possession based on a true story is sure to be a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Director Lee Daniels is all set to let loose with his new movie “The Deliverance” on Netflix starting August 30. Featuring actors like Andra Day, Mo’Nique, Omar Epps, and screen legend Glenn Close, this chilling tale based on a real-life event follows the story of a white woman who grew up in the Black community. Prior to the film’s premiere, Glenn Close is sharing her thoughts about playing such a character, stating that she had “no idea” how to tackle the role.

In a casual conversation with folks, the eight-time Academy Award nominee, now aged 77, shared a strict principle she’s adhered to when selecting roles. From embodying Cruella de Vil in “101 Dalmations” to portraying JD Vance’s grandmother in “Hillbilly Elegy”, this esteemed actress has played a wide range of characters.

One principle I consistently strive to uphold is avoiding repetition. Primarily, this is to keep things interesting for me as I find repetition tedious.

In “The Deliverance,” the rule proves beneficial for Close’s character, as she skillfully embodies Alberta, the ill mother of Ebony, portrayed by Andra Day. It’s a role she excels in and was eager to assume, yet she confesses that she initially felt uncertain about how to approach it.

“[I was] completely clueless about how to handle it. Alberta is a white woman who has spent most of her life immersed in the Black community and only romantically involved with Black men. [She is described as a woman] who has experienced abuse and I believe she may have turned abusive herself. She has had a profound spiritual awakening, and she’s praying that her daughter can overcome her struggles as well.”

‘Every Black Person Knows a White Woman Like This’

Drawing inspiration from the Ammons haunting incident that occurred in Gary, Indiana in 2011, which revolved around a Black family’s struggle against demonic possession, Daniels’ film The Deliverance represents his second exploration into the world of the supernatural. This follows his executive producer role on the 2023 production The Reading. Being a Black man from West Philadelphia, he was able to provide valuable insights that guided Close’s acting decisions.

“As Daniels shared that there are women like her in every Black community, my curiosity piqued. I felt compelled to give her a fair representation, and thus, the adventure started.”

Daniels shared another piece of information with Close that would help her better portray a white woman immersed in African-American culture. He explained, “Many Black people have encountered a woman like this,” but added, “Not all white people are familiar with a character like this.”

In the movie, the character played by Lee is depicted sporting various extravagant wigs due to chemotherapy treatments, flirting with nurses, and styling her children’s hair. It seems that Day’s guidance worked for Lee, as she excels in portraying Alberta, and they manage to form a connection despite the intense mother-daughter conflicts on screen which are filled with tension.

“She portrayed her character magnificently, making her seem almost legendary with years of exceptional performance behind her. For our scenes filled with conflict, animosity, and raw emotion, she delivered perfectly. However, for the moments requiring love, we found ourselves blessed to have that genuine emotion in abundance.”

It seems that Close delivers yet another remarkable acting job in “The Deliverance”, a movie that will be available on Netflix starting August 30, showcasing his talent effectively.

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2024-08-23 19:32