Fresh Air: Best Of – Tilda Swinton & Adrien Brody Release Date: January 11, 2025 | Host: Terry Gross | NPR

Introduction

In this special "Best Of" episode, NPR's Fresh Air hosts two of contemporary cinema's most enigmatic figures: Tilda Swinton and Adrien Brody. Through intimate conversations, both actors delve into their latest projects, personal inspirations, and the profound experiences that shape their artistic journeys.

Tilda Swinton on "The Room Next Door"

Overview of the Film Tilda Swinton stars in Pedro Almodovar’s first English-language feature film, "The Room Next Door." She portrays Martha, a war correspondent grappling with terminal cancer who decides to end her life within a month. Seeking companionship during her final days, Martha enlists the help of her friend Ingrid, played by Julianne Moore.

Themes and Artistic Vision Swinton describes the film as a poignant exploration of suffering, death, and personal choice. She praises Almodovar’s ability to blend poetic dialogue with emotional depth, creating a visually stunning contrast between her ethereal presence and the vibrant world surrounding her.

[05:53] Tilda Swinton: "I will not go out in mortifying anguish. I've gotten hold of a euthanasia pill... I'm hoping you'll say yes."

Personal Connection Swinton reveals that the screenplay profoundly resonates with her personal experiences. Over the past 15 years, she has witnessed numerous loved ones grapple with mortality, a theme that Almodovar's film mirrors with striking clarity.

[07:30] Tilda Swinton: "It's an incredibly personal and resonant film for me... reflecting so many conversations that he and I have had over the time that we've been friends."

Styling and Identity Discussing her ghostly appearance in the film, Swinton credits makeup artist Morag Ross for crafting Martha’s ethereal look. She explains how her family's military background influenced her androgynous style, emphasizing clothing as a medium for boundaryless self-expression.

[19:28] Tilda Swinton: "I'm making a piece of work at that very thing. How central my response to my father and my grandfather's uniforms has been."

Queer Identity and Early Life Swinton identifies as a "queer fish," a term embraced by her avant-garde colleagues in the 1980s to describe their self-determining lifestyle. She reflects on her upbringing in a strict boarding school where she faced bullying for being different, fostering a lifelong friendship with filmmaker Joanna Hogg.

[23:37] Tilda Swinton: "I was named queer by my queer colleagues... I'm proud to continue to be a queer fish."

Resilience and Acceptance Throughout the interview, Swinton emphasizes themes of resilience and the acceptance of life's inevitable challenges. Her portrayal of Martha embodies a fierce investment in the remaining moments of life, highlighting the beauty found in embracing one's final days with intention and grace.

[12:59] Tilda Swinton: "A life spent considering how we're going to spend our end is not wasted time... I think we all do."

Adrien Brody on "The Brutalist"

Film Synopsis Adrien Brody discusses his role in "The Brutalist," a film that recently won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Drama. Brody plays Laszlo Toth, a Hungarian Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor seeking a fresh start in post-war America. The narrative delves into Laszlo's efforts to rebuild his life while honoring his traumatic past.

Personal Heritage and Preparation Brody shares a deep personal connection to the film, drawing parallels between his character’s immigrant experience and his own family's history. His mother fled Hungary during the revolution in 1956, an experience that profoundly influenced his portrayal of Laszlo.

[36:14] Adrien Brody: "It's a remarkable thing to find something that speaks to a struggle, a resiliency and a sense of something so intimate."

Authentic Representation To embody Laszlo authentically, Brody immersed himself in Hungarian culture, mastering the language and dialects to reflect the character's heritage accurately. Filming in Budapest allowed him to connect deeply with the setting and the historical context of the story.

[40:10] Adrien Brody: "We worked with a wonderful dialect coach... to key into that."

Artistic Influences and Family Legacy Brody credits his parents, particularly his mother Sylvia Plahy, a renowned photographer, for fostering his artistic inclinations. He speaks of his late father’s aspirations to act and how his grandparents' sacrifices have fueled his commitment to honoring their legacy through his craft.

[41:17] Adrien Brody: "He had a lot of similar aspirations... seeing me along the way."

Early Acting Journey Beginning his career at the age of 12, Brody recounts his initial foray into acting through theater and early film roles. His passion for storytelling and performance was nurtured by his parents, who supported his artistic endeavors from a young age.

[43:48] Adrien Brody: "My first professional job was 12 years old... I loved it."

Impact of "The Brutalist" Brody reflects on how "The Brutalist" not only showcases his ability to portray complex characters but also serves as a tribute to his family's resilience. The film’s stylistic choices, reminiscent of classic cinema techniques, further enhance its emotional and historical depth.

[40:54] Adrien Brody: "It was very important to me that it rang true."

Justin Chang’s Review of "Hard Truths"

Though not an interview, film critic Justin Chang offers a review of Marianne Jean Baptiste’s performance in Mike Lee's "Hard Truths." Chang praises Jean Baptiste’s portrayal of Pansy, a deeply unhappy woman, highlighting the film’s commitment to character-driven storytelling and emotional authenticity.

[27:12] Justin Chang: "Marianne Jean Baptiste has this ... [review continues]"

Chang emphasizes the film's exploration of loneliness and pain, commending Lee's Dickensian approach to realistic yet exaggerated character interactions.

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air provides a rich, multifaceted look into the lives and works of Tilda Swinton and Adrien Brody. Through their discussions, listeners gain insight into the intersection of personal history and artistic expression, and how both actors channel their experiences and heritage into compelling performances. The episode underscores the profound connection between an artist's life and their craft, offering a thoughtful exploration of resilience, identity, and the human condition.

Notable Quotes:

• Tilda Swinton [05:53]: "I'm hoping you'll say yes."
• Adrien Brody [36:14]: "It's a remarkable thing to find something that speaks to a struggle, a resiliency and a sense of something so intimate."
• Tilda Swinton [19:28]: "I'm making a piece of work at that very thing."
• Adrien Brody [40:10]: "We worked with a wonderful dialect coach... to key into that."
• Justin Chang [27:12]: "Marianne Jean Baptiste has this ..."

Produced by: Teresa Madden
Executive Producer: Danny Miller
Technical Director/Engineer: Audrey Bentham

Fresh Air is a production of WHYY, Philadelphia, serving content to the NPR Network.