WTF with Marc Maron - Episode 1590: Jessica Lange

Release Date: November 11, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 1590 of the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, host Marc Maron engages in a profound and revealing conversation with the acclaimed actress Jessica Lange. Celebrated for her versatile performances across film, television, and theater, Jessica Lange joins Marc to delve into her illustrious career, personal experiences, and insights into the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Jessica Lange begins by sharing her journey from Minnesota to the vibrant art scenes of Europe. At 18, she left her hometown to explore the creative expanse of Paris, immersing herself in experimental theater and mime.

Jessica Lange [17:32]: "I first went to Paris in 1969 with a group of young photographers and filmmakers. It was thrilling to be surrounded by underground artists and the palpable energy of the city."

Her time in Paris was transformative, leading her to study under Étienne Decroux, a pioneer of mime concrete—a technique that emphasized precise and abstract physical movements.

Jessica Lange [31:06]: "Studying with Decroux was a discipline that connected me to a deeper form of physical expression. It’s something I carry with me even today."

Breakthrough with King Kong

Jessica recounts her unexpected casting in the iconic film "King Kong," which marked her entry into mainstream cinema. Despite having no prior success in modeling or acting at the time, a spontaneous audition led by a modeling agent caught the attention of legendary producer Dino De Laurentiis.

Jessica Lange [43:22]: "I walked onto the soundstage for King Kong without knowing what to expect. It was surreal to be part of such an ambitious project."

The film, known for its groundbreaking practical effects and the formidable mechanical Kong, earned Jessica critical acclaim, notably from esteemed critic Pauline Kael, who championed her performance.

Jessica Lange [46:38]: "Pauline Kael’s support meant everything. It gave me the confidence to pursue more challenging roles."

Collaborations with Influential Directors

Jessica highlights her collaborations with visionary directors like Bob Fosse and Sam Shepard, enhancing her craft and expanding her artistic horizons. Working with Fosse on projects like "All That Jazz" introduced her to the rigorous demands of physical performance and creative expression.

Jessica Lange [47:07]: "Bob Fosse was a force of nature—his boundless energy and passion were infectious. Working with him pushed me to new limits."

Her partnership with playwright and director Sam Shepard further deepened her connection to complex characters and emotionally charged narratives. Together, they worked on projects like "Far North" and "Farm," exploring themes of loss, grief, and personal resilience.

Jessica Lange [71:00]: "Sam Shepard’s work allowed me to delve into characters with profound emotional depths. It was both challenging and rewarding."

Approach to Acting and Personal Growth

Throughout the conversation, Jessica emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in her performances. She discusses her preference for portraying characters with inherent struggles, believing that tapping into darkness and chaos can lead to more truthful and impactful acting.

Jessica Lange [60:51]: "I’m always drawn to the darkest parts of a character because it allows me to explore vast emotional landscapes and experience profound truths."

Jessica also reflects on her personal growth over the years, acknowledging how life experiences have shaped her approach to her craft. She speaks candidly about dealing with loneliness and loss, both personally and through her characters, finding solace and meaning in her art.

Jessica Lange [73:28]: "In a way, acting takes me out of myself. It’s a means of exploring and coping with the complexities of life."

Reflections on Aging and Loneliness

Jessica contemplates the intersection of aging and artistry, particularly in the context of her latest project, "The Great Lillian Hall," an HBO film exploring dementia. She connects her own feelings of isolation and the narrowing of her personal life with the character she portrays, highlighting the universal themes of loss and memory.

Jessica Lange [74:25]: "Grief, loss, and loneliness are ever-present emotions that resonate deeply in both my life and my work."

She discusses her ongoing commitment to challenging roles, emphasizing that despite the emotional toll, these performances provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Jessica Lange [85:24]: "I still love acting, even when it's exhausting. It gives me something to discover and experience."

Current and Upcoming Projects

Jessica shares insights into her current work and future projects. "The Great Lillian Hall," available on Max, delves into the life of a performing artist grappling with the onset of dementia. Additionally, she mentions plans to explore the later years of Marlene Dietrich, her relationship with Burt Bacharach, and revisiting iconic characters like Blanche DuBois from "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Jessica Lange [88:29]: "One of my upcoming projects is exploring Marlene Dietrich’s post-Las Vegas life, which promises to be a fascinating journey into her personal and professional struggles."

Notable Quotes

• Marc Maron [17:26]: "Jessica Lange is one of the greats, with two Oscars, three Emmys, five Golden Globes, and a Tony to her name."

• Jessica Lange [37:18]: "When I started acting classes, it felt like everything just came together. It fulfilled aspects of myself that were in the process of discovery."

• Jessica Lange [60:57]: "Blue Sky is another one. Blanche DuBois is a classic role that I’ve portrayed three different times, each time diving deeper into her character."

• Jessica Lange [73:28]: "Grief, loss, and loneliness are ever-present emotions that resonate deeply in both my life and my work."

• Jessica Lange [86:34]: "Aging as an actor brings its own set of challenges, but there's always something to discover and experience."

Conclusion

Marc Maron and Jessica Lange's conversation is a testament to Lange's enduring passion and commitment to her craft. From her early artistic explorations in Paris to her celebrated performances in both film and theater, Jessica provides listeners with an intimate look into the life of a dedicated artist navigating the complexities of fame, creativity, and personal growth. Her reflections offer valuable insights into the transformative power of acting and the relentless pursuit of authenticity in storytelling.

For those interested in exploring more of Jessica Lange’s work and insightful discussions, be sure to check out WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Episode 1590 available on your preferred podcast platform.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jessica Lange [17:32]: "I first went to Paris in 1969 with a group of young photographers and filmmakers. It was thrilling to be surrounded by underground artists and the palpable energy of the city."

• Jessica Lange [31:06]: "Studying with Decroux was a discipline that connected me to a deeper form of physical expression. It’s something I carry with me even today."

• Jessica Lange [43:22]: "I walked onto the soundstage for King Kong without knowing what to expect. It was surreal to be part of such an ambitious project."

• Jessica Lange [37:18]: "When I started acting classes, it felt like everything just came together. It fulfilled aspects of myself that were in the process of discovery."

• Jessica Lange [60:51]: "I’m always drawn to the darkest parts of a character because it allows me to explore vast emotional landscapes and experience profound truths."

• Jessica Lange [85:24]: "I still love acting, even when it's exhausting. It gives me something to discover and experience."

Further Listening

If you enjoyed this episode, consider exploring Episode 853 featuring Jeff Bridges, Jessica's co-star from "King Kong," along with a separate interview with his brother Beau Bridges. Dive deeper into the rich history of Hollywood and the intricate lives of its stars by subscribing to WTF with Marc Maron.

Note: This summary focuses solely on the substantive content of the conversation between Marc Maron and Jessica Lange, omitting advertisements and non-essential segments to provide a coherent and comprehensive overview of the episode.