In Disney’s 1996 live-action remake of the animated film, 101 Dalmatians, and its 2000 sequel, 102 Dalmatians, Cruella was played by Glenn Close. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I don’t know what it is about Glenn Close, but she is probably the most brilliant actor I’ve ever seen (and my family knows how absurdly picky I am). I fell in absolute love with her after watching “Dangerous Liasons” and seeing the close-up moment where she gives the slightest smirk regrading her plans with John Malkovich’s character. She said nothing, but you knew EVERYTHING. It was sheer orgasm of the mind. In “Damages”, she was amazing in season 1 (everything after that was a bit downhill for her character, though they tried in the final season, they really did). And “Albert Nobbs”, anyone? Yes, yes, yEs, YeS, YES! I’m watching her now in “101 Dalmations” and I can’t stop loving her.
I don’t know if other people can do this, but I like to think my actor training allows me to see past a performance into what the actor is doing (the actor’s “acting”). Normally when I see this, it upsets me and completely destroys the moment and most of the movie (a good story forgives a lot of errors, writers, but don’t get penis-y because poor execution can obliterate a good story), but there’s something about Glenn Close’s process that keeps me involved. So involved, in fact, that as I’m trying to play Arkham City, I get sucked into this movie whenever she appears. That’s right, my love for Batman is distracted by my love for Glenn Close. Hold the mother-appreciating phone.
Meryl Streep (the over-valued queen of acting) has nothing on Glenn Close. When I watch Meryl, I see a lack of effort, but when I watch Glenn, I see process. I want to see process. If I want lack of effort, I watch Angelina Jolie (who I also LOVE). She doesn’t need to try because she’ll be in my heart forever. Glenn Close doesn’t need to try either, but I love her because she puts her all in there no matter what. NO MATTER WHAT.
Glenn Close, everybody. You’re welcome.
