Parker Posey’s longevity in movies has created a body of work that would make most actors jealous. Bursting onto the scene in the early ’90s, the quirky actress made a name for herself in independent film but also juggled studio films in between to balance her resume.
Now she’s one of the leads in the new Woody Allen film Irrational Man. Her character of Rita is a complex woman, a college professor who is lonely in life and is immediately given a breath of fresh air when a new member of the faculty joins the ranks (Joaquin Phoenix). As with most recent Allen films, not everything is as it seems and Posey’s slow unravel is interesting to behold.
She recently traveled to San Francisco to talk to us about acting, Woody Allen and independent film. This is a transcription of that conversation.
Q: In this movie you’re playing the role of a lonely woman. Since you have so much acting experience, is it easier to get into that head space when you’re playing a character like this or is it still a challenge?
Parker Posey: Experience ages you. I was glad that I was the right temperature in my life to express that.
Q: Woody Allen has a famously laid-back directing style where he doesn’t give much direction at all. Is that something you appreciated or do you prefer a more hands-on approach on set?
Posey: I like a lot of freedom when I work and to be left alone. What was different was after shooting he’s nowhere to be found. He’s in the car going to dinner or something. It’s practical. His ear is so subtle, he doesn’t want you to do any acting; he just wants you to be real.
Q: I was surprised you two hadn’t worked together before.
Posey: That’s what everyone says. (laughs) When I was a girl I fantasized about being in grown-up movies and now it’s a lot of werewolves and genre, movies that are crafted for a gaming culture. So working on this movie has made me feel blessed. I cherish the experience, to be able to trust someone who has a particular way of working. [Woody Allen] came up to us one day and said, “What I wrote isn’t very good. You can add to it if you want.” So I added to it and I hear from the video monitor, “That’s terrible!” (laughs)
Q: Didn’t he come up to you early on and tell you that you wouldn’t be fired?
Posey: Yeah (laughs)
Q: Did that give you more confidence in your performance?
Posey: Yes, of course.
Q: And having job security is a good thing.
Posey: I’m glad I wasn’t fired. I mean let go, not right for the part. Even though I’m not in the movie that much I’m glad I made the cut.
Q: Well, your name’s on the poster so you definitely made the cut.
Posey: Yeah (laughs). I only got 20 pages of the script that my character’s in.
Q: You were talking a minute ago about big-budget movies, but you’ve had your experience with them, specifically with Superman Returns. What was your experience on that set?
Posey: It was great. We were in Australia for two months and Bryan [Singer] is very talented.
Q: And it was also one of the biggest superhero films made at a time when they weren’t as mass produced as they are now. Would you want to do another comic book movie now?
Posey: Absolutely. I love working with great actors.
Q: Regardless of budget.
Posey: Yes, regardless of budget.
Q: Which of your movies are you surprised fans remember the most?
Posey: The Christopher Guest movies, Dazed and Confused, the Hal Hartley movies, Blade and Party Girl. Party Girl has lasted.
Q: That was one of the original Sundance hits way back in the day.
Posey: I know! It was a midnight movie.
Q: You’re answering a lot of questions on this press tour, is there one question you wish would go away?
Posey: That question! (laughs) No, but seriously when Time magazine calls you “Queen of the Indies” and everyone is asking you about it, I don’t know how to answer that. It’s not like when I wake up my neighbor says, “Hey, Indie Queen, do you want me to hold the elevator for you?” Although that would be funny.
Irrational Man is now playing in limited release.