OLDER CAN FINALLY MEAN SAVVIER AND SEXIER Frank J. Avella Talks to Glenn Close and Holly Hunter

Glenn Close and Holly Hunter are among a number of fantastic actresses over forty who manage to work fairly consistently in both studio and indie films. Not surprisingly, most of their best work, of late, can be seen onscreen in independent features. Close recently gave one of the best performances of her career in Chris Terrio’s wonderful Heights and Hunter deservedly received her fourth Oscar nomination last year for Catherine Hardwicke’s gritty 13. This month they, along with a slew of other terrific women, can be seen in Rodrigo Garcia’s Nine Lives.

Close, Hunter and Garcia were recently in Manhattan discussing the film, their careers, the craft and “lolling.”

Both Close and Hunter have worked with Garcia before on Things You Can Tell Just By Looking at Her and both would quickly work with him again.

Garcia began his career as a cinematographer and just recently took to writing and directing. His ease with the camera seems to fuel the confidence his actors have in him as helmer. “Knowing where to put the camera is of supreme importance,” Close shares, “And Rodrigo has that great sense.”

A seemingly calm and pleasant fellow, Garcia always writes with someone in mind and tailored many of the Nine Lives parts for specific actors. “The brilliance of Rodrigo’s writing is that it’s very spare,” Close muses. “It leaves a lot up to the actor.”

Each actor had just one day to rehearse and one day to shoot their respective segments in the film. Both Close and Hunter have theatre backgrounds, yet had very different reactions to this method. Close was quite comfortable with it and enjoyed “following the arc.” Hunter, on the other hand, found it more difficult and “embraced (the process) under duress.” She enjoys the luxury of time to “loll” in her character.

While “lolling” is something Holly Hunter feels very strongly about, she has complete trust in Garcia. “Rodrigo’s very comfortable on a movie set and with how things develop.”

Hunter was originally offered another story but chose the character of Sonia and her saga instead. “I found her vivacious and enjoyed her playful, child-like persona.”

Close and Hunter each wax about the craft with remarkable intelligence, savviness and perspicacity and their respective longevities in the business are a testament to their smarts.

After being asked about the availability of good parts for women of ‘a certain age,’ Hunter offers: “There are not enough women’s roles out there period. However, I have experienced some kind of Renaissance...I’ve entered this phase of having more offers.” She then paused as if to realize her luck and count her blessings.

Neither she nor Close need pause and count their blessings.

Film lovers, on the other hand, should.