In a revealing career retrospective, actress Uma Thurman shared a memorable and formative experience from the set of the 1988 period drama "Dangerous Liaisons." Thurman, who portrayed the innocent Cecile de Volanges, confessed to feeling like a novice and a "bad actress" amidst a cast of seasoned professionals.
A Moment of Vulnerability on Set
During an appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show," Thurman recounted the intense pressure she felt while working under director Stephen Frears. Surrounded by what she described as "consummate" thespians, including co-star Glenn Close, Thurman admitted to grappling with significant self-doubt. She revealed that she was actively trying to "create emotion" and "work through my shame," all while internally acknowledging, "I know I'm not good at this and I'm trying so hard."
The Pivotal Conversation with Glenn Close
Ultimately, Thurman decided to approach Close, who played the cunning Marquise de Merteuil, for guidance. "So I said, 'Do you have any advice?'" Thurman remembered. Close, adorned in her character's elegant costume, responded with a simple yet profound directive: "Try less hard."
Thurman delivered her impression of Close's imperious, no-nonsense tone before laughing at the memory. "And I was like, 'She's telling me the truth,'" Thurman reflected, acknowledging the blunt wisdom in the advice.
From Nervous Novice to Acclaimed Actress
This candid exchange occurred early in Thurman's career, long before her Oscar-nominated performance in "Pulp Fiction" solidified her status as a Hollywood heavyweight. Thurman has since continued to build an impressive filmography, most recently starring in the ballerina thriller "Pretty Lethal."
The story underscores the often-unseen moments of mentorship and vulnerability that occur behind the scenes in filmmaking. Close's succinct advice not only provided immediate relief to a struggling young actress but also offered a lasting lesson on the balance between effort and authenticity in performance.
