In ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams,’ Blythe Danner plays a widow embracing new experiences.
Blythe Danner is running behind schedule.
All of a sudden, people want to talk to me, Danner says with a laugh.
Credit: Adam James
Its a very unique situation.
Thats because in her fifth decade as an actress, Danner has finally become a leading lady.
I think one of the good things about living this long is that its all fodder.
Its all grist for the mill.
I love the fact that Carol tells it as she sees it, says Danner.
Its liberating to play someone like that.
you’re free to be snarky and pull it off.
But unlike her Oscar-winning daughter,Gwyneth Paltrow, Danner never wanted to be a movie star.
In fact, she sought out ensemble films to avoid the attention of a lead role.
I used to be very self-conscious, she says.
Ive always felt much more comfortable in company situations, and thats how I began.
I always wanted to be a good actress working with great people and doing work I wasnt ashamed of.
Age, she says, has freed her of some old insecurities.
That was actually my first
love, she says.
I wanted to sing jazz more than I wanted to act.
After Bruce died, I thought, Oh God, what now?
But Im motivated to keep myself open to possibilities.
I dont want to close in.
And retirement from acting is definitely not in the cards.
As long as Ive got the energy, I would love to keep it up, she says.
Im very fulfilled at the moment.
This particular movie has been… an unexpected present.
