GILLIAN ME SOFTLY.

...an open letter to Gillian Anderson

 
 

Dear Ms. Gillian,

As a rule, I’m not generous with my praise. I have never written anyone a “fan letter” before, nor would I do so now without just cause.

There are a number of fine actresses in theatre and cinema today, some finer than others, whose work I’ve enjoyed and/or admired. However, I must tell you, my dear Ms. Gillian, that you transcended “enjoyable” a long time ago. Following your career over the past 15 or so years, beginning with your long stint on X-Files, and extending to roles in House of Mirth, The Mighty (what a piece of work!!) and, most notably, Bleak House, has been a rich and rewarding experience for this observer. More than that, it’s been a revelation. I say this, not as a star-struck fan, but as a veteran of the stage, who can experience and appreciate your artistry in ways and for reasons that may elude the casual viewer. What’s more, my wife, who also loves theatre and recognizes quality (she chose me), shares these sentiments.

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The two of us never tire of savouring and discussing your work on the X-Files series (which we’ve taped virtually in it’s entirety). The depth and emotional range you brought to the role of Dana Scully, the intelligence, the passion, the wit, the subtlety, the amazing restraint and sense of proportion you exercised in working the character’s stops and making her real: these were just some of the qualities that made, and continue to make, this person so compelling to watch and re-discover.

(And did I mention the humour? There's that priceless scene in Vegas, when Scully’s higher brain functions have been temporarily erased—the one and only time we ever see the sober, ultra-sensible agent become goofy and intoxicated—is a comic masterpiece! My wife and I go into spasms of delight every time we watch it. Your penchant for comedy may be one of your best kept secrets.)

What impresses us the most is watching Scully’s growth, and Gillian’s, over a nine-year period. She is a living textbook in long-term character development. Nothing about the character is ever forced, pretentious or overdone. It is/was a portrayal distinguished as much by what you held back as by what you unveiled. And that, in my book, is a mark of greatness. Anyone who might have thought you were wasted on that show, or who failed to appreciate the extraordinary artistry you brought to your role, missed “The Truth” altogether.

And yet, much as I value your work on the series, I do understand how important it is for you, as a serious actress, to put Scully behind you and move on to more challenging and/or diverse assignments.
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(Thankfully, you had begun doing that even before the series concluded.) Any viewer with eyes could see that you had more to offer than this one television role, albeit exceptional, could possibly offer you. I admire you for having the artistic chutzpah to expand your repertoire, rather than allowing yourself to be seduced by popularity, or by the security of another long-term commitment on American prime time.

I've recently watched House of Mirth again, perhaps for the fifth or sixth time. It’s a film that continues to grow on me everytime I see it. The life you bring to the role of Lily Bart so infects this viewer from the moment you first appear on screen, and keeps him riveted until the very last frame(s) of the movie. Your performance is deep, intoxicating, exquisitely nuanced, a joy to savor. And it haunts me long after the film has ended. Of all the excellent work I’ve seen you do outside The X-Files, I must tell you that House of Mirth (2000) and Bleak House (2005) represent what I believe to be your two most significant achievements to date.

...Which brings me to topic of Lady Dedlock. I’ve neither the space nor the eloquence to critique your performance in Bleak House. Suffice it to say, it exceeded all expectations. Whether or not critics and audiences, or your colleagues in the industry, will eventually acknowledge you as one of THE leading actresses of your day, only time will tell. You are still young, and there are so many rewarding places your talent has yet to take you. “Greatness” is not a term to be tossed around thoughtlessly. However, on the strength of what I have seen of you thus far, I do feel that there is greatness in you. And if any one experience could have driven that conviction home for me, it was savoring your performance as Lady Dedlock.

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I hope you won’t grow weary of strangers like me praising your talents. The ability to move and entertain people worlds away, whom you have never met—to touch, to inspire, to enrich their lives in such a personal way—is truly a gift, and a privilege. Whatever you do, please don’t ever take that gift lightly. Nor cease striving for the caliber of excellence you brought to House of Mirth and Bleak House. I realize that standout, high-quality showpieces like these may be rare and difficult to land, what with the blizzard of mediocrity circulating through the entertainment industry today. However, I want to believe that the exceptional parts are “out there.” And that you, being the exceptional actress you’ve shown yourself to be, will recognize them when you spot them, and make them your own.

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My only complaint is there haven't been nearly enough opportunities to view your work. Your films are spaced too far apart, and not every film you've done lately made the best use of your talents. Still, in nearly every dramatic incaration we’ve witnessed thus far, including some less prominent roles, we discover yet another facet of your talent. Not to mention the fact that some of your best work has probably been on the British stage, which leaves people like me out of the loop.

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There are so many great classical and literary heroines I’d love to see you portray. How would you feel about tackling the Bard someday? I think you would be smashing as Lady MacBeth. Or Gertrude in Hamlet. Or Kate in Taming of the Shrew. How about one of Chekhov's plays? I’m thinking: Masha in The Three Sisters—although you’re the only actress who, depending on the relative ages of the cast, has the range and versatility to play any of the sisters, AND be convincing. What say you to Tennessee Williams? Have you considered playing Maggie in Cat? Or Blanche in Streetcar? ....

I can't tell you how excited I was to learn that you'd be be playing Nora in A Doll's House this Spring. I think she's a perfect vehicle for you. Unfortunately, there's no way I can afford to see that production. Not unless I hijack a plane to London and sneak in through the backstage door of the theater.

So, for the sake of us poor, theatre-loving blokes here in the Colonies (and elsewhere) who cannot come to you, I'd like to propose the following:

Might it be possible for you, in future, to bring your stage work here to us? By that I mean, could you arrange (work it into your contract) to have your live performances from hereon recorded for posterity, marketed, AND distributed in a DVD format that is compatible with the playback technology in North America? It was years before your film, The Mighty Celt, was finally released here in the States. Were it not for the furor of excitement over the new X-Files II movie, which was due out around the same time, commericial interest in Celt would probably have remained dormant, and fans on this side of the ocean might never had the opportunity to see you in this little gem..

...

Please know that my purpose in writing you is not to flatter, but to encourage you in your career. In an age when so many second rate entertainers are remembered mainly for the wealth and popularity they grab for themselves, I say that you, Ms. Gillian, will be the more highly regarded for the richness your acting has brought to others. It is most critical, therefore, what types of acting assignments you accept or decline from hereon, more so than for an artist without your capabilities. Yours is a career “less ordinary.” I prithee, choose your roles wisely.

It’s been a pleasure, and an adventure, making your acquaintance. Here’s wishing you the best in all your endeavors.

......Bravissima!...................................................................................................................................................................

   

And the response.../

Dear Ted and Jann,

Thank you so, so much for your continuing support and your kind, kind words. Bless you both.

Gilliancontin
ZZZZZ

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