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. Watching your
work over the past dozen or so years, beginning with
your long stint on X-Files,
and extending to your roles in House
of Mirth, The
Mighty (What a piece of work!!)
and, most recently, 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.
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, 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, the role of Scully so compelling to
watch and re-discover.
(And
did I mention the humour? I’ve got to tell you:
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.
.................................................................................
(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.
.............................................................................................................
In every dramatic incarnation we’ve witnessed
thus far, we’ve discovered yet another facet of
your talent. The more you reveal of yourself
(theatrically), the more you whet our appetites for
more. My only complaint is that there aren’t
more opportunities at this time to view your work.
The last several film projects you’ve completed
aren’t available yet, at least not here in the
States. Not to mention the fact that some of your
best work has probably been on the British stage,
which (most regrettably) leaves this impoverished,
stuck-at-home Yank out of the loop. Which finally
brings me around to the question (in this case, it
will be “questions”) I’d like to pose
to you. ...............................................................................
First
off: There are so many great classical and literary
heroines I’d love to see you portray. Is it true
that you’ve considered Ibsen's Hedda
Gabler? What a splendid vehicle
that would be for you! How do you feel about tackling
the Bard? I think you would be smashing as Lady
M—I mean, the “Scottish Queen.” Or
Gertrude in Hamlet. Or
Kate in Taming of the Shrew.
How about Chekhov? I’m thinking: Masha in The
Three Sisters—although I
must say that 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. And what say you of Tennessee
Williams? Certainly, you must have thought of playing
Maggie in Cat.
Or Blanche in Streetcar.
The wish list is long. This was but an excerpt.
.
Second: For the sake of those
of us poor, theatre-loving blokes here in the
Colonies (and elsewhere) who cannot come to
you...might it be possible for you, in future, to
bring your stage work here to us? By that, I mean,
could you arrange (use your clout, work it into your
contract) to have your next live engagement(s) taped
for posterity, marketed—AND distributed in a
recorded format (VHS or DVD) that is compatible with
the playback technology in North America?
That said, you can imagine how privileged I felt get
my hands on the complete (long awaited) DVD set of Bleak
House. What a treat! It was an
absolutely sterling production, all around. As for
Lady Dedlock...I’ve neither the space nor the
eloquence to critique your contribution to the role,
except to say that it exceeded all expectations...
............................................................................................................................... 
Whether critics and audiences, or your colleagues in
the industry, ever 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” isn’t a term to be tossed
around thoughtlessly. However, on the strength of
what I, personally, 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 watching Lady Dedlock.
My purpose in telling you this
is not to flatter you, but to point out how critical
it is what types of assignments you accept or decline
from hereon, far more so than it would be for an
artist without your credentials and unique
capabilities. Yours is a career “less
ordinary.” I prithee, choose your roles wisely.
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’s been a pleasure, and an adventure, making
your acquaintance. Thank you, and bravissima!
AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ......................
