Debonair, glamorous, indisputably gifted, Kevin Kline had the world eating out of his hands one-and-a-half decade ago. He moved from comedy to drama with the elegance of a chameleon, and standout films like Sophie’s Choice and A Fish Called Wanda tell us how the 67 year old actor is capable of almost anything. Decades into the filmdom haven’t been able to diminish the brightness. From playing the brutal charmer in Sophie’s Choice, the actor has been a long-time collaborator of Meryl Streep. In Jonathan Demme’s Ricki and the Flash, he is playing Ricki’s (played by Meryl Streep) ex-husband.
Here are some excerpts from The Quint’s exclusive chat with Kline-
Q: How much of your decision to make this film was about reuniting with Meryl?
Kevin Kline: I have always loved working with Meryl, both on stage and on film. Most recently we played Romeo and Juliet opposite each other in a staged reading for the NY Shakespeare Festival, (where we had previously done The Seagull and Mother Courage). That was definitely a highlight for me in our long working relationship. In addition, with this movie, I have always wanted to work with (director) Jonathan Demme. And, of course, I liked the script. It was an original, unusual story, told with honesty and humour.
Q: Tell us about the scene where Meryl plays the guitar and sings to you...
KK: Well, being stoned on grass renders this usually tightly-wound and guarded guy, vulnerable and disinhibited on several levels, and he begins experiencing everything on a more sensual level, like Ricki’s music, the dog, and, ultimately, Ricki. Jonathan allowed the scene to extend a little beyond what was scripted.
Q: When making Ricki and the Flash, what sort of dynamic did you see between Meryl and her real-life daughter, Mamie?
KK: It looked like a regular professional working relationship. Meryl was certainly not telling anyone how to do their job, except of course me, but I’m used to it.
Q: Sophie’s Choice is a film underpinned by terrible tragedy but did you and Meryl have a lot of fun during your scenes together?
KK: It was tremendous fun, thanks to Meryl, Peter MacNicol, Alan Pakula, and the extraordinary story. Alan’s process on that film spoiled me for life. There was such love, such respect for the actors’ needs, such trust and collaboration. We all cared for each other and wanted to bring out the best from one another.
Q: What did you think of Meryl’s musical talents in Ricki and the Flash?
KK: Before I began shooting, I slipped in to watch them film one of the bar scenes where the band is playing. It was Meryl and some of the best rock musicians in the business, so naturally I was curious. It was simply amazing. Meryl is so completely musically and vocally gifted, she can do anything she wants. And if it is something new she will do whatever arduous work is necessary to master whatever it is. Well, I saw pretty quickly that the band had certainly found its groove, playing as if they’d all been together for years and still loving it. It was all there: the relish, the camaraderie, the genuine love of the music and each other. As the actor playing her ex-husband I got to see that day what my character is not privileged to see in any of his scenes in the movie, except perhaps the last - Ricki has found her new family and she loves them, and is loved by them. Also, as her ex-husband, I was very jealous of Rick Springfield- for a number of reasons, not the least of which was his talent. No one that good-looking should be able to play the guitar that well, as well as sing. And act!
(The writer is a journalist and a screenwriter who believes in the insanity of words, in print or otherwise. Follow him on Twitter: @RanjibMazumder)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)