Actor Joshua Close chatted about starring in the feature film “Monica” opposite Trace Lysette, and Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson.
‘Monica’ movie
On being a part of the movie “Monica,” he said, “It felt like an instant cine-family by way of Cincinnati. I think because of our belief in Andrea and his and Orlando’s script and the level of talent committing to project, the obstacles of making a low budget film on 35mm on an ambitious schedule fell by the wayside and brought us all close.”
“The intentions felt so pure,” he said. “The only ambition was to help make something honest and emotional. And also the way Andrea and Kate shot it felt so unobtrusive and unlike anything I’ve been a part of, which was exciting.”
Close continued, “I very much enjoyed the process and felt elevated by it. And working with these actors and crew and a director I’ve been a huge fan of for years and Patricia fucking Clarkson… I mean. It also felt important to get behind a trans actress as talented and invested as Trace is in a family drama like this. Important and exciting. Yeah. So short answer… it was a filmmaking experience that I’m constantly searching for.”
Stepping into the character of Paul
Close opened up about playing his character Paul. “What I most appreciated was his curiosity and lack of judgement,” he said.
” The easy version of Paul would have been to express his judgements and resentments rooted in his own feelings of abandonment and fear and he didn’t go there. Not in the way we’ve seen or expect or that feel trite and cowardly. His struggle felt far more evolved than that,” he elaborated.
He continued, “Paul tried to remain open and lead with his vulnerability and heart and to me, that’s real courage. So what I liked was how evolved he felt and his struggle to process his feelings in a real way, having never left home and his small town. He felt fresh and like ac rucial part of the main themes.”
Working with director Andrea Pallaoro
“Andrea did such a beautiful job crafting and guiding his journey with me,” he said. “Of course to work opposite Patricia, Trace, Emily and Adriana, and be shot by Kate… again, dream.”
“It made me want to rise up to another level and get as present as possible. That became my main task. Rid of any “acting choices” and just get fucking present. Which I loved the challenge of. Also, harder than it sounds,” Close explained.
Working with Trace Lysette and Patricia Clarkson
On working with both of these acclaimed performers, he said, “It was epic. Two gracious, curious, brave, insanely talented artists and humans. And they keep you on your goddamn toes.”
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, Close said, “I’m of two minds. And I’m a romantic, so I miss films more and more. What I liked so much about working for Andrea is that it felt like everything had to be so thought out and intentional because there was only so much film to shoot on. Those demands and pressures bring up interesting work I believe.”
“The more ahead we get in this tech age, the more I appreciate that way of making films. Also, aesthetically, it’s just so forgiving and, yeah, nothing compare,” he said.
“And to contradict myself, I love that more artists are getting a shot at making films and telling stories — important beautiful stories — on their phones and with less restrictions and less demands. Some of my favorites are on digital. I’m a big fan. And in terms of acting for film or digital, that doesn’t matter. It’s about the story, character, and director,” he explained.
Future plans
On his plans for the future, he disclosed, “Hopefully join forces with artists like the ones on Monica as well as making my own films and shows, which I’ve been doing. Hopefully another film with Andrea at some point, who knows. One of the joys and terrors of being an artist I guess…hard to make exact plans.”
“All I hope for is to keep making and supporting art that feels smart and grounded and thoughtful, whether it be funny or sad or, if it’s anything like life, all of the above. On a personal level… travel, paint, make a kid with my wife, try not eat so much sugar, don’t be an ass, stay interested,” he said.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he remarked, “All of them. Good, bad, ugly… it’s all defining. It’s really hard not to regret performances and efforts and choices but… it’s all defining and I’m better for it, I want to believe. Or I might say that the most defining moments of my career happened before my career even started. Who knows.”
“My love for this sort of life and craft stretches back to figuring out how to edit on VHS at home as well as through playing sports and learning about discipline and teamwork and vulnerability and failure. All of it leads to this,” he said.
Dream acting partners
On his dream acting partners, he shared, “I’m pretty sure he’s retired, but Gene Hackman is a favorite. I got to work with him in my first film, but Harrison Ford again. I didn’t know what I was doing, so be nice to revisit.”
“Meryl Steep, Cate Blanchett, Rachel Weisz, Leonardo DiCaprio and Joaquin Phoenix again, Paul Rudd, Denzel, Melissa McCarthy, Viola Davis, I mean… there are so many…Charlotte Rampling, Vincent Cassel, and Kate Winslet,” he revealed.
Success
On his definition of success, he said, “I think there are many ways to succeed. Getting out of bed and facing the day is a success. Nurturing a positive outlook is a success. Protecting your joy and having faith in yourself. These are successes to me.”
“Then financially, it’s not simply buying big houses and fancy cars, I’ve met some deeply miserable pricks in giant houses all to themselves and do not consider them a success story… it’s the ones who have maintained a strong sense of self and family and have provided,” he said.
“Creatively, the ultimate success is choosing projects and directors, but again, even being able to call this a career and go to work with some artists you respect and admire… that’s a huge success. Success is something that Instagram lies about constantly, so don’t believe it, and something that you need to define for yourself,” he said.
Closing thoughts on ‘Monica’
For viewers, he concluded about “Monica,” “Turn off your phones and… a reminder that we all have a family and complications and…we’re all connected this way. I think Patti said it in an interview and I love it, but your child is your child. I loved that. I just hope you can give this one some undivided attention. I promise it’s worth it…whatever you take.”
To learn more about actor Joshua Close, follow him on Instagram and check out his IMDb page.
Read More: ‘Monica,’ starring Patricia Clarkson and Trace Lysette, is a film by Andrea Pallaoro
