'Lear' is king for Shakespearean actor
Time for five questions with stage actor Colm Feore, from the movies "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," "Thor," "The Changeling," plus the TV shows "24" and "Slings and Arrows." and most recently as the Dollmaker on "Gotham."
Feore dropped by Chicago to promote his title role in the special broadcast of William Shakespeare's "King Lear" tonight, Feb. 25, at selected local theaters. The production was shot on the impressive thrust stage at Canada's Stratford Festival, which intends to broadcast all of Shakespeare's plays during the next decade.
Q. What is it about King Lear that attracts you?
A. He is so magnificently human and flawed. We can see some of the worst parts of ourselves in him. As he discovers how to be a better person, we do, too. I find that very attractive.
Q. What do you know now at 56 that you wouldn't have known had you played Lear 20 years ago?
A. That's a very good question and I've never been asked that! I have three children, the youngest is now 18. Had I played Lear 20 years ago, she wouldn't be here. I would not have been able to access the kind of really instant and honest response to this kind of family drama.
I wouldn't have the experience of fighting to get these kids to where they are now. That investment in my future, in my immortality, I couldn't even have dreamed of that 20 years ago. Now I realize the clock is ticking and that they are my legacy. It changed the way I act. It changed everything.
Q. You and the cast create "King Lear" as a robust stage event. What's the secret?
A. Shakespeare's not easy. You have to struggle to grasp it. Then you have to make it look effortless. When you're dealing with someone like King Lear, any false note and the audience falls asleep. That pretty much kept the pressure on all of us through the whole run.
Q. How was performing "Lear" for cameras different from acting for the stage?
A. For a regular audience, if you have an off performance you just come back and do it better the next night. This (movie) is forever. because some of the audience members are holding cameras.
This is a hybrid show. Stage is all about sending the message out over the footlights. Cinema is all about allowing the camera to see your thoughts. We had to strive to achieve that balance.
Q. Do you have any weird quirks or good luck charms?
A. I have always carried a copy of Shakespeare's plays in my bag on every set I've worked on, no matter where in the world I was. Why? Just to keep the skill set polished. Like playing the scales of Bach. You've got to practice Shakespeare every day, or you lose the ability to do it.
Note: "King Lear" plays at 7 p.m. today at the Lincolnshire 21, the Addison 21, the Cinemark Woodridge, the Cinemark Evanston and Niles 12. See stratfordfestivalhd.com for other venues.