Keith Carradine Remembers His ‘Nashville’ and ‘Thieves Like Us’ Co-Star Shelley Duvall: ‘What You Saw on Screen, That’s Just Who She Was’

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the art of acting and the stories that unfold on the silver screen, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss upon hearing about the passing of Shelley Duvall. Her unique talent and unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on cinema history, especially in the 1970s and ’80s.

At a party in Houston where Robert Altman was filming “Brewster McCloud,” he met Shelley Duvall. As they grew fond of her, Altman strongly believed that Duvall would be ideal for portraying the quirky woman who develops feelings for Brewster. However, Duvall, who had previously worked as a cosmetics salesperson and nutrition student, was taken aback. “I’m not an actress,” she asserted. To this, Altman responded confidently, “You most certainly are.”

According to Keith Carradine, who frequently worked with both Altman and Duvall, that’s how he understood it. “I adore that tale,” Carradine shared. “It truly embodies the spirit of Robert Altman and Shelley Duvall.”

I was saddened to hear of Shelley Duvall’s passing on July 11, at the age of 75. Though she retired from Hollywood long ago, her legacy lives on through a rich and unforgettable body of work. I remember being absolutely terrified as her character in “The Shining,” wedged between Jack Nicholson’s menacing presence. And who could forget her quirky turns in films by the great Robert Altman, like “Nashville,” “3 Women,” and even “Popeye,” where she brought Olive Oyl to life opposite Robin Williams as the beloved sailor man? Her delicate portrayal of a woman in love with an escaped convict in “Thieves Like Us” during the Depression era, alongside Carradine, is a testament to her versatility and depth as an actress. Rest in peace, Shelley Duvall. Your performances continue to entertain and inspire us.

In “Thieves Like Us,” I was captivated by her just as my character was, Carradine recalls. Acting alongside her felt effortless, almost as if we weren’t performing at all. All I needed to do was stay focused and memorize my lines.

I, as a movie enthusiast, had the privilege of listening to Carradine recount his experiences working alongside Duvall and Altman. He expressed his awe at how this Texan woman with no formal training managed to create some of the most indelible on-screen personas during the 1970s and ’80s.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t recall the precise moment we crossed paths for the first time, but it must have been during the screening of “McCabe & Mrs. Miller.” In this film, her character, a mail-order bride, made an appearance at the brothel where I had some scenes. This experience was particularly intense for me as it was only my second feature. She too was new to the industry, having worked on “Brewster McCloud” with Bob. However, whenever our paths crossed, I was inexplicably captivated by her aura. Her unique physical features were captivating, with an off-center charm that exuded a hauntingly beautiful allure. But it wasn’t just her appearance; she possessed a remarkable personality that was quirky and utterly enchanting. The on-screen persona was a true reflection of who she was in real life.

But I really got to know her on “Thieves Like Us.“[“Nashville” and “Thieves Like Us” writer] Joan Tewkesbury and I exchanged texts over the last few days about Shelley’s passing and the sadness we felt. She was saying that on “Thieves Like Us” there was a magic between us that just worked. And I said to Joan, “It was all Shelley.” I mean, all I had to do was show up. She just radiated this natural energy. Bob Altman never auditioned someone. He would meet you, and based on that meeting, he would decide whether or not you were the person that was right to play the role. And he always liked to say it was all about behavior. Well, Shelley’s behavior was utterly authentic. There was never anything fake about her.

I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly remarkable directors in my career, but none quite like Bob. He was unlike any other director I’ve encountered, and his unique approach to acting left a profound impact on me.

In the film “3 Women,” I came across Shelley Duvall’s captivating performance after our collaboration. Her act left me speechless and left a lasting impression. Bob had astutely observed her unique talent early on and knew how to utilize it effectively. For Shelley, acting was an innate ability, devoid of any formal training. This raw, untaught skill made her all the more precious. Bob often reminded Shelley with his famous line, “Don’t ever take lessons.” And he proved to be spot on.

I have always been deeply moved by the authenticity and sincerity of Shelley’s acting. Her ability to fully embody a character, whether it be the complex and nuanced roles in “3 Women” or the outrageous and beloved character of Olive Oyl, was truly remarkable.

2024-07-18 15:17

Keith Carradine Remembers His ‘Nashville’ and ‘Thieves Like Us’ Co-Star Shelley Duvall: ‘What You Saw on Screen, That’s Just Who She Was’

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