Kevin Spacey: Power, Controversy, Betrayal, Truth & Love in Film and Life | Lex Fridman Podcast #432

Added: Jun 6, 2024

Working With David Fincher

Working with Director David Fincher, known for his meticulous attention to detail and numerous takes, Spacey explains how Fincher pushes actors to do less and focus on delivering lines with speed and clarity. He shares an anecdote about Jack Lemmon's experience with a director who encouraged him to do less in a scene, highlighting the importance of stripping away unnecessary elements in acting.

Improvisation

Spacey delves into the significance of improvisation in the rehearsal process, where actors can explore different interpretations of a scene and discover new nuances in their characters. He emphasizes the value of asking questions and working backwards to uncover deeper meanings in the text.

Performing vs Acting

The actor reflects on the distinction between being a performer and an actor, with performers focusing on entertaining and winning over audiences, while actors prioritize serving the writing and portraying characters authentically. Spacey shares his approach to staying true to the text while also finding room for improvisation to keep performances fresh and engaging.

Live Performances

Discussing his experience in theater, Spacey highlights the dynamic nature of live performances, where actors have the opportunity to grow and improve with each show. He contrasts the frozen nature of film performances with the ever-evolving nature of theater, where actors can continue to refine their craft throughout a production's run.

Collaboration with Sam Mendes

The conversation shifts to Spacey's collaboration with director Sam Mendes on staging "Richard III," a play by William Shakespeare. The actor discusses the camaraderie and bond that theater creates among the cast and crew, emphasizing the trust and openness required to take risks and explore different interpretations of the text. He reflects on the family-like atmosphere of a theater production and the sadness that comes with saying goodbye at the end of a run.

The Power of Mentorship

Spacey reflects on the influence of Jack Lemmon in his career, recounting how Lemmon's words of encouragement during a chance encounter when Spacey was just 13 years old stayed with him and ultimately led to opportunities to work together. He credits Lemmon with being a mentor and a father figure, guiding him through various projects and providing valuable advice and support.

The Art of Acting

Spacey delves into the nuances of acting, discussing the concept of improvisation and its role in helping actors explore their characters. While he acknowledges the value of improv, particularly in comedy, he emphasizes the importance of serving the writer's words and staying true to the script. He also shares insights into his approach to character development, highlighting the need for honesty and authenticity in portraying complex emotions and experiences on screen.

The Evolution of a Character

Spacey delves into his role as Lester Burnham in the film "American Beauty," discussing the challenges and rewards of portraying a character who undergoes a transformation throughout the story. He reveals the behind-the-scenes process of reshooting the first two days of filming to ensure the quality of the performance and shares anecdotes about working with director Sam Mendes to capture the essence of Lester's journey.

The Intersection of Comedy and Tragedy

Spacey explores the interplay between comedy and tragedy in acting, drawing parallels between the two genres and highlighting the importance of finding humor in dark or challenging situations. He shares examples from his own work, including the use of humor to navigate dramatic scenes and bring depth to characters.

The Collaborative Nature of Acting

Spacey reflects on the collaborative nature of acting, emphasizing the importance of the dynamic between actors in creating compelling performances. He discusses his experiences working with co-stars like Annette Bening in "American Beauty," highlighting the chemistry and rapport that can elevate a scene.

The Notion of Beauty

Spacey reflects on the notion of beauty in the film "American Beauty," emphasizing the importance of appreciating the simple things in life and taking the time to look closer at the beauty that surrounds us. He shares an anecdote about a bulletin board on set that had a piece of paper saying "look closer," which became a central theme of the movie. He also discusses mortality and how facing his own fears has led him to a place of acceptance and resolution.

Accountability and Allegations

The conversation then shifts to the allegations of sexual misconduct that led to Spacey being "cancelled" by the public and the entertainment industry. Spacey addresses the accusations against him, clarifying that he was acquitted and found not guilty in both criminal and civil trials. He acknowledges that he made mistakes and crossed boundaries in his interactions with others, expressing regret for any harm he may have caused. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for his actions and seeking forgiveness from those he may have hurt.

Fear of Death and Personal Growth

Spacey opens up about his fear of death, particularly during a low point in his life in 2017. He reflects on the process of personal growth and self-discovery, highlighting the importance of resolving past issues and striving to live a fulfilling life. He shares insights into his journey of introspection and learning from his mistakes, expressing a desire to be a better version of himself.

Dark Times and Betrayal

The podcast delves into the dark period in Spacey's life when he faced public scrutiny and backlash following the allegations against him. He discusses the challenges of navigating betrayal and the impact it has had on his personal and professional life. He reflects on the complexities of relationships and the difficulty of discerning genuine connections from opportunistic motives in the entertainment industry.

Character Development and Performance

Spacey shares insights into his approach to portraying complex characters like Frank Underwood in "House of Cards" and Richard III on stage. He discusses the technique of direct address in Shakespearean plays and how it influenced his performance as Frank Underwood. He highlights the importance of rhythm and accent in delivering lines effectively and engaging the audience. He also touches on the comedic aspects of his characters and the balance between darkness and humor in his performances.

Public Perception and Support

The conversation touches on the public perception of Spacey and the challenges he has faced in regaining trust and support. He acknowledges the fear and reluctance of individuals to speak out in his defense publicly, citing the current climate of cancel culture and the repercussions of standing up for someone who has been accused of misconduct. He expresses gratitude for the private support he has received from colleagues and friends, despite their hesitance to publicly show support.

Personal Reflection

In a moment of introspection, Spacey reflects on his journey of self-discovery and personal growth. He acknowledges the mistakes he has made and the impact they have had on others, expressing a genuine desire to learn from his past behavior and strive to be a better person. He shares his regrets about not coming out as gay sooner and the challenges of living authentically in the public eye.

House of Cards and Working with David Fincher

Spacey reflects on his time working on House of Cards, highlighting the influence of director David Fincher on the show's visual style and overall tone. He credits Fincher with setting the foundation for the series and creating a consistent atmosphere that carried through subsequent seasons. He praises Fincher's attention to detail and his ability to maintain a cohesive vision for the show. He also discusses the challenges of navigating creative control as the series progressed and Netflix became more involved in decision-making.

Battles with Executives and Maintaining Creative Integrity

Spacey shares anecdotes about his experiences dealing with network executives and pushing back against decisions that he felt compromised the quality of the show. He recounts instances where he had to advocate for certain creative choices, such as the absence of music in a particular scene, to preserve the intended impact. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining creative integrity and staying true to the original vision of the series, even in the face of external pressures.

Portraying Dark and Complex Characters

Throughout his career, Spacey has portrayed a range of characters, many of whom are morally ambiguous or deeply flawed. He discusses his approach to playing such roles, emphasizing the need to empathize with the characters rather than passing judgment on them. He explains that he strives to understand the motivations and complexities of each character he portrays, allowing him to inhabit their mindset and bring depth to his performances. He acknowledges the transformative power of embodying different perspectives and the importance of empathy in portraying complex characters.

Personal Reflections on Family and Legacy

Spacey delves into personal experiences from his childhood, including his complicated relationship with his parents. He shares insights into his father's transformation into a white supremacist and the impact it had on his upbringing. He reflects on the absence of love and protection in his early years, highlighting the role of theater and creative pursuits in providing an escape from his family dynamics. He expresses a desire for forgiveness and redemption, emphasizing the importance of growth and self-discovery in shaping his legacy as both an actor and a human being.

Future Aspirations and Oscar-Worthy Performances

Looking ahead, Spacey expresses a sense of ongoing growth and exploration in his career, stating that he believes his best performance is yet to come. He discusses the concept of redemption and the potential for second chances in the entertainment industry, noting the importance of forgiveness and understanding in allowing individuals to move forward. He expresses confidence in his ability to deliver another Oscar-worthy performance, referencing past wins and his desire to continue challenging himself as an actor.