Conversation with Kevin Spacey

Overview

Host: Lex Friedman
Guest: Kevin Spacey, two-time Oscar-winning actor
Key topics: Acting career, allegations and trials, perspectives on acting and character portrayal, reflections on personal experiences.

Achievements: Starred in "Seven", "The Usual Suspects", "American Beauty", "House of Cards"
Controversy: Allegations by Anthony Rapp in 1986, followed by civil lawsuits; Spacey acquitted of all charges
Podcast Principles: Empathy, backbone, due process, truth
Purpose: To explore Kevin Spacey’s life, work, and responses to allegations

Role of John Doe: Serial killer in "Seven"
- Spacey got the part after another actor was fired
- Recommended no billing to maintain surprise
- Compromise: first credit at movie's end
- Preparation: Decided to shave his head along with director David Fincher
Filming process:
- Limited time to develop character
- Fincher’s direction: do less, control, win
- Achieved terror through minimalist performance
Final scene in "Seven":
- Car ride scene: intense performance, dynamic with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman
- Highlights: subdueness in performance vs. Pitt’s intense reaction
- Importance of audience perception: feeling of control and terror

Directorial methods:
- Regularly calls for multiple takes to strip away acting pretense
- Aims for speed and natural delivery, discourages dramatic pauses
- Importance of timing, Clarity, and reducing indulgence in performances
- Example from Jack Lemmon's experience: Doing less until it naturally conveys truthfulness

Serving the writing:
- Views his role as serving the text/script to better serve his performance
- Success in acting: when audience views the character as a real person
Influence of notable actors:
- Inspired by Spencer Tracy, Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Heath Ledger
- Desire to bring authenticity and believability to characters

Improvisation:
- Helps to explore scenes in rehearsals and understand characters deeply
- Ensures performances remain fresh and different each night in theater
Similarities and differences between film and theater:
- Both require authenticity, but theater demands greater vocal and physical stamina
- Theater performances can evolve over time, unlike film which is "frozen"

Richard III and House of Cards:
- Direct address technique from Shakespeare’s plays applied to "House of Cards"
- Shared insights into character dynamics and manipulation
Impact of directors: Sam Mendes, Mike Nichols:
- Encouragement and guidance from directors in various projects
Collaboration with other actors:
- Valuable lessons from working with experienced actors, including Jack Lemmon

Upbringing and family influences:
- Early years: Felt neglected, Father’s transformation into a white supremacist
- Escape through theater and mentorship from Jack Lemmon
Handling past allegations:
- Admitted to crossing lines with inappropriate behavior but denied serious allegations
- Distinguishes between playful behavior and serious misconduct
- Emphasizes having addressed issues with those affected privately

Effect of allegations on career:
- Sudden cancellation and impact on "House of Cards"
- Reflects on industry dynamics, trust, and betrayal
- Highlights continued support and interactions with fans and industry colleagues
View on redemption and forgiveness:
- Open to redemption, seeks common sense and forgiveness
- Believes in moving forward and continuing to contribute through acting

Legacy and future aspirations:
- Hopes to be remembered as a dedicated actor and continue achieving great performances
- Remains focused on personal growth and future creative possibilities

Note: For more details, listen to additional interviews by Kevin Spacey with Dan Wooten and Allison Pearson.