Dear Catherine:
I’ve never written a fan letter– so think of this as a “friend” letter– because after seeing many of your films, that’s how I think of you.
As someone I’d like to know.
How could anyone NOT like you?
As usual, you were wonderful in your latest film—Please Give.
So was the rest of the cast.
I liked the film, but didn’t LOVE it— if you really want me to be honest.
And I know you would—because you’re so honest and real.
Whether you’re playing a Yuppie or a hippie or Harper Lee, I believe every word, every gesture.
You never hit a false note. You even look authentic.
Like in a movie sometimes when you have no makeup on—- if I squint a LOT little— you look like me when I wake up in the morning (after you subtract a few inches in height and add on a few wrinkles and LOTS of a few pounds.)
Actually…..I should be as honest as you are.
So strike that.
You look nothing like me in the morning or any other time– even though I wish you did.
But you do look like a real person would look in real life.
Your real life is a total mystery to me–what you think or who you wear or where you wear it.
You’re that rare actress who stays under the radar— which makes me like you even more even though I would hate you for being so thin.
And since I’m being honest here, I have to confess one last thing.
You know all those nice things I said about you that I think must be true about you?
Well, Duh.
You’re an actress; that’s your job.
And did I mention: you’re really, really good at it?
Honest.
Since she is your new bff, you should know that it appears from the interviews I have seen with Spike Jonze, her close friends call her just “Keener,” which I consider futher evidence of her extreme coolness.
Thank you! You’re right; she’s even cooler than I thought. Guess I should address all future fan letters to “Keener.”
she’s married to someone interesting – trying to think who it is (or was) guess that if I’m interested I’ll google. Agree about Please Give – a nice character study – love all the actors, but I wasn’t taken away by it. And doesn’t she seem like someone from Big Sur that we would know?
I loved this. 🙂
Your comment got ME to Google her, in case you didn’t. FYI, she WAS married to Dermot Mulroney and I also learned she comes from Miami—like me.
Which makes her seem even more familiar. Because she seems like someone we’d know from Big Sur–and she also seems like someone you’d know from Manhattan or Wisconsin. Not just someone you’d know—someone you’d want to know.
PS I’m sounding a little gushy—but reading about her and some of her quotes made me like her even MORE.
Another Keener fan–thank u for commenting.
I love her, too. She seemed to just pop up out of nowhere until Being John Malkovich, thought she was awesome then and always wondered why I hadn’t seen her before. Get this, last night…Seinfeld rerun….yes, Jerry’s love interest and she has red lipstick on! Too weird!
Pollack, while you are right and Keener is hip and chill, you are completely underestimating your own wit, inherent cool chickness, and everybody’s favorite friend quality that you exude. Take a look in the mirror sister, you’re cooler than Keener. Just saying.
She’s on Seinfeld? Will have to check that out. Did everybody pass thru Jerry’s apt?
I had the same feeling; suddenly now she seems to be in a new movie every few weeks.
Hey Cosmero—thanks for the comment. Very funny. You’re pretty cool yourself.
PS. Why do I have this feeling our kids would say using the word “cool” proves how UN-cool we are.
I would say this to our children: “It’s retro, I’m bringing it back.” And if they aren’t careful I will resurrect groovy as well, and use it in front of their friends.
Cosmero– you really are funny.
I’m so retro, I’m resigned to it—and recklessly use words I’m positive are very un-“hip” (synonym for un-groovy.)
Sounds as if you’ve learned what we all get by some point–the main purpose of a parent is to embarrass your children.