Glenn Close, renowned for her role in Fatal Attraction, recently discussed her decision to appear nude in her latest film, The Summer Book.
The film is an adaptation of Tove Jansson’s 1972 novel and features Close as a character named Grandmother, alongside Emily Matthews’ Sophia.
In a conversation with AARP’s Movies for Grownups prior to the film’s release, the 78-year-old actress revealed that the idea to appear nude was hers. She felt that the character of Grandmother would naturally be comfortable in her own skin.
Close’s previous on-screen nudity occurred in the 1987 thriller Fatal Attraction, and earlier in the 1983 film The Big Chill.
Discussing the cultural context, Close mentioned, “In Finland, they’re much more used to nakedness than we are.”
In one of the scenes, her character confidently walks through a forest without clothing.
Close expressed, “I didn’t want to put my clothes back on. It felt so good.”
The film’s synopsis explains: “Nine-year-old Sophia spends the summers at her family’s seasonal home on a tranquil isle in the Gulf of Finland, but this will be the first summer without her mother. Her father remains numbed by grief while her grandmother guides her on a giddy, winding path towards young adulthood in a delicate account of growing up and growing old.”
Close also shared her experience of becoming a grandmother for the first time in real life.
Her daughter, Annie Starke, and husband, Marc Albu, welcomed their son Rory Westaway Albu in February.
“I now have a little grandson. He’s almost seven months old. And I’m very aware of my role as grandmother. I’m very proud of it, and I love spending time with him,” Close mentioned to the publication.
About their life in Montana, Close highlighted that the family is there so Rory can be raised in natural surroundings.
“He’ll know that property like the back of his hand, and he’ll know the changing of the seasons. He’ll know how things grow. He’ll get respect for wildlife, he’ll build his secret places and it will sustain him through life, as my childhood did, my early childhood running around the Connecticut countryside,” Close stated.
Earlier this year, Close appeared on Drew Barrymore’s talk show, where she was asked about her love life following her divorce from David Shaw ten years ago.
When Barrymore inquired about any new relationships, Close candidly responded ‘no’.
Barrymore related to Close’s situation, but the actress explained that she wasn’t particularly concerned about it.
“I don’t know, I’m always up for anything but I am very happy right now,” Close remarked.
Barrymore further questioned if Close had considered trying dating apps.
Close humorously replied, “Are you crazy?!” admitting she was ‘too shy’ for such platforms.