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Scott Glenn redefines action at 85 in ‘Eugene the Marine’
An unexpected partnership
Scott Glenn, now 85 years old, found an unexpected co-star in comedian Jim Gaffigan during the filming of the action-thriller ‘Eugene the Marine’. Glenn’s years of experience shine as he meticulously modified a stunt involving Gaffigan to ensure safety without compromising realism. “All I was concerned with was making the scene physically as real as possible, but also as safe as possible,” Glenn explains. His commitment to safety underscored his professionalism, ensuring that even a technique as dangerous as a ‘naked choke’ did not inadvertently harm his co-star.
Reflecting on a legendary career
Scott Glenn’s career spans decades, with memorable roles in classic films like “Nashville” (1975), “Apocalypse Now” (1979), “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), and “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). Yet, his latest role in ‘Eugene the Marine’ harkens back to his early years. Before his Hollywood fame, Glenn served in the United States Marine Corps, a history that director Hank Bedford only realized after casting him as Gene Lee Grady, a lonely military man mourning his late wife.
A collaborative journey with Hank Bedford
Hank Bedford encouraged Glenn to bring his unique touch to the character. “I realized he was going to let me do pretty much anything I wanted with the character,” says Glenn, adding that Bedford’s unpredictable, painterly vision of the film enticed him to dive into the role wholeheartedly.
Glenn recounts walking onto set, where aspects of his real life were intertwined with his character’s decor. Wedding pictures of Glenn and his real-life wife, Carol, were used in the set decoration, creating a profound sense of reflection. For Glenn, it felt like his life had looped back on itself.
The path from Marine to actor
Glenn’s journey to acting was unconventional. After the Marines, he initially became a reporter, aiming to be a writer. However, he found dialogue challenging and turned to acting classes to become more naturalistic. This pivot led him to booking theatrical productions, TV spots, and, by 1970, films, launching a sturdy acting career.
“I’m still learning about how to be an actor,” Glenn admits. “But what gives a performance its juice, its magic, is its degree of spontaneity. The more you can be really in the now, the more electricity in what you’re doing.”
‘Eugene the Marine’: A film set to captivate
‘Eugene the Marine’, co-written and directed by Hank Bedford, positions Glenn as Gene Lee Grady. As Grady attempts to open up his life to new relationships, dark, violent secrets from his past emerge. This film, with its clever and shocking twists, sees Glenn in full reluctant hero mode.
The cast includes Shioli Kutsuna as a new friend, Annette O’Toole as a potential love interest, and Jim Gaffigan as a sleazy local realtor. The dynamic interplay between these characters forms the film’s core, with Glenn leading a varied and multi-generational cast.
Roles that push boundaries
Glenn is no stranger to roles that push him as an actor. Despite his age, he remains active and fit, defying the typical ageist narratives that often accompany older characters. “The last five parts I’ve been offered, three of them I had a walker… and I’m thinking, ‘I’m 85, I still work out, hike mountains, do ridiculous amounts of pushups and kettlebell swings,'” Glenn shares.
Films like ‘Eugene the Marine’ keep Glenn focused on the present while propelling him towards an unpredictable future. “My hope is that in the great unknown of my future, there’s a part I haven’t even thought about that’s going to be great,” he says. “My sense is that whatever really good and whatever really bad awaits me in the future is something I have no idea about right now.”
Collaborating with O’Toole and Gaffigan
Actress Annette O’Toole was thrilled to work with Glenn. “I so wanted to work with him all my life,” she reflects, noting a rare and immediate connection with Glenn on set. Their chemistry brought an authentic depth to their scenes together.
Jim Gaffigan appreciated the film’s exploration of different generations, from millennials to baby boomers. “Their flaws are possibly their strengths,” he observes, highlighting the film’s layered narrative.
The future looks bright for Scott Glenn
Director Hank Bedford praises Glenn’s collaborative spirit, noting that despite his extensive Hollywood history, Glenn approached the project with respect and a desire to enhance the script. “You’re making the movie better, and that’s it,” Bedford assured Glenn early on.
‘Eugene the Marine’ is currently seeking distribution, and Glenn’s fans are eagerly anticipating its release. Follow the latest updates on this film and other exciting projects by staying engaged with our content.
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