Today I have the immense pleasure of welcoming a very special guest, actress Geraldine Turner, to CINEMATIC REVELATIONS for an interview. Geraldine has acted in several motion pictures over the years such as BREAK OF DAY, THE BOX, SUMMERFIELD, CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU [my review of the film can be found here] and THE WOG BOY. She has also been very active in theatre over the years, starring in many notable plays and musicals, winning awards for her acting. In this interview Geraldine will be discussing her role in CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU, acting, cinema, theatre, and receiving an Order of Australia for services to the performing arts.
Welcome to CINEMATIC REVELATIONS Geraldine!
Athan: When did you first realize that you wanted to be an actress?
Geraldine: When I was five.
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Athan: Where did you study acting?
Geraldine: I didn't really. I studied singing at Qld Conservatorium, then was in the first acting company of Qld Theatre Company in 1970, where I learned a great deal.
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Athan: Your performance as Vere in CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU was one of its most entertaining elements, but also had a serious, down-to-earth side that made Vere a fully rounded character. What it is that drew you to the part of Vere?
Geraldine: Just those things. It is quite difficult to pull off a larger than life character, whilst making her real and having dimension.
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Athan: CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU had a stellar ensemble cast including Robyn Nevin, Wendy Hughes, Peter Whitford, John Hargreaves, and Nicholas Gledhill. What was it like working with these performers?
Geraldine: Wonderful. It was a great company. Also that year, John, Robyn, Wendy and I did the Noel Coward play, "Present Laughter" at the Theatre Royal in Sydney for STC. I adored John. He always seemed to leap off the screen at you.
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Athan: What did you find most exciting about the experience of making CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU?
Geraldine: I am proud to be a part of that great resurgence of the Australian Film Industry during that period. The film holds up today.
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Athan: For you, what was the most demanding, but emotionally satisfying segment of filming CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU?
Geraldine: I think for me, the railway station scene … fabulous!
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Athan: Have you kept in contact with any cast members and crew from CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU?
Geraldine: Well, unfortunately, a lot of them are no longer with us. I see Robyn, as she lives near me, and I keep in touch with Nicholas Gledhill.
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Athan: CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU was directed by Carl Schultz, who also made diverse movies such as BLUE FIN, GOODBYE PARADISE, TRAVELING NORTH, and THE SEVENTH SIGN. What was it like being directed by Mr Schultz in CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU?
Geraldine: I loved working with Carl. He has a deft touch. He knows when to give a note and when to leave the actor alone. A great experience!
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Athan: You have been involved in the theatre for many years, acting in productions and musicals such as CHICAGO, LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS, SWEENEY TODD, COMPANY, INTO THE WOODS, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, and receiving Green Room Awards for a Female Actor for both OLIVER!, and ANYTHING GOES. What is it that you find most compelling about performing in the theatre?
Geraldine: The fact that that night will never happen again. You had to be there to experience it. I adore theatre and the live aspect, the immediacy of it.
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Athan: In terms of comparing and contrasting acting on film, and acting in the theatre, what differences are most striking from your experience?
Geraldine: None really. I guess a close up allows you to do less to show emotion, but really stage and film acting all must come from a place of truth.
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Athan: In 1988 you received an Order of Australia for services to the performing arts, which is a significant achievement. How did it feel to receive this award?
Geraldine: I was quite chuffed, as I was young to receive such an award.
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Athan: Do you have any upcoming projects of which you would like to tell readers?
Geraldine: I have various concerts coming up and I have written a Memoir, which should be out mid year. I am looking forward to that and hope people buy it.
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Thank you so much today for your time Geraldine, and for the understanding you have provided into the art of acting, CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU, cinema, theatre, and the Order of Australia. It has been wonderful having you on CINEMATIC REVELATIONS. You are welcome to return whenever you wish.
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Geraldine Turner links
+Geraldine Turner IMDb Actor Page
+CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HEAR YOU movie IMDb page
+Geraldine Turner Opera Australia page
+The Australian Live Performance Database
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