John Lithgow’s a Good Kisser, Alfred Molina’s Candid and Other Reasons Why the ‘Love is Strange’ Cast Is So Lovable
Eric Eidelstein
At a special showing of Ira Sachs‘ latest film “Love Is Strange,” hosted by The Cinema Society and Grey Goose, Indiewire had the opportunity to speak to some members of the cast about their experiences working on the film, as well as couch-surfing and their upcoming projects. Alfred Molina and John Lithgow, who play a longtime couple in the romantic dramedy, were particularly enthused to share the film with the masses — both revealing that it was amongst their greatest and favorite works.
“Love Is Strange” looks at the 39-year long relationship between George and Ben, played by Molina and Lithgow. Soon after they’re finally able to wed, George loses his job as a Catholic Church choir teacher and the couple are forced to sell their New York apartment. Until they get back on their feet, they end up living with relatives and friends, who include characters played by Marisa Tomei, Charlie Tahan, Darren E. Burrows, Manny Perez and Cheyenne Jackson.
Before speaking to the stars, we first chatted with Tank Burt, an actress who appears in a minor role in the film. It was a good way to begin the night, being able to talk with a newbie about the hard times that often accompany a burgeoning career. She shared one of her more memorable, albeit disgusting, experiences from when she was entering the industry.
“A filmmaker friend of mine, I stayed with him on the Upper West Side, and he had a particularly bad shower curtain. And that’s all I’m going to say about that,” Burt said. “He was away and it was just so disgusting that I threw it out. And when he came back, well, he was really mad.”
Molina, who appeared shortly after, was extremely candid, despite the fact that he’s a tall, intimidating-looking man. He spoke about his love for the clothes he got to wear on the film, his would-be identity as a “bear” in the gay community (look it up, people) and on how easy it was to feign a romantic relationship with Lithgow, specifically remarking on how the actor is a good kisser.
Also there was 16-year-old Charlie Tahan, who plays a surprisingly huge role as the grand-nephew and roommate to the Lithgow character. He’s a clear standout and has a mature voice, both on and off screen.
“I auditioned for it a while ago, probably like a year and a half ago. And then I met with Ira and it was great. I think we get along really well,” he said. “I’ve always been the youngest kid in films. But I didn’t feel like “the kid” at all with this. Everyone was professional and treated me great.”
Overall, the attitude among the cast was one of gratitude, with everyone from the big stars to the lesser known commenting on what a wonderful time they had shooting. None, however, were more grateful than John Lithgow, another surprisingly tall guy.
“Everything drew me to the script. It was extraordinarily well-written. Every word you see in there. Beautifully written and beautifully felt,” Lithgow commented. He went on to say that film is probably his best role and related to the displacement feeling his character experiences.
“I remember not knowing where my head was or where I belong,” he said about the time after he and his first wife were divorced. “It’s very disrupting, you know. Real estate is a big part of our lives, as well as the question ‘Where is home?’ The film sort of tells that story.”
The only person we didn’t get to speak with? Maria Tomei, who glided right by the red carpet (she literally glides) into the screening room.
