Check out our interview with actress, writer, director and producer Genevieve Adams who dives into the struggles of female filmmakers & the world of Judaism with “Simchas & Sorrows” with her own personal experience in marrying a Jewish man and raising her son with culturally Jewish significance to write the sensitive, dramatic and comedic storyline for the film.
Follow Genevieve @genevieve_lane_adams
How did you get started into acting?
I come from a long line of artists– my grandparents wrote and acted in a musical sketch comedy show together in Chicago in the 1950s that moved to off-Broadway titled, “Quick Changes.” I think my love of performance runs in my blood. Growing up in NYC, I had the opportunity to be a part of a musical theater troupe as a child, and from there got cast in Lincoln Center’s Hansel Und Gretel, an opera, with sets by Maurice Sendak. I remember getting my first check as a performer in the third grade and thinking this is incredible, that you can get paid to do something so fun! The whole experience was thrilling for me, getting to leave school early to go to rehearsals at Lincoln Center. Being on that huge stage under a set piece at the opening of the show, from there I was completely hooked. I got into film after college when a casting director saw me in a play I wrote and produced and cast me in Pascale Ferran’s Film “Bird People”. Pascale’s so cool and smart and talented, and the film ended up in Cannes where we all reunited on the red carpet, which was surreal.
How do you prepare for a role?
Depends on the size of the role, and the project, but I usually start with reading the script, doing any research if necessary, and memorizing my lines by rote, so without any feelings or emotions tied to them. I studied the Meisner technique at Bill Esper Studio, and I find this way of working to be most effective for me, so I know the words backwards and forwards and don’t have to think about recalling a line when I’m performing. Then I think about how my character is meant to function in the context of the script as a whole, what is the writer trying to communicate through my character? After that, I usually go through each line and write down what my character is doing with each bit of dialogue. I try to find the most active verbs possible, so that the scenes really come alive. Once on set or on stage, I try to just focus on the person I’m acting with, listen, and be open to improvising or things going in a completely different direction.
Tell us about your work in the new film “Simchas and Sorrows?”
The inspiration for the film began when my now husband Ben proposed to me, and suddenly his Jewish identity became a major part of the wedding planning conversation. So, I was startled at first, and a bit unsettled about the thought of dipping my toe back into anything religious. I realized as we went through the wedding planning process, how many other people relate to this – I heard stories from friends about couples almost breaking up over whether it’s a kosher or non kosher menu etc. I started to realize what a sensitive, dramatic and comedic subject this is, especially in the Jewish tradition since the religion emphasizes keeping the tribe alive (which means having Jewish children which means the mother must be Jewish). All of this is to say, my husband signed us up for a class at a synagogue for couples embarking on similar journeys. There were lots of characters around that table – and at the beginning there was a lot of comic, awkward moments as this unlikely group all got to know one another. In the beginning, I just thought this would be another one of my comedic sketches, and I started jotting down funny lines, and describing the characters in the class. As we got to know each other better, the more profound, confounding questions surfaced, and I quickly realized I was writing more than just a comedic sketch, there was a full screenplay here.
The story isn’t just about my character’s journey, either, and I felt compelled to tell it because of what’s going on in the world right now. All of us involved in this project felt a particular urgency to tell this story right, and to tell it right now, as we struggle to metabolize the myriad threats that modern Judaism faces during this volatile, divisive and distressing period in American history. The disturbing resurfacing of hate groups, and the troubling rise of anti-Semitism around the world, makes a story about coming together and acknowledging our shared humanity timely and necessary. Our characters grapple with controversy including the conflict in Israel and Palestine, the widening gulf that exists between the Ultra Orthodox and the broader Jewish population, and the intergenerational trauma that persists as a result of the Holocaust.
What other projects you have been part of?
I wrote, produced, and starred in “I’m Obsessed With You (but you’ve got to leave me alone)” – an indie dramedy about a collegiate improv troupe on the precipice of graduating. With the expert guidance of Avy Kaufman, we were able to put together a truly stellar ensemble of young actors including Rachel Brosnahan, Manish Dayal, Jason Ralph and Thomas McDonell (who also stars in “Simchas and Sorrows.”) That film was also very personal, and inspired by my time at Dartmouth College. It was my first foray into all the aspects of filmmaking and it was a thrilling and arduous journey. I had a lot of doubts during and before making that film, but actually getting to the finishing line, and being proud of what we accomplished, gave me the confidence to keep creating. You realize very quickly making movies that you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with and I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with some incredibly gifted film directors including Ang Lee (“Gemini Man”, “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk”), Jason Bateman (“The Family Fang”), Scott Frank (“A Walk Among the Tombstones”), Pascale Ferran (“Bird People”), Craig Johnson (“Skeleton Twins”) – and in television: Zal Batmanglij (“The OA”), Marti Noxon (AMC’s Dietland).
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I think well written is the key – it all starts on the page, and with great dialogue and a fully realized screenplay, as an actor, you’re unleashed! There are so many fascinating, complex characters to play – it’s the quality and specificity of the writing that enables actors to do their best work.
If you weren’t acting, what would you be up to right now?
Writing. Which it seems I can’t stop doing. And sometimes I like to fantasize about living on a horse farm. I love to ride horses. I used to compete in equestrian shows when I was a child, and I absolutely loved it. The focus and discipline it requires is great training for whatever you choose to do in life, and horses are such sensitive and beautiful creatures.
Can you name 3 actors/actresses you would love to work with?
Greta Gerwig, Viola Davis, Jeremy Allen White. There are so many more. The list goes on and on…
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Meeting new people, from all walks of life, and making lifelong friends, becoming a little tribe, or work family. That’s the best. Each show, or film, is like a new band or “pirate ship”, as Anthony Bourdain called it in the kitchen, you get to go on this adventure together. It’s sad to say goodbye when it’s a good group, its bittersweet, and beautiful, because you’ve created something together that didn’t exist before and gotten to know each other in such a profoundly intimate way. It’s such a gift when you get to collaborate with artists and friends on multiple projects, that keeps me going. Bringing the band back together!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being present, in the moment, with the people I love, appreciating the small things. Watching my 13-month-old son erupt with laughter playing with the dogs on the rug. He thinks he’s one of them, it’s so entertaining and beautiful to watch! His joy is absolutely contagious.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Hold on to your sense of humor this business can be brutal, and people will try their best to discourage you or belittle what you’re doing, try and tune out the negative noise as much as you can. Surround yourself with smart, talented, hardworking, creative, positive people as much as possible. See as much theater as you can, and watch as many shows and films as you can. You have to really be obsessed with the art form to last in the business, I think.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Conan O’Brien came to speak at my college graduation, and took the time to talk with a group of us who were planning to go for careers in the arts / entertainment. His advice was to try and get as close as possible to the people who are doing what you want to be doing. Doesn’t matter if the job is one you actually want in the long term or not. He used the example of John Krasinski and “The Office” – Krasinski started out in the writer’s room as an assistant, I believe, even though he wanted to act. Everyone liked having him around so much, which ultimately led him to get casted on the show. If you’re open minded, and ready to work, opportunities, and maybe even the ones you really want, will come your way.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I have a running joke with my family about the what the title of my memoirs would be. “This Used To Smell Nice”, “I Had the Lasagna, but I don’t want to talk about it” and “What Do You Mean, I Can’t Take the Stairs?” (because I’m claustrophobic.) It used to be in “notes” on my phone but now I can’t find the list – it disappeared somewhere in the cloud – which is upsetting – because there were funnier ones.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Calm. Down! I used to get so worked up about too many things and it was exhausting. Pick your battles! Take a deep breath. Go out and have a cocktail. Stop worrying so much about how other people see you, or what they say about you. Have some fun. If people make you feel uncomfortable, or are generally unsavory, don’t work with them. It’s ok to say no, and to walk away from bad vibes.
What’s next for Genevieve Adams in 2023?
She’s heading back to the stage! Hopefully. I’m writing two plays at the moment; one is a musical! I’m very excited to be working in a theater again. Especially after what we went through with the pandemic.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
There are so many people I’d like to meet or have met, so this is a tough one. Today, the person that keeps coming to mind is Anthony Bourdain. He was such an incredible, insightful conversationalist, and had so much charisma. I would’ve loved to have had noodles and cold beers with him in Vietnam, like he did with President Obama. Also, President Obama and Michelle (Obama!), and Virginia Woolf, because she is one of my favorite writers ever.
Best advice ever given?
My dad always says to me “Ten thousand hours!” from the Malcom Gladwell book. It’s not a full nugget of advice, but my father is a man of few words, so I understand it to mean, work hard, get as good at something as you can, and the rest will follow. Focus on the work. My Mom, who is also a very wise person, chimes in with “focus on what you can control” which is a good one. The implication being, don’t stress about what is out of your control! She knows that’s always been hard for me to do, but I’m getting better.
Do you support any charity?
Doctors Without Borders- they do absolutely amazing and necessary humanitarian work in parts of the world that so desperately need healing. Jose Andres’ organization World Central Kitchen is another one I love to support as much as I can, he is a force of nature, such an amazing human being. The ACLU we need them now, especially with reproductive rights under attack. The list goes on and on of charitable organizations I hope to be able to support in the future, or have in the past. I would like to do more to clean up the planet. During quarantine, in my neighborhood in Brooklyn, I’d go out with my picker upper claw thing and pick up trash, to feel useful and to just find a reason to get out of the apartment. I’ve been emailing council people to try and get more trash pick-ups scheduled and more recycling cans, but nothing changes. It’s very frustrating! We have a lot of children and dogs living here, who are very low to the ground, and it’s just so sad to see how much trash is thrown around, it’s a public health hazard. I have to get back to work on that.
Favorite song? Why?
It’s kind of impossible to choose a favorite song. I have so many favorite songs but if you insist one of my favorite songs ever, if I had to pick one, today, is “Ooh La La” by the Faces. It’s such a bittersweet, beautiful message and it makes me feel so many feelings. to me, it sums up the meaning of life, the glory and pain. The simchas and sorrows, if you will! When I watch the last scene in “Rushmore”, when Max dances with Margaret Yang, I get goose bumps every time … It’s such a reassuring song – and Wes Anderson used it so brilliantly in that scene. It never gets old. Which is ironic, or fitting, depending on how you look at it, because a lot of the song is about getting older.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s something that’s not going away, so we have to figure out how to have a healthy relationship with it. I struggle with this. It can be a positive tool, like it was in Iran, for women working to communicate / organize / protest as their human rights were being increasingly stripped from them. As an artist there’s a lot of pressure placed upon us to use it as a place to showcase our work, and it can be helpful, for some. Of course, it can also be very damaging especially for teenagers and children. We’re not wired to know how to metabolize all of it. We’re programmed to live socially, face to face, not on the internet, so it creates so many challenges when people start living so much of their lives virtually. I think if it’s treated like a substance, that needs to be monitored, and regulated, we’ll be in a better place. All the information about the effects it has on our brains must be made available to people before they engage with it, so they can be informed users, or opt out. I think we put too much emphasis on it being so necessary, when for some people, it’s really not a worthwhile activity. You should be allowed to say, that’s just not my thing, instead of being pressured to use it. I personally feel pressured to be active on social media and recruit lots of followers given my career. And so now I sound like a major hypocrit if I say “follow me!” Honestly follow me or don’t. I use it to promote my films, in the off chance it can help the films, they’re small and need all the help they can get! So, if I have any kind of outlet to get the word out, I’ll use it. That being said, I don’t think it’s been all that effective. There are celebrities, artists, actors, who attract lots of followers, but have had to come to accept that that often doesn’t translate to ticket sales or guarantee the critical success of a project. When I get to a point in my career where I can truly afford to opt out, to not try everything, I think I will. Because I’m not very suited to it and most often, it doesn’t bring me joy.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram @genevieve_lane_adams – but proceed on social media with caution!
Book: Impossible to pick one favorite- “The Goldfinch”, “The Great Gatsby”, “To the Lighthouse” , “Great Expectations”
Quote: From Theodore Roosevelt’s “the man in the arena” speech : “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Movie: Can’t pick one! Just can’t. Top five: Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Out of Africa, Beginners, Notting Hill
Tv Series: The Sopranos, Breaking Bad
Favorite Food: Spaghetti pomodoro
Travel Destination: Kenya and Tanzania
Sports Team: To borrow from Amy Schumer, “the Orlando Blooms”! I love tennis. Does that count? The Williams Sisters and Rafa Nadal. In middle school I was obsessed with The Knicks I was point guard on our school’s team, which is hilarious to think about now. “Miracle” is my favorite sports movie. Just offering up a lot of ideas here and not really answering the question.
