Deep Dive
Why did Tilda Swinton feel like a foundling as a child?
Swinton felt displaced as a child because she was raised in an aristocratic Scottish military family that did not fully embrace her artistic inclinations. She later discovered that her family had a lineage of artists, which she felt was underplayed.
How did Tilda Swinton's experience with Derek Jarman influence her perspective on life and death?
Derek Jarman, who was terminally ill, modeled a refusal to look away from the reality of his mortality, which Swinton found deeply influential. Jarman's acceptance and even exhilaration in facing his limits profoundly affected Swinton's view on life and death.
What role does Tilda Swinton believe art plays in political activism?
Swinton believes art offers a space for stillness and reflection, allowing for the formation of connections and resonances that can lead to new thinking. She suggests that art, particularly cinema, serves as an empathy machine, inviting viewers to step into others' shoes and potentially reconnect with innate human goodness.
Why does Tilda Swinton downplay her role as an actor?
Swinton downplays her acting role because she never set out to be an actor and feels a fraud claiming to be one. She sees acting as a collective activity rather than a solitary pursuit, working in concert with her colleagues rather than as a solo endeavor.
What does Tilda Swinton suggest as a way to increase the possibility of getting the life one wants?
Swinton advises identifying one's original setting or core drive, such as her own quest for connection, and honoring it without betraying it. She believes enjoying the quest and staying true to one's intrinsic motivations can help shape a fulfilling life.
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