In the 1990s, a young Parker Posey, who was climbing the ranks in the entertainment world, shared her aspirations of writing a screenplay focused on roles for older women. She expressed a sentiment that resonates with her today, saying she felt she would be most comfortable at her current age. “I love that I said that,” she remarked when reflecting on her past.
Since those days, both Hollywood and Posey herself have transformed. Her role in “White Lotus” hints at a shift in the industry’s willingness to embrace her unique talents once more. Over the past quarter-century, Posey has showcased her remarkable versatility primarily through smaller independent films. Whether it’s the nuanced sadness in Zoe Cassavetes’s “Broken English,” the surreal allure in Ari Aster’s “Beau Is Afraid,” or the poignant intimacy in Kogonada’s “Columbus,” she continues to impress audiences. Kogonada aptly describes her as a performance artist who weaves cinematic stories amid her diverse life experiences.
In many ways, Posey embodies the essence of her characters — a free-spirited individual navigating life with an adventurous heart. Her romantic escapades have a whimsical flair, likening her dating life to exploring former incarnations. Our conversation revealed her vibrant circle of friends and chosen family, from a novelist to a clothing designer and an art forger. Although she can adapt to various surroundings, she has recently felt a strong desire for renewal. A few years back, she exchanged her city apartment for a farmhouse in the Catskills, previously owned by Tatum O’Neal. This change allowed her to forge a deep bond with a Highland bull named Rory, who recently passed away. “He lives in my heart,” she shared with warmth.
Yet, Posey continues to seek alternative paths beyond conventional filmmaking. She has contemplated various creative ventures, including a survival show focused on off-grid living, reviving an old children’s program about wildlife, and even creating an immersive form of entertainment that merges agricultural experiences with artistic expression. Despite her curiosity about these projects, Hollywood keeps calling her back.
During our second meeting, Posey had initially planned a wellness treatment at a vegan restaurant in Brooklyn. However, she ended up needing a ride after a rehearsal ran late. When I arrived at the Public Theater, I discovered she had landed a role in Martin McDonagh’s upcoming film “Wild Horse Nine,” sharing the screen with talents like Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich. Dressed in a striking crimson herringbone ensemble crafted in Thailand, Posey exuded a vibrant energy. She had previously mentioned her interest in this ’70s period piece set on Easter Island, but the casting process had been fraught with uncertainty, making me doubt whether she would finally secure the part.
Posey recounted how McDonagh initially mentioned she had the role but then required her to ‘read’ for it—a nerve-wracking experience that filled her with dread. “I was like: I can’t. I can’t!” she exclaimed, reflecting on her past frustrations with the industry’s capricious nature. The tedious practice of reading lines under scrutiny, before she truly feels connected to a character, leaves her feeling vulnerable. However, this time, when McDonagh visited her, she found a twist in her narrative. He didn’t ask her to read; the role was officially hers. Despite her various interests beyond traditional acting, it’s clear that Parker Posey’s true passion lies in performing.
