Judy Greer Says Alexander Skarsgard's Facial Hair Inspired Her in New Film

Judy Greer’s Career-Defining Role in “Eric Larue”: Alexander Skarsgård’s Unusual Appearance Aided Performance

Judy Greer delivers a standout, potentially career-defining performance in the new cinematic drama, Eric Larue. In a surprising revelation, Greer shared how an unexpected aspect of co-star Alexander Skarsgård’s character portrayal significantly aided her in bringing the emotionally resonant story to life.

“His peculiar facial hair truly assisted considerably,” Greer, 49, confided exclusively in the latest issue of Us Weekly, currently available on newsstands. “I believe it facilitated a mutual understanding for both of us, kind of like a collective, ‘Oh.’”

Exploring Grief and Faith in “Eric Larue”

In the Michael Shannon-helmed picture, Greer embodies Janice, a mother grappling with profound grief after her son, Eric (Nation Sage Henrikson), perpetrates a school shooting, tragically killing three classmates. Skarsgård, 48, portrays Janice’s spouse, Ron, and the film explores the marital discord that arises as they seek divergent paths of solace within separate religious congregations. The movie is adapted from the stage play of the same name penned in 2002 by Brett Neveu. Neveu crafted the original work as a response to the devastating 1998 Columbine High School massacre and subsequently authored the screenplay adaptation.

Skarsgård’s Transformation: From Hollywood Icon to Character

Janice is depicted as a pragmatic and grounded character, whereas Ron immerses himself in faith, leading him towards contentious patriarchal doctrines and, at times, unconventional conduct. Greer recounted her initial encounter with Skarsgård in Wilmington, North Carolina – the film’s shooting location. She expressed astonishment at the acclaimed actor’s striking metamorphosis into the character of Ron.

Greer’s Initial Reaction to Skarsgård’s Appearance

“I vividly recall being at Satellite Bar in Wilmington, our regular spot,” Greer recounted. “Alexander arrived during daylight hours, unmistakably, given the abundance of sunshine. He entered this indoor-outdoor bar wearing a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white Converse sneakers. He possessed an almost divine aura, so tall and strikingly handsome, with such a bright, welcoming smile. My immediate thought was, ‘How can this be Ron?!’”

Effortless Portrayal and Compassion for the Character

However, once filming commenced, Greer confessed to being thoroughly “impressed” by Skarsgård’s nuanced transformation.

“I’ve admired his work for a considerable time, but witnessing his interpretation of this role was truly seamless,” she conveyed. “I believe he genuinely cared about Ron. He mentioned in an interview how confident he felt in Mike [Shannon], our director, to protect Ron’s integrity. It fostered a profound sense of compassion within me for his portrayal.”

Greer acknowledged that her personal “affection” for Skarsgård occasionally presented a challenge during filming. She highlighted Janice’s limited empathy for her husband. This lack of empathy is partly justified as Ron dedicates considerable time to a female colleague and fellow church member, played by Alison Pill, and exhibits a habit of indiscriminately offering neck massages to women. Greer interprets Janice’s reaction as rooted in “jealousy” of Ron’s apparent ease in rationalizing their son’s horrific actions. The friction between them escalates throughout the film’s narrative, ultimately leading to a complete breakdown of their relationship.

“It proved difficult in those scenes to restrain my compassion for Alexander’s character, given my genuine fondness for him,” Greer admitted.

Career-Best Performance and Husband’s Support

While Skarsgård’s portrayal of Ron is noteworthy, Greer’s performance is garnering widespread recognition as the pinnacle of her career. Despite Greer’s avoidance of reviews, she remains informed of the positive reception thanks to her husband, Dean E. Johnson’s Google alerts.

“He excitedly announces things like, ‘Oh, my goodness! This just happened!’” she shared with a laugh. “And I immediately say, ‘Stop, please stop!’ He reassures me, ‘Okay, but just be aware [they are praising it].’ He’s incredibly endearing.”

Avoiding Reviews and Embracing Positive Feedback

Greer explained that Johnson meticulously reads “everything” to shield her from potentially negative reviews, selectively sharing positive feedback. This ritualized approach stems from valuable career advice she once received.

“I recall someone saying, ‘If you internalize positive reviews, you must also internalize negative ones, and I choose to believe in our work.’ A producer shared that wisdom with me,” she recollected. “[But] yes, I am aware of the overwhelmingly positive response to my performance and the film overall. [Which is] astounding. [It’s] the best possible outcome.”

Taking on Challenging Roles

The widespread acclaim appears entirely justified after witnessing Greer’s compelling embodiment of Janice. The emotionally charged and poignant performance is undeniably captivating. This role marks a distinct departure from Greer’s established repertoire of comedic parts, which was precisely the motivating factor for her involvement.

“I believe the element that attracted me most was the fear it instilled,” she elucidated. “I actively seek projects that scare me and present significant challenges. That encapsulates my feelings about this film – it felt like a substantial challenge, intimidating yet necessary to undertake. Furthermore, my profound admiration for Michael Shannon, spanning many years of friendship, and his invitation to participate instilled a confidence in me, even when self-doubt surfaced. His faith in my abilities proved to be sufficient motivation.”

Husband’s Involvement and Shared Connection

Johnson’s unwavering support serves as a continuous impetus for Greer, leading her to involve him intimately in her projects, regardless of geographical separation.

“I haven’t previously been involved in a film of this nature, but typically, with films I deeply care about and become absorbed in, I ensure my husband reads the script,” she explained. “It’s enjoyable, especially when I’m working remotely. I can mention, ‘Oh, today we’re filming the office scene,’ maintaining a shared understanding of my activities. It fosters a closer connection when we are apart. It’s doubly rewarding to observe his experience transitioning from reading the script to viewing the finished film, often a year later. It’s fascinating to witness his complete journey.”

While Greer’s performance remains exceptional throughout Eric Larue, a particularly powerful moment arises in the concluding scene. After her initial prison visit to see her son, Janice abruptly pulls over, abandons her vehicle (and sweater), and walks towards the horizon. Greer revealed that Johnson’s reaction to this scene validated their collective achievement in bringing the film’s vision to fruition.

“Experiencing the film through his perspective is always enriching,” she told Us. “His words, ‘Oh, I adore the ending. It’s brilliant how ambiguity remains, compelling us to confront our own complexities, our messy realities. Life is inherently messy, and we must persevere. Answers may be elusive, yet we must learn to find contentment amidst uncertainty.’ Hearing that, I knew, ‘Okay, we succeeded.’”

Eric Larue is currently showing in theaters.