Photograph by David Shankbone Interview conducted by Generoso Fierro |
Over the last few weeks, Lily and I have had the fortune to speak with several directors whose films are being screened as part of the epic Underground USA Series happening at Cinefamily in Los Angeles. The series, which highlights key films of the American independent cinema movement of the 1980s, can boast a wide collection of acting talent whose careers were launched by many of these films, but yesterday, I got the chance to speak with a woman whose career as an actress should be the model for that era's independent spirit, Mary Woronov.
A published author and accomplished painter, Mary Woronov began her career in films at Andy Warhol's Factory starring in films such as Chelsea Girls, and throughout her career, which spans over six decades, she has achieved a status as a "cult film" star, but to me, her overall body of work represents much more and is deserving of more respect than it has been given.
Over the lively conversation we had today, Mary and I discussed her work as a painter and her influences within that medium, her time with Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, the state of contemporary art, as well as some of her collaborations with actor/director Paul Bartel, including Eating Raoul, which is screening tonight at Cinefamily, and the "unofficial Los Angeles film school" that is Roger Corman. Mary was extremely fucking awesome and forthright in every way during our long talk and am so proud to share this with you.
Read more »