Do you ever get tired of seeing shallow or one-dimensional characters on screen? It’s a common frustration among actors, including the talented Da’Vine Joy Randolph. But recently, she found a role that was different and fulfilling.
In David Hemingson’s script for “The Holdovers,” Randolph discovered the character of Mary Lamb. Mary works in the cafeteria of a prep school for the wealthy, carrying the weight of her son’s death in Vietnam. The script resonated deeply with Randolph because it offered a fully realized character with complexities, someone who was struggling but determined to persevere.
Randolph, known for her Tony-nominated performance in “Ghost: The Musical,” has since appeared in various projects like “Dolemite Is My Name,” “High Fidelity,” and “Only Murders in the Building.” She even portrayed Mahalia Jackson in “Rustin.” But it was the role of Mary in “The Holdovers” that truly touched Randolph’s heart.
When Randolph first discussed the part with director Alexander Payne, she compared the script to the works of Chekov. Payne, impressed by Randolph’s comedic talent in “Dolemite,” found her ability to convey silence particularly captivating. He praised her performance in moments of deep emotion, highlighting the subtlety and profundity she brought to the screen.
Playing a mother mourning her son’s death in a Christmas movie named Mary, with her son being referred to as a sacrificial “Lamb” in Vietnam, held a special meaning for Randolph. She believes that the details and symbolism in a name define one’s journey and the expectations placed upon them. It resonated with her personally, given her own unique first and middle names.
“The Holdovers” required Randolph to navigate between dramatic and comedic moments. Payne, known for his preference for actors with comedic chops, appreciated the punch that humor brought to the film. Randolph agreed, emphasizing that comedic actors have a knack for not taking themselves too seriously and adding a touch of levity to intense scenes.
One of the highlights for Randolph was the easy chemistry she shared with her co-star, Paul Giamatti, who plays a cynical curmudgeon in the movie. Interestingly, both actors studied at the Yale School of Drama, which Randolph believes created a strong foundation for their work together.
When it comes to watching her own performances, Randolph prefers to surrender herself to her characters. She believes that once a character is brought to life on screen, it takes on a life of its own. Watching herself in “The Holdovers,” she barely recognized herself, acknowledging the transformative power of embodying a role.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s journey in the film industry has not been without its challenges. But her relentless pursuit of fully realized characters and her commitment to delivering authentic performances have paid off. With each new project, Randolph continues to shine, reminding us all of the power of storytelling.
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