Laura Linney Reflects on Career: ‘I Starred in a Notorious Flop’

Laura Linney, 62, revisited key moments from her screen career in a new interview for Filmogaz.com’s Life in Pictures series. She traded behind-the-scenes stories and reflected on both hits and misfires. The conversation covered co-stars, directors and a surprising action debut.

Wide-ranging reflections

The actress discussed landmark films and TV roles. She spoke about You Can Count On Me, The Truman Show and Love, Actually. She revealed she received a letter from Richard Curtis before being cast in the latter.

Linney also addressed her work with Mark Ruffalo and Jason Bateman. She said Bateman’s presence sometimes drew out a more serious performance. She mentioned lasting friendships with Liam Neeson and Holland Taylor.

Congo: a notorious detour

Linney singled out Congo, released in 1995, as a notable outlier in her resume. It was her first lead role and her only action film to date. The movie was directed by Frank Marshall and adapted from Michael Crichton’s 1980 novel.

The plot follows an expedition that encounters a violent gorilla species deep in the African jungle. The film earned seven Golden Raspberry Award nominations. Linney called the experience a “delightmare” and admitted she has not watched it in many years.

She said she might revisit it when she is older, partly to enjoy a younger version of herself. In the interview, she acknowledged it as one of the great bad movies of its time.

Collaborations with prominent directors

Linney reflected on lessons learned while working with Clint Eastwood. She has collaborated with Eastwood three times. Those experiences shaped her approach to craft and set discipline.

Television and recent work

She earned four Emmy wins for performances in Wild Iris, Frasier, John Adams and The Big C. Linney has three Academy Award nominations for You Can Count On Me, Kinsey and The Savages. She also received four nominations for her role in Netflix’s Ozark.

She currently appears in American Classic. The series stars Kevin Kline as a narcissistic Broadway star returning home after a public meltdown. The character aims to save his family’s theatre. The show is available to stream on MGM+.

Context and closing

In the Filmogaz.com interview, Linney spoke candidly about triumphs and stumbles. Laura Linney reflects on her career and admitted she once starred in what she called a notorious flop. Her tone mixed affection, humor and clear-eyed perspective on a long and varied career.