“Fights for power, class and status have been with us forever”

As I delve into the life and thoughts of this remarkable man, Jeff Goldblum, I am struck by the harmony that seems to permeate his existence. His journey, much like a well-orchestrated jazz melody, is filled with high notes of success, low notes of challenges, and harmonious chords of contentment.

Add Kaos to your watchlist.

In the Netflix series Kaos, Jeff Goldblum portrays Zeus as a character who is cruel, manipulative, and sexually unrestrained, yet surprisingly likeable. According to Goldblum, this negative behavior stems from a long-standing family feud where his father attempted to kill him and his siblings. Over millennia, he’s been grappling with the emotional wounds of this traumatic past.

In the creative mind of Charlie Covell, known for crafting Channel 4’s black comedy “The End of the F***ing World,” comes “Kaos.” This series is set in an alternate present-day Krete, ruled by a dictator named President Minos (with a Minotaur in tow), where citizens are on the brink of revolt. Contrasting the tense and sweltering streets of Heraklion (in actuality Malaga in Andalusia), Zeus resides in a sybaritic lifestyle on Olympus, depicted as a lavish neo-classical wellness spa for the wealthy. However, even in this paradise, there’s unrest. A line has appeared on Zeus’s forehead, reminding him of an ancient prophecy foretelling his demise. “Zeus believes himself to be eternally immortal, but that’s a misconception,” notes 71-year-old Goldblum, seemingly ageless himself.

As a passionate cinephile, I often find myself channeling a certain divine figure, Zeus, who struts around in flamboyant West Coast casual and sunglasses. Beneath this cool exterior, Zeus carries deep emotional scars and vulnerabilities, as eloquently put by Goldblum. He’s constantly worried and lashes out with thunderbolts, unleashing them towards the skies. When he’s not agitated, he engages in tense phone calls with his brother Hades, residing in the underworld, and summons Prometheus, the wisest of all gods. Little does he know that Prometheus, chained to a rock for his eternal punishment of having his liver pecked by an eagle, is orchestrating events that will eventually lead to Zeus’ downfall.

“Fights for power, class and status have been with us forever”

In simpler terms, Goldblum’s portrayal of Zeus appears to resemble an elderly and anxious Hollywood celebrity who is no longer receiving major roles and feels resentful towards their agent. He says, “It’s somewhat related,” cheerfully. “Anyone who has experienced showbusiness ego, or identification with the press, or their current status in a very unpredictable and volatile market, as well as those who don’t know when life might end” seems to be a confession, he adds. “These myths were designed to be human stories,” he explains, “which help us humans better comprehend ourselves.”

Goldblum ponders, “It’s easy to mistake our temporary achievements for our true essence. We tend to cling to these things, but they’re not the core of who we are. At some point, it’s crucial to reassess and find balance if we want to live healthily. I shouldn’t rely too heavily on my possessions, reputation, or career; instead, I need to connect with nature.”

It seems that Zeus is too busy handling his family matters, which include his son Dionysus seeking more authority beyond his realm of partying and excess, and his wife Hera, portrayed with haughty disdain by Janet McTeer, who also happens to be his sister, planning to overthrow him. It’s no surprise that he gets angry. Goldblum comments, “Yes, I understand the source of his anger, but you can’t constantly blame your family and your father; you must take responsibility for your own hostilities and violence.”

In essence, my proposition is that characters from both mortal and immortal male backgrounds don’t fare particularly well in the realm of chaos. However, Goldblum disagrees, stating that there are strong female characters as well as morally questionable males. He believes that Prometheus, portrayed brilliantly by Stephen Dillane, is exceptionally good, embodying moral, ethical, and exemplary qualities. Additionally, his son, Dionysus, played by the talented Nabhaan Rizwan, displays a profound yearning for love, rooted in deep, pure aspirations. Goldblum is impressed with Rizwan’s performance, describing him as an incredible source of diverse energy and a remarkable actor with an impressive physique.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must say that the series boasts an impressive array of talented actors delivering stellar performances. Among them, David Thewlis as Hades and Dillane’s portrayal of Prometheus truly shine, while Billie Piper, Suzy Aitchison, and Eddie Izzard add a delightful spark with their entertaining cameos. However, the scenes between Goldblum and McTeer are simply captivating. Goldblum describes Janet as “a lighthouse, a planet, the whole, deeply powerful constellation,” and his chemistry with McTeer is undeniable. He goes on to express that she has a “deep, still reservoir of something magical.” Gazing into her eyes and acting alongside her, he admits, felt like she opened him up like a fresh oyster, more so than ever before in his life.

I think Zeus would probably like good jazz

1974 marked the start of Jeff Goldblum’s extensive on-screen career with a small role in “Death Wish” directed by Michael Winner. His fame grew significantly due to roles such as the scientist transforming into a fly in David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” (1986). Goldblum subsequently attained global stardom playing mathematician Ian Malcolm in the “Jurassic Park” series from 1993. Additionally, he has developed a reputation as a skilled jazz pianist, an interest he attributes to his late brother Rick. Reflecting on his character Zeus, Goldblum muses that Zeus might appreciate good jazz, but like him, Zeus has his own issues and complexities to navigate.

“Fights for power, class and status have been with us forever”

It seems Goldblum has found his own sense of peace, exuding an almost serene satisfaction. Not only does he enjoy a prosperous acting career, but also appears to have mastered family life, unlike Zeus. Previously married to actors Patricia Gaul and Geena Davis (his co-star in The Fly), Goldblum tied the knot with Canadian contortionist Emilie Livingston in 2014, who is 30 years his junior. The couple reside in the Hollywood Hills and have two sons, Charlie Ocean, aged nine, and River Joe, seven. From what Goldblum describes, their home life appears tranquil and content. “Once we put the kids to sleep, we head to bed ourselves because we need to wake up the next day,” he shares. “I play the piano daily myself, have my own assignments, and help the children with their piano practice every day. Coincidentally, I’m reading a book about Greek myths to my kids each night and discussing all the characters.”

Goldblum expresses his enthusiasm for Stephen Fry’s reinterpretations of Greek myths, titled “Mythos” (2017) and “Heroes” (2018). He shares a close friendship with Fry and admires his intelligence. Much like many Americans of his era, Goldblum – one of four children raised in Pennsylvania during the 50s-60s, where his father was a hospital consultant and mother worked on radio – had his first real encounter with Greek mythology through films. “I received very little of it in school,” he says. “But I watched ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ when it debuted in the 60s and later caught up with ‘Clash of the Titans’ [1981].”

The Greek myths offer endless opportunities for reinterpretation, and the portrayal in “Kaos” by Covell seems to reflect contemporary events in the western world. In this adaptation, the Kretans share their island with refugees from Troy, who are portrayed as the true enemies, not the authoritarian state that rules them. When creating the show, did it seem like a reflection of current times? “It can indeed be interpreted that way,” says Goldblum. “However, I believe themes such as power, class, hierarchies, struggles for status, and the battle between love and family have been present throughout history.”

Instead of focusing on Zeus losing his power, what makes him intriguing is his struggle with the challenges that come from having power in the first place. Goldblum explains, “I find it fascinating that he grapples with human-like psychological issues stemming from his refusal to acknowledge his vulnerability and frailty, and instead seeks a false sense of power.” The true source of power, however, lies not in the positions or titles, but in embracing one’s vulnerability, as even gods must align themselves. Zeus could learn a thing or two about being more relaxed, like Jeff.

2024-08-23 13:06

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