Linda Manz, a unique and unforgettable presence in the world of cinema, is best known for her work in Terrence Malick’s masterpiece Days of Heaven (1978) and Dennis Hopper’s Out of the Blue (1980). While not a household name, her raw talent and magnetic performances have left an indelible mark on the film industry, cherished by cinephiles and fellow actors alike. This article explores her remarkable career, her struggles with Hollywood, and her lasting legacy.
The Breakthrough Role in Days of Heaven
Linda Manz’s acting career began when she was just 15 years old. Raised in Upper Manhattan, Manz wasn’t actively pursuing acting at the time. Her mother, who worked as a cleaning woman at the World Trade Center, had dreams of her daughter becoming a star. Manz reluctantly attended the audition for Days of Heaven and ended up landing the role of Richard Gere’s younger sister.
Set in the wheat fields of Texas in 1916, the film tells the story of two lovers, Bill and Abby, who pose as siblings while working for a wealthy farmer. The dangerous love triangle that ensues drives the plot, but for many viewers, it was Manz’s performance that stood out.
Days of Heaven, directed by the elusive and visionary Terrence Malick, went on to win an Oscar for Best Cinematography and secured the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival. While the movie featured big names like Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, and Sam Shepard, it was Manz who captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike. In fact, renowned film critic Roger Ebert later noted that the film was really the story of the teenage girl rather than the adults, describing Manz’s voice as “utterly authentic.”
The Iconic Voice-over: An Improvised Touch
One of the most memorable aspects of Days of Heaven is Linda Manz’s unscripted voice-over narration. Initially, Malick had not planned for Manz to narrate the film. However, during the editing process, he decided to record her free-form commentary as she watched the movie. Manz, with no formal script or direction, simply spoke her mind. The result was a narration that felt both raw and real, adding an additional layer of depth to the film’s already haunting atmosphere.
Her voice, with its thick New York accent, provided an odd but captivating contrast to the rural setting of the movie. Manz’s narration rambles through stories about the Bible, life on the farm, and whatever else popped into her mind, creating a spontaneous, unfiltered authenticity that only she could deliver. This unconventional approach became one of the film’s defining features.
A Brief But Memorable Career
Following her success in Days of Heaven, Linda Manz took on a few other notable roles, including Peewee in The Wanderers (1979), a gang drama that further showcased her edgy, tomboyish charm.
That same year, she appeared in Boardwalk, playing a supporting role in a film about an elderly couple dealing with crime and urban decay in Coney Island. Although Boardwalk wasn’t a critical success, Manz continued to impress audiences with her unique screen presence.
However, it was her role in Dennis Hopper’s Out of the Blue that solidified her status as a cult icon. In the film, she played a rebellious teenage girl with a troubled family life, worshiping Elvis Presley and shouting, “Kill all hippies!” on her CB radio.
Hopper, who originally signed on to act in the movie, eventually took over directing duties, turning the film into a poetic, punk-infused drama that centered on Manz’s character. Her raw, unpolished performance captivated critics and audiences alike, and Out of the Blue became a cult classic.
Vanishing from Hollywood
Despite her talent, Linda Manz never became a mainstream star. By the time she was 20, she had all but disappeared from the spotlight. In interviews, Manz explained that she didn’t leave Hollywood for any dramatic reason. She simply got lost in the shuffle. At the time, she didn’t have an agent, and the film industry was changing. New actors were coming in, and opportunities for her began to dwindle.
In a 2011 interview with The Village Voice, Manz reflected on her career, stating, “I kind of got lost in the shuffle of being in the movies… because I didn’t have an agent at the time, and things were slow, and — I don’t know.” She settled down, got married, and had children, living a quiet life away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
A Return in the Late ’90s
Linda Manz’s return to the screen came in 1997 when director Harmony Korine cast her in his surrealist film Gummo. Manz played a tap-dancing mother in Ohio who, in one darkly comic scene, threatens to shoot her son if he doesn’t smile more. Korine, known for his eccentric casting choices,
described her as having a poetic glow, comparing her to silent-screen legend Buster Keaton. In that same year, Manz also had a small role in David Fincher’s The Game, starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn.
Despite her long absence from acting, her performances in these films reaffirmed her status as a one-of-a-kind talent. Yet, after The Game, Manz once again retreated from the spotlight.
Legacy and Death
On August 14, 2020, Linda Manz passed away at the age of 58, after battling lung cancer and pneumonia. She was survived by her husband, Robert L. Guthrie, and her sons, Michael and William. A third son, Christopher, had passed away in 2018. Though her career was short, her impact on cinema was profound.
In a 2014 interview with T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Manz said that the role she was proudest of was in Out of the Blue, describing herself as a “tough little rebel,” a persona that closely mirrored her real-life attitude. To her fans, she will always be remembered as an actress who brought an unrefined, authentic energy to the screen, leaving an indelible mark on the history of film.
Conclusion
Linda Manz may not have had a long career in Hollywood, but her performances left a lasting impression. Her work in Days of Heaven and Out of the Blue remains iconic, showcasing her as an actress who brought an authentic and unique voice to the screen. Her legacy as a “tough little rebel” lives on in the hearts of cinephiles and filmmakers who continue to celebrate her work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Linda Manz
1. What is Linda Manz known for?
Linda Manz is best known for her roles in Days of Heaven (1978) and Out of the Blue (1980). Her improvised voice-over in Days of Heaven and her raw, rebellious performance in Out of the Blue made her a cult favorite.
2. Why did Linda Manz leave Hollywood?
Manz didn’t leave Hollywood due to any scandal or dramatic reason. She simply got lost in the shuffle of the changing film industry and didn’t have an agent at the time, which led to fewer acting opportunities.
3. Did Linda Manz act in any other films after Out of the Blue?
Yes, after a long hiatus, Manz returned to acting in the late 1990s with roles in Harmony Korine’s Gummo (1997) and David Fincher’s The Game (1997).
4. How did Linda Manz get her role in Days of Heaven?
Manz was cast in Days of Heaven after attending a casting call at the suggestion of her mother, who had aspirations for her daughter to be in movies. She impressed director Terrence Malick and landed the role of Richard Gere’s younger sister.
5. How did Linda Manz die?
Linda Manz passed away on August 14, 2020, from complications related to lung cancer and pneumonia.