Cynthia Nixon

The actress talks about confidence, happiness and parenting, and her new film A Quiet Passion, in which she portrays reclusive poet, Emily Dickinson.

- Danielle Woodward

Emily Dickinson was ahead of her time. She was a brave, clear-eyed explorer who wanted to understand the world and her psyche. She was individualistic at a time when being an individual wasn’t a ‘thing’. Her style of writing is so modern and direct, unlike the era in which she lived.

People like Dickinson loom so large you wonder if they ever had any doubts. It’s appealing to witness the time when she was following her dream, thinking she wouldn’t succeed. It’s painful to think how amazing she was, yet she felt as if no one acknowledged that. At least we have her poetry; she made her sister promise that she would burn it all – can you imagine?

Some people have an idea of the effect that they have on others but, as an only child, I don’t know how to do that. I think Dickinson and I share this feeling of, ‘I don’t know how to make you like me other than being who I am.’

When I was younger, I was more introverted. I didn’t have the confidence to fight for my point of view; I didn’t want the responsibility. What if I was wrong? I’m more confident now.