A Mystery Wrapped in Eccentricity

Neil Jordan’s hit “The Crying Game” is a mystery, in a way, as the film’s on-the-lam protagonist finds himself increasingly tantalized by its secretive femme fatale, Jaye Davidson. Even after the movie’s last twist has been unwound, though, filmgoers are still curious about one more mystery--just who this unknown Davidson is, cast in the picture’s most pivotal role amid a cast of heavyweights.

As it turns out, Davidson had never even considered acting before being solicited for “Crying Game,” assuming there wasn’t much call for a kind of glamour that is decidedly eccentric:

“When I heard about this,” Davidson recalls, “friends said ‘Go on, do it, it could be an in, it could go further.’ And I said, ‘Name five parts in the last two years that I could’ve played.’ I can’t really think of many films I’d have wanted to be in. There’s not enough parts for any people who aren’t really the norm.”

Still, Davidson--discovered at an “Edward II” premiere party by a casting assistant after hundreds of actresses had already been interviewed--acquiesced. Commencing filming was another matter. Jordan basically tricked his very nervous neophyte thespian into showing up for the first day of shooting.

“I went to the set for a costume fitting, and he said, ‘Well, while you’re here and the light’s right, we may as well do this.’ So I ended up doing it. I suppose it was a clever way to get me into it. It was so obvious, I must be thick not to have picked up on that one.”

Right now, remarkably, Davidson--whose supporting role just won a runner-up award from the National Society of Film Critics--is on the dole, looking to go back to the fashion industry “if I can get a job. Life’s just normal for me.”

Almost normal. When it comes to being touted for an Oscar in trade ads, Davidson is aghast still. “I can’t help it, I think it’s hysterical! Sometimes I sit here and just start laughing, thinking ‘ What is going on?’ I thought this film would show in a few art houses, go on to video, whatever. I didn’t think there’d be much reaction. And all these mad things are happening.”