Actor Malcolm McDowell to discuss roles, career at Museum of Ventura County
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Ojai resident and actor Malcolm McDowell, who starred in the 1974 movie "A Clockwork Orange" and this year's "Moving On" with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, will speak in Ventura on Saturday.
McDowell, who has lived in Ojai for more than 40 years, will share stories from his career with journalist Ivor Davis at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St. The in-person event runs from 6:30-8 p.m. and will also be available via Zoom. The talk is free for members, $10 for nonmembers attending in person and $5 for nonmembers on Zoom.
McDowell, who will turn 80 in June, portrayed villain Alex DeLarge in Stanley Kubrick's 1974 classic. The key to becoming a good villain, he said, is not portraying a simplistic, two-dimensional character.
"It has got to be something else," McDowell said, such as showing vulnerability using comedic or human emotions.
In February 2021, he participated in a similar talk virtually with Davis. On Saturday, he expects to discuss his life and career, which he described as "quite long and varied."
Most recently, he starred in the Paul Weitz-directed film "Moving On." The comedy, which opened March 17, has McDowell portraying Howard, a recent widower who has wronged his late wife's friends, played by Fonda and Tomlin.
"It's one of those movies that make you kind of smile and gasp," McDowell said.
McDowell, who was born in Yorkshire, England, came to Ventura County on the suggestion of a friend who lived in Ojai.
"He said: 'You should try Ojai,'" McDowell recalled. "I thought he meant Ohio."
His friend pointed out a ranch for sale and McDowell realized it was only a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles. He bought it immediately.
"It's one of the most staggeringly beautiful places in California," McDowell said. "What I love about Ojai is people just leave you alone."
For more information, visit venturamuseum.org.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Actor Malcolm McDowell to speak at Museum of Ventura County
