Looking Behind her eyes brought to mind lines like Big Little Lies and An Undoing: They all share characters whose seemingly perfect lives begin to grow to a level of violence. Why do you think listeners are so attracted to this kind of mental thrush?
It’s weird, but it’s a sexual murder. That idea comes up in different levels of pop culture, like that year where it was all about sexy vampires. I think there is a pull to this series because majority people would not be allowed to make these decisions alone. We cannot be completely careless in our daily lives because there would be too many legitimate consequences. But there is something calm about seeing the world of beautiful people fall apart without the safety of your own court.
I read that your parents originally wanted you to be a lawyer. Have you always been drawn to performance, or did you develop an interest in acting later on?
I started acting when I was very young in my local drama group and I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t until I made a film at 15 that I realized I wanted to work full time. After that, it was just a matter of getting an acting coach and hearing for an acting school. I ended up going to NYU and after I got my rep, he slowly picked up from there. But I can’t imagine what my life would be like without it. I don’t know what I would have done otherwise.
Is there a leader in particular you’re dying to collaborate on?
I have been pregnant with Paul Thomas Anderson ever since I first saw him Boogie nights. In fact I had this strange experience my first year at NYU. It was the subject of my last paper for a film class, and this was my last specification for the semester. Just after I gave it to my professor I went to meet my mother for lunch, and as I walked into the restaurant, Paul Thomas Anderson opened the door for me.
Only in New York!
Heavy! It was such a special time for me, but I was also just completely shocked. Child of all who listened (without breath) “Paul Thomas Anderson – he opened the door – I submitted a paper—Boogie nights!”