Watching Behind Her Eyes brought to mind series like Big Little Lies and The Undoing: They all share characters whose seemingly perfect lives begin to unravel to the point of violence. Why do you think audiences are so drawn to this type of psychological thriller?
It sounds strange, but murder is sexy. That notion comes up in different phases of pop culture, like that year where everything was about sexy vampires. I think there’s an attraction to these series because most people would never allow themselves to make these type of decisions. We can’t be totally reckless in our everyday lives because there’d be too many legitimate consequences. But there’s something calming about seeing beautiful peoples’ worlds fall apart from the safety of your own couch.
I read that your parents originally wanted you to be a lawyer. Were you always drawn to performing, or did your interest in acting develop later?
I started acting when I was really young in my local drama group and always really loved it. It wasn’t until I did a movie at 15 that I realized I wanted to act full-time. After that, it was just a matter of getting an acting coach and auditioning for acting school. I ended up going to NYU, and after I got my agent, it just slowly built from there. But I can’t imagine what my life would be without it. I truly don’t know what I would’ve done otherwise.
Is there any director in particular that you’re dying to collaborate with?
I’ve been obsessed with Paul Thomas Anderson ever since I first saw Boogie Nights. I actually had this really strange experience my first year at NYU. He was the subject of my final paper for a film class, and it was also my last assignment for the semester. Right after I handed it to my professor, I went to meet my mum for lunch, and when I walked into the restaurant, Paul Thomas Anderson opened the door for me.
Only in New York!
Truly! It was such a special moment for me, but I was also just completely shell-shocked. I babbled to everyone who would listen (breathlessly), “Paul Thomas Anderson…he opened the door…I just submitted a paper…Boogie Nights!”
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