Episode 1576 - Elizabeth Olsen

Update: 2024-09-23

Digest

Mark Marin begins by discussing his current state of mind, characterized by existential panic and a growing awareness of the dark forces at play in the world. He mentions reading Ann Applebaum's book "Autocracy Incorporated" about the network of autocrats and their influence on the global economy. He then recounts a recent experience at the airport where he faced a series of delays and challenges, describing his tendency to embrace panic-driven tasks. The podcast then features an interview with Elizabeth Olsen, discussing her role in the film "His Three Daughters" and her career in acting. Elizabeth Olsen talks about her recent film "Eternity," a romantic comedy set in the afterlife, and her approach to acting, including her experience with various acting programs and her personal journey with health and wellness. She reflects on her time studying at the Moscow Art Theatre School, highlighting the importance of the arts in Russia and the unique perspective it provided her. She discusses the influence of Stanislavsky and Chekhov on her understanding of acting. Elizabeth and Mark discuss the challenges and rewards of acting, particularly the emotional toll it can take. They share insights from their experiences and the lessons they've learned from mentors and colleagues. The conversation then shifts to the film "Martha Marcy May Marlene" and its impact on Elizabeth's career. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work with Sean Durkin, the director, and how the film served as a launching pad for her career. Elizabeth reflects on her experience auditioning for "Martha Marcy May Marlene" and how her unique perspective and tools, gained from various programs and experiences, contributed to her success. She believes her openness to different ideas and her willingness to be vulnerable played a significant role in landing the role. She expresses gratitude for starting her career before the rise of social media and self-branding, acknowledging the challenges of self-promotion and preferring to focus on the work itself. She values collaboration and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to projects from an early stage. Elizabeth shares her experience working on the film "Kill Your Darlings" and her admiration for the cast, including Ben Foster, Dane DeHaan, and the director, John Krokidas. She also discusses her initial lack of awareness of the story behind the film and how it led to a newfound appreciation for the actors involved. She reveals her underdog mentality and her desire to be a reliable actor who is remembered for their work. She aspires to be a character actor who is sought after for their ability to bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Elizabeth discusses her experience working on the film "His Three Daughters" and the appeal of the character she played. She was drawn to the character's complex desires, her struggle to maintain control, and the psychological depth of the story. She discusses the unexpected Deadhead character she played in "His Three Daughters" and how it came about. She shares a story about the director's real-life experience with a friend who had been a Deadhead for 30 years without anyone knowing. This anecdote highlights the specific and surprising nature of the character. Elizabeth describes the collaborative process of making "His Three Daughters," emphasizing the director's vision and the close-knit nature of the cast and crew. She discusses the importance of finding a shared rhythm and pacing for the film, which ultimately led to a play-like quality. She reflects on the transformation of character actors and how they can evolve into leading men. She believes that embracing the process of acting and becoming deeply involved in their roles can lead to a fulfilling and interesting life. Elizabeth discusses the challenges of independent filmmaking, particularly the difficulty of securing financing and navigating the international market. She acknowledges the importance of having a strong international value but prefers to focus on the creative process. She shares her experience adapting a novel into a film and the unique challenges of translating a fictional world onto the screen. She discusses the importance of maintaining the pace and visual appeal of the story while staying true to the original work. Elizabeth describes her ideal old lady character, a woman who has lived a full life and enjoys simple pleasures like walking, reading, and cooking. She believes that reaching this stage in life would be a great accomplishment and a testament to a life well-lived. She shares her evolving vision of becoming an old New York guy. She initially envisioned herself as an intellectual who frequented museums and theaters, but a recent experience in the city led her to reconsider. She now sees herself as a more grounded and relatable character, embracing the city's energy and diversity. Elizabeth reveals her growing interest in moving to New Mexico, a place that offers a balance of nature and culture. She acknowledges the appeal of coastal towns and the importance of finding a place that aligns with her values and lifestyle. She discusses the influence of director Hal Ashby on her filmmaking. She admires Ashby's work and considers his films to be timeless and inspiring. She aims to create films that are in conversation with Ashby's work and acknowledge his influence on her own creative journey.

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