Darren Mann (Jack Dutton) & Michelle Randolph (Elizabeth Strafford) talk 1923 Season 2

Summary

In this interview, the actors reflect on their evolving roles in *1923*. Darren discusses Jack's emotional growth after facing immense personal loss, with a newfound desire for revenge. Michelle explores Elizabeth’s journey of finding purpose beyond motherhood, as she adapts to the harsh realities of life on the Dutton ranch. Both actors share insights into working with legends Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, highlighting their down-to-earth personalities and generous spirits on set. The cast also talks about the challenges of filming in extreme weather conditions, from desert heat to snow-covered landscapes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Dutton family has faced ongoing challenges, with never having a 'full good year'—just moments of relief before new obstacles arise.
• 😀 Jack, a key character, has undergone significant growth, particularly due to personal losses and increased anger toward enemies like Whitfield and Banner.
• 😀 The experience of being a cowboy requires an emotional edge, which Jack develops through his experiences in the series.
• 😀 Michelle shares that after shooting Landman, she had a brief break before joining 1923, where the locations and climates were drastically different.
• 😀 Elizabeth's character arc in Season 2 focuses on finding her purpose outside of motherhood and adapting to the sacrifices required to survive within the Dutton family.
• 😀 Elizabeth is adjusting to her new reality, which includes surviving harsh conditions on the ranch and understanding the meaning of family in this world.
• 😀 Michelle experienced both real and artificial snow during filming, with the art department creating snow that was so realistic, it was hard to tell the difference.
• 😀 The cast shared fun and surprising stories about working with Helen Mirren, who surprised them by seamlessly fitting into the cowboy lifestyle.
• 😀 Harrison Ford lived up to expectations, being an excellent mentor and role model on set, always pushing for perfection while creating a welcoming environment.
• 😀 Working with both Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford left a lasting impression on the cast, with them sharing their gratitude for the mentorship and memories created together.

Q & A

How has Jack's character evolved in Season 2 compared to Season 1?

In Season 2, Jack has become more mature and jaded, having dealt with significant tragedies such as the loss of family and an unborn child. He now harbors a lot more anger and resentment, particularly towards Whitfield and Banner, showing a darker side to his character.

What has Elizabeth learned about being a part of the Dutton family in Season 2?

Elizabeth is learning the sacrifices she has to make to be a part of the Dutton family. She's adjusting to her new reality, realizing that survival on the ranch requires resilience and strength, particularly during difficult times like hibernating through the harsh winter with Cara.

How does Michelle feel about shooting 'Landman' before transitioning to '1923'?

Michelle mentions that after shooting 'Landman', she had a short break before moving on to '1923'. She was eager to work on '1923' right away and appreciated the opportunity to switch from the warmer climate of 'Landman' to the colder, snow-covered landscapes of '1923'.

What role does snow play in the filming of '1923'?

The snow in '1923' was a mix of real snow and artificial snow created by the art department. While some snow was real, there were times when it was difficult to tell the difference, and Michelle commented that even when there wasn't snow, the cold temperatures made it feel as if there should have been.

How did the actors perceive meeting Helen Mirren on set?

The actors were pleasantly surprised by Helen Mirren's down-to-earth and approachable nature. She surprised them by showing up at Cowboy camp and immediately blending in with the group. Her effortless skill in handling a buggy impressed them, as they hadn't expected such an experienced cowgirl persona.

What did the actors find surprising about Harrison Ford's presence on set?

The actors were thrilled by how Harrison Ford exceeded their expectations. He was not only an incredible actor but also a genuinely kind and helpful person. He made everyone feel welcome, was always ready for an extra take, and became a great role model for them.

What does Michelle say about the filming conditions in Montana?

Michelle describes the filming conditions in Montana as being extremely cold, with real snow by the end of filming. Despite the challenges of the weather, the art department made it hard to distinguish between real and fake snow, creating an immersive environment for the actors.

What kind of dynamic exists between Elizabeth and her new reality on the ranch?

Elizabeth is struggling to adjust to the tough reality of life on the ranch, especially after the loss of her child. She is learning how to survive in this harsh environment while finding her purpose beyond motherhood. This journey is a central theme in her character's development in Season 2.

How does the change in weather affect the actors' experience on set?

The actors had to adapt to a significant change in weather from warmer desert-like areas to the cold, snowy environments of Montana. The cold temperatures made it difficult to distinguish between real and fake snow, but the actors still found the experience challenging yet rewarding.

What are the key traits of Jack's character in Season 2 as he seeks revenge?

Jack's character in Season 2 is marked by his intense desire for revenge, particularly against Whitfield and Banner. His anger is fueled by the tragedies he has experienced, and he is no longer the carefree, whimsical character from Season 1. Instead, he is more driven by a need for justice and retribution.