Betty Gilpin & Taylor Kitsch talk harsh times in the west in American Primeval on Netflix

Summary

In this candid conversation, the speaker reflects on the grittiness and realism of a project, particularly in the context of the Western genre. They discuss the authenticity of their characters, the challenges of portraying historical figures with differing views of right and wrong, and how they engaged with the harsh elements of the time period. From makeup that emphasized realism to the raw, unforgiving environment that mirrored their characters' inner turmoil, the conversation touches on the immersive nature of the production and the significant educational journey it represented. The speaker also humorously shares a past 'Western' experience, adding a personal touch.

Takeaways

• 😀 The characters in the show are crafted with grittiness and realism, reflecting the authenticity of the time period.
• 😀 There was a strong emphasis on staying true to the historical elements of the show, with makeup and costumes designed to reflect the raw and harsh conditions of the time.
• 😀 The concept of subjective morality is explored through various characters, each shaped by their own perspectives, beliefs, and historical contexts.
• 😀 The show's portrayal of different characters (from Native communities to religious figures like Brigham Young) highlights the diverse and contrasting viewpoints of the era.
• 😀 The actors aimed to bring the audience closer to understanding the characters' views and motivations, demonstrating the impact of history and personal experiences on their decisions.
• 😀 The experience of playing such characters was made more authentic by being immersed in real, challenging elements, like weather and physical conditions, which mirrored the internal struggles of the characters.
• 😀 The series offers a unique perspective on the frontier period, specifically focusing on fur trapping before the iconic cowboy era.
• 😀 The actors acknowledged the romanticized view people often have of frontier life, but the show sheds light on the brutal realities of that time, such as disease, starvation, and the risk of death.
• 😀 The harsh conditions of the frontier are depicted with an emphasis on survival and the struggle for life in extreme circumstances, which made the actors appreciate the luxury of modern life.
• 😀 The actors reflect on how raw and real the experience was, noting that it required real dedication to immerse themselves fully into such a harsh and demanding environment.

Q & A

How did the actors feel about the grittiness and realism of the production?

The actors appreciated the authenticity of the production, especially the attention to realness in their makeup and the raw portrayal of their characters. Unlike other projects that claim to focus on realism, this production fully embraced it, with elements like dirt and blood used on set.

What role did the environment and weather play in the actors' performances?

The harsh weather and outdoor conditions helped the actors connect with the internal struggles of their characters. The elements reflected the emotional storms the characters were experiencing, making it easier for the actors to portray the grit and survival instincts required for their roles.

How did the actors' perspectives on the characters' motivations vary?

The actors discussed how the characters' decisions were shaped by their personal views and the historical context they were part of. They emphasized the subjectivity of what is considered 'right' in the show, with characters coming from diverse backgrounds, religions, and experiences, influencing their actions.

What made the portrayal of the western setting unique for the actors?

The actors found the setting particularly fascinating because it was set in the period before the iconic cowboy era, focusing on fur trapping. They appreciated the opportunity to explore a less glorified, raw version of the frontier life, which included the difficulties of survival such as disease, weather, and starvation.

What aspect of the show surprised the actors about the historical accuracy?

The actors were initially unaware of how harsh and unforgiving the fur-trapping period truly was. While they had romanticized it in their youth, they gained a deeper understanding of the period’s rawness, including the many challenges like disease and the brutality of the times.

Was this the actors' first experience working in the western genre?

For the actors, this project marked their first true foray into a western genre setting. One actor humorously referenced a past western-themed photo shoot at Six Flags in 1993, but it was their first experience with a western in a serious narrative context.

How did the actors handle the level of intensity required for their roles?

The actors found it challenging to portray high-stakes emotions and survival instincts. They noted that unlike more comfortable, modern productions, this project demanded them to connect deeply with the environment and the harsh realities their characters faced, which made it easier to embody the emotional weight of the roles.

What role did makeup play in helping the actors get into character?

The makeup played a significant role in establishing the authenticity of the characters. Instead of a polished look, the makeup involved dirt, grime, and blood, contributing to the gritty and raw portrayal of survival and realism in the story.

How does the show address the complexity of the different characters' viewpoints?

The show explores various characters' perspectives, including those from different religious and cultural backgrounds, such as Native communities and historical figures like Brigham Young. The actors emphasized how each character's subjective view of right and wrong adds to the complexity and richness of the narrative.

What insights did the actors gain about the historical period during production?

The actors reflected on how much more difficult life was in the fur-trapping period compared to romanticized portrayals in the past. They gained a deeper appreciation for how unforgiving the environment was, from freezing conditions to the constant threat of disease, and how lucky they were to live in modern times.