Linda Cardellini & Luke Wilson talks Haunted Houses and No Good Deed

Summary

In this candid conversation, the speakers discuss their roles and the dynamics of their characters in a show. Margot is described as a 'me first' person, always seeking what benefits her, while JD is portrayed as a down-on-his-luck character struggling to maintain his relationships. The discussion also touches on themes of LA culture, narcissism, and how environments (like houses and hotels) can affect our mood. The speakers reflect on the strange, sometimes eerie vibes certain places emit, comparing them to real-life oddities in people's behavior and relationships.

Takeaways

• 😀 Margot is described as a self-centered, opportunistic character who brokers relationships, much like a realtor, always angling for her own benefit.
• 😀 JD, in contrast, is portrayed as a down-on-his-luck, beta character struggling with his career and relationship, contrasting Margot's dynamic presence.
• 😀 The chemistry between the actors helps create a dynamic contrast in their roles, allowing the quieter JD to be more subdued while Margot drives every scene.
• 😀 The characters are very much representative of LA's social dynamics, with Margot embodying the 'me first' mentality that is often associated with the city.
• 😀 There is a humorous reflection on the social quirks of LA, like looking over one’s shoulder in conversations, a typical LA behavior that reflects distraction and self-interest.
• 😀 Superstitions about homes are discussed, with the speaker mentioning that light, vibes, and smells play a major role in choosing where to stay, especially in hotels.
• 😀 The preference for homes that let in natural light is highlighted, with dark, closed-off spaces being unappealing due to their depressing vibe.
• 😀 A bad smell in a house or hotel room can be a dealbreaker, with the speaker humorously noting they'd rather sleep in a rental car than stay in a bad-smelling hotel.
• 😀 The concept of the 'quiet neighbor' is explored humorously, referencing how some people may seem normal but actually harbor darker, unexpected qualities.
• 😀 There is a reflection on how, as people age, they start noticing that their seemingly 'normal' neighbors may have eccentric or secretive traits, like the mysterious Boo Radley from *To Kill a Mockingbird*.

Q & A

How is the character Margo described in the transcript?

Margo is portrayed as a self-centered, 'me first' character who brokers relationships in a way that reflects a typical LA personality. She is constantly looking out for her own interests and ensures she gets what she wants, often without regard for others.

What role does Linda's portrayal of Margo play in the performance of JD?

Linda's portrayal of Margo provides a strong, dynamic energy that allows the actor playing JD to relax and portray his character as more passive and down on his luck. JD’s character is more subdued, and Linda's energetic presence helps balance the scene and prevent it from becoming boring.

How does the actor describe playing the role of JD?

The actor playing JD describes his role as challenging due to the character's quiet and somewhat depressive nature. However, he finds relief in Linda’s performance as Margo, which allows him to lean into JD's confusion and sense of loss without worrying about making the scene too static.

What does the transcript reveal about JD's relationship with Margo?

JD seems to be struggling in his relationship with Margo, as she is more self-focused and driven by her own needs, while JD is described as a more passive character who is trying to keep things together despite his personal struggles.

What is the significance of the 'LA vibe' discussed in the transcript?

The 'LA vibe' refers to the superficial, self-centered attitude often associated with Los Angeles, where people are constantly looking over their shoulders to see who or what else is around. This reflects both Margo's character and the overall dynamic of the narrative.

What personal experiences are discussed regarding the choice of living spaces?

The speakers discuss personal preferences when choosing places to stay, such as avoiding hotel rooms that feel 'off' or unsettling. They mention being sensitive to a place’s 'vibe,' with specific attention to lighting and smell, which can make or break a person’s comfort level in a space.

What does the speaker mention about the role of lighting and smell in choosing a place?

The speaker highlights how important lighting and smell are in creating a welcoming or uncomfortable atmosphere in a space. They mention that if a house feels too dark or has a bad smell, it can be a dealbreaker for them.

What humorous observations are made about neighbors in the transcript?

The speakers humorously reflect on how, as they grow older, they begin to notice quirks in their neighbors, such as odd behaviors or even dark secrets. They mention how some people might seem perfectly normal, only for a shocking revelation to come later, akin to the mysterious 'Boo Radley' character from *To Kill a Mockingbird*.

What do the speakers think about superstition or haunted places?

While not particularly superstitious, one of the speakers shares that they’ve walked into hotel rooms that felt 'wrong' and would rather sleep in their car than stay there. This reflects the idea that places can have an unsettling vibe, even if there’s no concrete reason to be scared.

What role does personal experience play in shaping character interactions in the script?

Personal experiences, like the actor's reflections on choosing a place to stay, enrich the characters’ interactions. For example, JD's down-on-his-luck persona and Margo’s LA-driven attitude are shaped by their individual backgrounds, adding depth to their dynamic in the narrative.