Elisabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons, the stars of the new HBO Max miniseries “Love & Death,” have expressed their thoughts on playing real-life characters in a recent interview. While the overall process of playing a character remains the same, both actors acknowledged that there is added pressure when the story is based on true events.
“Love & Death” is based on the true story of two couples, Candy and Pat Montgomery and Betty and Allan Gore, whose lives are disrupted by an extramarital affair that leads to a violent murder in their small Texas town. Olsen plays Candy Montgomery, while Plemons portrays Allan Gore.
Speaking about the challenge of portraying real people, Olsen said, “It’s definitely more apparent that you’re playing a real person, and there is weight to that. But you have to let go of that to be able to perform freely.” Plemons added, “You have to find the humanity in the person you’re playing and try to honor their experience.”
Despite the added pressure, both actors expressed their excitement about the project and the opportunity to work with director David E. Kelley, known for his work on shows such as “Big Little Lies” and “The Undoing.” Olsen described Kelley as “a master of his craft,” while Plemons praised his ability to balance dark themes with moments of humor.
“Love & Death” is set to premiere on HBO Max on June 27, 2021, and will consist of eight episodes. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, known for her work on shows such as “Homeland” and “Mad Men.” The miniseries also features a talented ensemble cast, including Jack Huston, Robert Patrick, and Elizabeth Perkins.
The process of playing a real-life character can be challenging for actors, as they have to find the balance between honoring the person’s experience while also creating a performance that feels authentic and true to the story being told. However, both Olsen and Plemons seem to have embraced this challenge and are excited about the opportunity to bring these characters to life in “Love & Death.” With a talented cast and crew behind the project, the miniseries is sure to be a must-watch for true crime fans and drama enthusiasts alike.
