Hollywood Can Make You ‘miserable. ‘White Lotus Star Aubrey Plaza Just Laughs It Off

© (Maiwenn Raoult / For Time) Aubrey Plaza. (Miwenn Raul / Timed)

In the second season of the HBO series White Lotus, Aubrey Plaza plays Harper Spiller, a satirical lawyer on holiday in Italy with her husband and friends. He would rather read Valeria Luiselli's Lost Children Archive than talk about Ted Lasso. And with people who do not follow the news, he prefers not to communicate.

Plaza is paired with Will Sharp, who plays her husband Ethan, who recently became rich after selling his tech company, and Theo James, Ethan's old friend from Cameron College, and Megan Fahey, who plays his cheerful wife Daphne, who discovers the Secrets of the Seasons. . . when he finds an inert body floating in the sea.

Plaza brings an all-too-typical cynicism to the critical and pragmatic Harper that won't surprise those familiar with the deadpan candor that defined Plaza's early role as April Ludgate's intern-turned-helper in parks and recreation.

It was recently announced that Plaza will be joining the cast of Agatha: Coven of Chaos, the upcoming Marvel spin-off series WandaVision, which stars Katherine Hahn as the lead witch.

Immediately after filming Francis Ford Coppola's new film Megapolis in Atlanta, the 38-year-old actress opened up about the sensation of Mike White's writing, Debbie Downer's skillful performance and the creation of the Marvel Universe.

How did you get the White Lotus?

I think my appearance is very different from other people because Mike and I used to be in a relationship. We have been friends for a long time. We were going to make a film together that we had been developing together for several years, and we had to make it just at the moment when the pandemic hit. And then the film fell apart due to the pandemic, and he turned to The White Lotus. So when the second season started, he called me very, very early and said, "Don't take the winter job because I'm going to put you on the show."

Are there any plans to revive this script someday?

I'm not sure if the movie gods have it. I'm not sure, let's see what happens. I mentioned this before. This movie is based on an idea I pitched to Mike a few years ago about going to Sweden to meet my high school boyfriend, a Swedish exchange student I haven't seen in 10 years. Mike liked the idea, but then we started touring Scandinavia together working on the idea. And then the idea grew and it almost turned into a kind of film about Mike and me traveling around Sweden together.

I think we need this movie. But let's talk about the White Lotus. I feel like Harper, she is me. And I love how people on Twitter say, "Is this my voice for other people?" What was your first impression of Harper and her penchant for cynicism when you first read the script?

I found him very understanding. I really connected with him in many ways. Because you know right from the start that she's not really from this world of the ultra, ultra-rich, although she's a bit passionate and reserved, you still have feelings for her at first. In a way, he is our way into this world, and all the other characters are a little less sober. And he is very knowledgeable. And he's a lawyer. So I think there are elements in his constant critique and analysis of every situation that are more like personality quirks. It was just instinctive, that's what he did. At first I was afraid that I didn't want her to look like Debbie Downer. ... I never thought of it that way. I look at him as if I caught someone in a moment when he is not very happy. And the marriage is not going well. But it just so happened that they ended up in the most beautiful places on earth. And it happens, that's life. I feel sadder than a bitch

Can you relate to this? How do you see the dynamic between Harper and Ethan?

I think that many married couples can understand the ups and downs of marriage. You catch them while diving. I'm in a rut. I completely identify with this. I'm married... I mean, I haven't been married for very long, but we've been in a relationship for a long time. I've had many long term relationships. So I understand the feeling that you are trying to find your way, especially when you are facing another partner who seems to have everything. It's hard not to compare yourself to them. Every couple does it; You begin to judge yourself and your relationship, such as "Am I as happy as they are?"

Many know you from the Parks and Recreation movies, but you've since shown a different side of yourself as an artist with projects like Ingrid Goes West and Legion. His 2020 film Black Bear is a true journey of the mind. Is it hard for you to make Hollywood look beyond your flat skills?

I don't want to do the same thing over and over again. And I think when you're in Hollywood and have been playing characters on television for years, people want the same thing or think it's your business or something. Many actors go through this. It's hard not to get into trouble. I have always felt the need to get out of this box; I never want to be complacent. I want to do something that I have never done before. For example, with Black Bear it was too much. This scenario has a funny description. I don't remember exactly how it happened, but towards the end of the movie, when Allison plays a role in a movie within a movie, there's a line in the script that says, "She's playing the best, most heartbreaking role ever . "." I get it." or something crazy. And I'm like, "Okay, I think I can't wait for the day of shooting when I have to give my best performance." I'm scared, but it's fun. I always joke when I'm in a movie ; for example, I was joking about this with Francis Ford Coppola the other day, I said, "The real thing is to play a character in a movie, and then create another character to play that character.. when you shoot the characters behind the scenes", better.

We always introduce ourselves. And it happened in this season of the White Lotus. It's about rich and poor, money and influence, men and women, sex and romance. What surprises you about Mike's lyrics and how he fills them with social commentary?

He likes to write things that make the audience feel out of place, like people don't know who the bad guy is because everyone has some bad qualities. But everyone can be found. He's a smart asshole. I don't know how to describe it. It's like a Pied Piper, you know? Really. She is the Pied Piper and she made all the children and all the mice follow her to the water by playing the White Lotus theme. Imagine him in a plush hat, in those panties, and he's just, you know, dancing while everyone else is fucking, showing his soul.

He tolerated discomfort well. Watching what happens can be very frustrating.

Chuck and Buck, the first movie he starred in and wrote the script for, is uncomfortable and heartbreaking. And I think we really connected at that level. It was this awkward, rough zone that drew me to the lyrics. It makes you shiver. And he loves to do it. He loves to see you swing.

Some of your most dynamic scenes are clearly Will Sharp, Theo James and Megan Fahey. Off set, does everyone stay in their group bubble?

No, we are all in one big bubble together because we live together. We all got very close. It's also fun because I really get close to people I don't have a dialogue with. We've all been in the weird and bizarre world of acting or something. We've had countless dinners together because that's how it is in Italy. Eat, drink, eat, drink again.

Are there many tours with actors, wine tastings, etc.?

We're on the rise, we're on the rise But Megan, I don't think she'll mind if I say this, she actually had a birthday party at the winery where we filmed. So before filming, we celebrated Meghan's birthday with a big dinner. That was incredible. We are all we have for each other.

Have you finally learned to speak Italian? Or do you already know how?

Actually, I did pretty well, which is funny, because the films I'm making now have a lot of Italian in them. I'm fine; I'm not that good, even when I come back I still use short and popular words. It must have entered my brain.

This year you have another social project: "Villain Emily" in which you star and produce it. The character you play is a woman who is desperate to pay off her student loans and is trying to get her life back on track and somehow turns into a dangerous life of crime. Why did you decide that this is an important film that needs to be made now?

I have been trying to make this film for many years. As it turns out, it is still relevant today. There's a whole generation of young people who will feel like they've seen this movie, people who are drowning in student debt. And I thought, why not make films so that people can experience a kind of catharsis?

As a child, how did you understand money and its importance in understanding the world? I read that your father was a financial advisor. Were you taught early on what money can and cannot do for you?

Yes, because my parents didn't grow up with money. When I was born, we had no money. My parents worked hard when I was a child to make me who I am today. My father, when I was a child, was a bookseller. I used to work as a taxi driver in Philadelphia; He worked in various positions and eventually moved into finance and rose through the ranks. So my parents didn't come from a privileged background. My mother went to night school. I have always been inspired by this drive, this ambition and how hard work can really pay off. I am grateful that I can experience both sides. I understand both worlds.

How has Evil Hag Productions changed the focus of your industry? For example, how has wearing a producer's hat and vice versa changed your perspective on acting? What are their names?

The wicked witch has always been my dream ever since I was in film school. It's about control and freedom: the freedom to do what I want and work with anyone. The idea of ​​having a production company where I can take risks with people I trust seems like the ultimate goal. I love to play and I want to play until I die. I don't think I'll ever stop playing. But I'm also very determined to make a good film. Movies have changed my life and the fact that I can take risks with other directors and support other people makes me happy. It's very hard to know what the end goal is when you're in an industry like Hollywood because you can get whatever you want and then be miserable. Evil Hag Productions is the way to be happy for me.

© (Maiwenn Raoult / For Time) "I didn't want to be on TV, I was trying to be in movies," Plaza said after landing her breakout role on Parks and Recreation. And then they called me and said that I was going to star in a TV show. And I'm like, "Well, I don't want that either, but yeah!" (Mivenn Raul / By time)

I want to talk a little about parks and recreation areas. Because I know that [creator] Mike [Schur] will share with you the story of the most awkward encounter that in turn led to the creation of April Ludgate. How do you remember this meeting?

I seem to have false memories of this meeting now. All I can say is that I know I didn't realize at the time how important this meeting was. I got so distracted from filming The Office because I was a huge fan. So this is my first time in Hollywood. I do not know what's going on. That way he could get distracted and maybe not attack him like he should have. So maybe you're thinking, "This girl is weird, does she want to be here?" I don't know what I'm doing. I think everything is fun for me. If I really want to psych myself up, maybe it's just a defense mechanism; I prefer to live like I'm going to die any moment or something like that. I don't want to take anything too seriously. I'm just kidding about all this so I don't have to deal with the consequences. Sometimes it's true. I didn't want to be on TV, I tried to act in films. And then they called me and said that I was going to star in a TV show. And I say: "Well, I don't even want to, but I will!" And so it went on for seven years. The joke is on me, I think.

Did you at least tour with The Office after the reunion?

No, they didn't even take me for a walk. All I could do was look out the door and see several actors walking by: Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak. I just remember saying, “Oh my God. Here are the cast of The Office.

Well, the announcement of your next TV project made a lot of noise. She will play alongside Katherine Hahn in the WandaVision spin-off Agatha: Chaos Coven.

The Marvel case is foreign to me. I suspect, I don't understand.

You worked with Elizabeth Olsen on Ingrid Goes West. And Katherine does something in Parks and Recreation, right? But this is the first time we're working with them under Marvel. What do you think will happen? Who will destroy you the most?

I'm afraid to talk about them because they make me so afraid. To be honest, Katherine and I have never worked together; I think we were together in some group scenes in Parks and Recreation, maybe there was some interaction between April Ludgate and her character, but that was a long time ago. I know him more as a friend. I really enjoyed working with him. He is the best. I thought Khan and I would blow each other up. I'll try to leave. But nothing can bring me down. Nobody.

We know Harper doesn't see Ted Lasso, but do you think she'll see the Chaos Coven?

I do not think so. I think Harper likes Mara from Easttown. And he secretly followed the Kominsky Method.

This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

A classic reference to the movie White Lotus.