Q&A - Betsy Brandt (Marie Schrader)
Brandt discusses shoplifting compulsions, carrying on "adult conversations" in the minisodes and fighting her temptation to steal Aaron Paul's scarf.
Q: Do you ever have a hard time playing a character that's living in such strong denial?
A: You know, I know people like this -- someone who has done something that has upset you, and they won't take responsibility. And it's just infuriating. You're like, "Oh my God, just admit it!" And they just won't -- she's that person. Because then she'd have to admit things about herself. That's why it's such a watershed moment when she finally acknowledges to Skyler, basically "I totally threw you under the bus, and that was s___. I'm sorry."
Q: Was that a relief for you?
A: It was. This show is different for me than on a lot of other shows I've done. I feel like I do the big drama roles: It's a lot of crying, a lot of big meltdowns. And I think that's a lot of fun (and another interview we can have, you me and a psychoanalyst). But a lot of times after I'm done shooting a scene with Marie, I just want to go back to my trailer and sob because there's no release. She doesn't do that, which is completely opposite from how I am in my life.
Q: In the first season Marie's shoplifting was depicted as a funny quirk. This season it's being treated as more of a compulsion. Have you had any experience in dealing with something like that?
A: Oh it's a problem. I've never been through a 12-step program, so I don't know if you're like "Well, I do this because I have issues with my father." Maybe some people do that, I don't know. But I don't think Marie is going to. I think she does it because she can't help herself and it feels good. She's not supposed to, and she knows that, but it still feels really good to do.
Q: What about you? Last time we talked you mentioned you used to "collect" sugar spoons...
A: Oh, yeah! I haven't been doing that. Maybe this will happen for Marie too, but now I feel like I've done it, and the excitement and thrill is gone. I was telling Vince that maybe Marie should steal something from Jesse. I don't know if Jesse's stuff is nice enough for me, though. But Aaron Paul does have a scarf I really like. We did this talk at SAG, and he left his scarf in the Green Room and I really thought about taking it. I mean, I would have come clean and told him. Aaron, he's so sweet, he may have just told me to keep it.
Q: How hard was it for you to hit that kid's remote-controlled car in the first episode?
A: Listen. That kid did NOT apologize to me when he hit my foot, which I found very rude. So I said what I needed to say [Laughs]. Bryan directed that episode, and he does not miss a beat when he's acting or when he's directing. So he had me come in for driving rehearsal. And then on the big day when we shot it, I ran over the car on the first take -- which I'm very proud of! I consider myself an honorary transpo girl.
Q: You starred in two of the online minisodes - "Good Cop Bad Cop" and "Marie's Confession." Which was the most fun to shoot?
A: It was really fun to do the "Good Cop Bad Cop." I've got a newborn and I've really just been home with my kids since we closed production, so I was just so happy to go there and have more adult conversation. I was actually pretty impressed with myself in "Good Cop Bad Cop" -- when I saw it, I was like, is that me? My baby was 10 weeks old when I shot it and I looked good!
I was happy to see the sisters reunite...
My sister has a number of issues and I must say your [character's] issue is tantamount to only a thread of a tightly wrapped noose forming around her yet seeing the concealed behavior as well as the interactions with various types of influences (sales clerk, spouse, sibling, family gathering) it really shows that there are still sound qualities (when your character took the talking pillow) even though other parts of the thread can be severely frayed. I just hope those exist as when there are manias a person struggles with - and even the most complicit (for lack of a better word) DO struggle, its good to see the many facets of your character when knowing a similar person you see only the behavior they disclose. Guess it gives us hope but nonetheless this is a tribute to the reality that has been infused in this fiction - certainly there have been unrealistic circumstances but I love twain's quote about the difference between reality and fiction and that is the latter must be credible...thats why this twisted tale is so successful. BTW - I am a big fan of The Practice and I know you were only on the series finale (as far as I remember) but Anna too had one of my favorite scenes in the practice where she explained to rebecca washington that essentially a DA cant try to win at all costs and I hoped that was credible as well because of our fear of living in a police state...anyways - best wishes on the show - and tell hank id love a tee shirt even if i dont win - ill pay and im sure no paperwork.
Hats off to you all
Betsy Brandt is a doll. I have such a crush on her lately. Marie was actually one of my least favorite characters initially, at the very beginning of Season 1, seeming a tad forced and uninteresting, but I admire the way both Brandt and the writers have managed to give her a little bit of depth, and not let her become too much of a stereotype. The same goes for Hank, who I worried early on would just become a too-easy, cliche jock type. And they do overplay that aspect of him with slightly "forced feeling" lines of dialogue here and there, but I really enjoy the fact that he's very good at what he does professionally, and that he has more nuances than a viewer might've expected him to have early on.
Marie doesn't get as much air time, understandably given the story, but Brandt makes the most of what she gets. The scene in Season 1 where she is first confronted about (and denies) the shoplifting was brilliantly acted. That sort of obnoxious, tight-lipped shrug she gives, combined with that pained, almost watery look in her eyes -- it was just perfect. That was the moment I really started to view Brandt and her character here in a whole new light.
Kudos to Betsy and the show's writers. I would caution them against overplaying or getting too carried away with the shoplifting subplot, though. If they do it's going to start to feel soap-opera-ish, and not in a good way. A part of me actually wishes they'd kind of drop it for the moment, and maybe just return to it in more subtle ways later on. But I'd like to continue to see Marie have some interesting little role to play in the overarching story. I liked when she unexpectedly came to Walt's defense over his decision (originally) to refuse treatment. There are more ways to weave her in than just the shoplifting thing.
I like the Kleptomaniac aspect of marie's character. Will we be seeing any other unique character flaws in Marie this season? Love this show...
I love the scene in the waiting room, when your character talks about x-ray techs v.s. the doctors, it is very believable and hilarious how you carry that scene, and how Hank nods like a puppy dog.
I agree with what you are saying it must be hard to play Marie. She comes across as very Hyper vigilant, a worrier, high strung, emotionally closed off character. It would seem exhausting at the end of the day! Do they allow you time off for therapy? (laughs) I love your acting and I like how you make her more sympathetic and likable in season 2. Keep up the stellar work.