Q&A: Bryan Batt (Salvatore Romano)
Q: Did you have a favorite scene from last season?
A: I would have to say the Hobo Code episode -- the scene when the character of Elliot (Paul Keeley) was trying to pick me up in the restaurant. It shows Salvatore's smart. He's not going to let his guard down. It's just instinctual that he's protecting himself. Because in those days, people did not come out. It really was not an option, especially if you had a professional life.
Q: How do people describe your character to you?
A: You know this is so wild. I've gotten a variety of comments. A lot of people thought I was kind of sleazy. And that is the furthest thing from my mind. But then another woman in New Orleans said, "I'm just so sad for you. I'm so sorry for you." And I asked her "What for? Why? What happened?" And she said, "On the show. Why can't you just be happy with who you are?" That's the kind of response I like.
Q: Has the look of the show had any influence on you outside of the series?
A: Actually, I have always been infatuated with the clothing of that time (1960) and as the sixties progressed. When I was in kindergarten, I wanted a pair of flared pants. And you couldn't get them in the States so I asked my parents if I if could get some the next time they went to London. That's where I knew that you could get them. Plus, I've always been fascinated with the Man in the Gray Flannel Suit look as well as the architecture and design of the era. It's the last original American look of the 20th century. After that, everything was kind of repeated.
Q: Did you draw on any films of the period for inspiration?
A: Actually, no. I spoke some friends and acquaintances who actually were art directors in that era about what it was like, how they had to be careful who they were. One was actually married with children and realized later that he was gay. I was lucky in that I was able to meet with people from that time who were important and very similar to Salvatore. So that was how I researched. I went to real people, not characters in film.
Q: What are you doing during your downtime?
A: I have a business for home furnishings down here in New Orleans, which is where I'm from. It's called Hazelnut. It's on Magazine Street, a wonderful street for shopping. I also do a lot of post-Katrina fundraising and benefits for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS.
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Salvatore is my favorite character. I hope his role is expanded in season two.
I love Sal (Bryan Batt) too. It would be great to expand his role in this next season. I would love to see he and Elliot(Paul Keeley) meet again. I think it would be interesting to see where that relationship could go. To explore how one lived as a gay man in that time period. Especially to explore two men in a relationship during that time. The difficulties and the joy of living ones life truthfully. We have already seen portrayals of gay men who have to sneak around to meet other men on TV and Film. Men who seem to lead very sad and lonely lives. Lets see something different this time. The secrecy and shame that gay men in the 60's experienced is a tragedy, and my hope is the writers and producers will not keep him in the closet, but allow for him to come out. The confidence and sensitivity that Elliot's character brought to the show could help Sal to come to terms with his sexuality.
Thanks, Mr. Batt, for the insights -- and for your work on this lovely show.
Regarding the scenes Mr. Batt mentions in the Hobo Code episode, between Salvatore and Elliott: that may have been the best writing in all of Season 1. Everything was tamped down, sub-rosa: it was this beautiful dialogue, in a completely different kind of "code".
Until Elliott invited Salvatore back to his hotel. Then the kid gloves came off -- so to speak.
Thanks to the writers, and to the actors, for this terrific episode. It offered a window into a way of life that I had never seen ... but men I know from that generation tell me it hit all the right bittersweet notes.
Can't wait for Season 2. Thanks again, Mr. Batt!
I loved the episode Hobo Code and the writers twist on Sal and Elliot's secret gay code language. I agree with Mark above about the secrecy and shame that gay men in the 60's experienced. It was a tragedy, and my hope is the writers and producers WILL keep him in the closet. We can't brush over history and pretend being gay in 1960 was something to shout out in the streets with glee and not suffer any consequences. As much as we all think we are a progressive society, ask a gay man today and he will tell you about the great deal of homophobia and discrimination that still exists. I say, "hold true to the era MM writers, that's what keeps us tuned in!". Let's experience some reality TV, but not 2008 reality TV but 1960's reality TV. Keep hitting those bittersweet notes and keep it real. You're doing an great job!!
From the premiere episode, I was intrigued by Mr. Batt's character. I do enjoy how Salvatore gets some of the best lines, but he wasn't given nearly enough exposure in Season One. The Hobo Code episode was, admittedly, a standout. My favorite part is Sal's stunned reaction to Elliot's blatant gesture of sipping from Sal's glass ... INCREDIBLE! It was then that Sal realized how deep the waters were. Flirtation was titillating, but he grew extremely uncomfortable with such dangerous public behavior. Nevertheless, I ache for Sal. I'd adore to see him in a happy, satisfying romance, but such was rare in those days. And for someone leading a professional career ... no way would an openly gay man be accepted in the (outwardly anyway) uberstraight ad game. One of many ugly historical examples of the dangers of ignorance and intolerance. Don't even go to how women were treated!
SEMI SPOILER WARNING:
The Season 2 premiere shocked me to my core. All I'll say is ... "it's a sham!" There is so much we'll all need to "catch up on" via flashbacks this season. Much love and appreciation to the producers, writers and of course, actors for the ongoing history lesson packaged in quite shiny, addictive entertainment! Particular kudos to Mr. Bryan Batt. Epitome. Of. Class.
I really enjoyed this interview with Bryan, I remember him in Jeffrey- his character was very memorable. I like MadMen, and hope AMC will start repeating the first season as other cable shows do. The Hobo episode was well done, and I applaud the writers and others for how they handled that situation. After all it was 1960. I would love to see Bryan's character have an on-going relationship with a married executive and/or a person of color from the mailroom or lower echelon of the company. Thanks
Gary
I used to enjoy the show...I think you just lost middle America with the over the top gay scene. I'm also selling my BMW