From White Lotus to Nine Perfect Strangers, Murray Bartlett has a flair for playing complex and compelling characters, and his latest role is no exception. In this behind-the-scenes chat, the Emmy winner talks about working with Nicole Kidman, filming in snowy Europe, and his fascination with cults. Here’s what he had to say.
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What was it like working with Nicole?
Like all cult-leader types, Masha’s incredibly enigmatic – so much so that you ask yourself if she’s a genius, a guru or if she’s insane. Nicole walks that line beautifully. She’s so lyrical in the way she talks about things, and she’s so convincing and persuasive. The next minute, she’ll flash a look and you think, “Ugh, that’s weird.” It’s a volatile, wild, magnetic energy that both Masha and Nicole have!
What can you tell us about your character Brian?
He was a children’s TV show host for many years and was cancelled for some offensive behaviour. He’s been in limbo between that time and when we meet him. When he was a host, he had a puppet called Jessie Bear, who was an extension of him – he’d talk to the kids through the bear. In a weird way, the bear became his best friend, like an alter ego. He feels like there’s nowhere left to turn and coming to Masha is a lifeline for him.
How was it filming in Europe?
It’s been amazing – there’s been some really wonderful experiences being in these beautiful spots. Some places we’ve been to have a gothic vibe, which really fits the show. The first season was sunny and light, but this is wintry and moody. We shot some scenes on a funicular railway looking at this extraordinary view of snow-capped mountains and a gorgeous lake. That was definitely a highlight.
Who’s your favourite in the cast?
Anything that Christine Baranski does as Victoria becomes iconic in my mind. Her delivery is incredible.
Which of the other characters would you have wanted to play?
Masha – she’s a fantastic character. Maybe if I did it in drag, we’d call him Marshall! I find cult or religious leaders with a guru-type vibe so fascinating. The ability to shape, guide or manipulate people would be so interesting to play. I get obsessed with docuseries about cults and why people choose to follow people like that – the power those people have to command is seductive to us. It can be wonderful to have such a leader and it can also be dangerous if it goes in the wrong direction. To watch
Stream Nine Perfect Strangers on Prime Video from $10.99/mth, with a 7 day FREE trial. Subscribe here.
