Sharp Objects’ Patricia Clarkson on finding the mom roles worth playing

Sharp Objects’ Patricia Clarkson on finding the mom roles worth playing

Author: Vox August 2, 2018 Duration: 1:01:33
Adora Crellin is a difficult woman to love. The monstrously suffocating mother of Camille, the protagonist of HBO's terrific murder mystery miniseries Sharp Objects, Adora keeps finding ways to undercut her damaged daughters and to visit the deep-seated trauma in her soul upon the women who should be able to rely on her most. So just imagine playing Adora and how that might seep into your soul. Fortunately, we've got Patricia Clarkson, one of America's finest actors for portraying difficult, damaged mothers (who seem to pass along those qualities to their difficult, damaged daughters), in the role. She finds notes in Adora most actors wouldn't even look for. It's spellbinding work, among the best work in the esteemed actor's career, and she's been nominated for every award you can think of. Clarkson joined Todd this week to talk about knowing which moms are the right ones to play, what Sharp Objects gets right about the South, and which of her roles people most notice her for. And after that conversation, stick around for a chat about the state of the TV industry with PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every Thursday, Vox’s critic-at-large Emily VanDerWerff sits down for a conversation that goes beyond the usual promotional chatter. The I Think You're Interesting podcast is built on the premise that the people who make the movies, TV shows, and art we love have fascinating stories and creative processes worth exploring in detail. These are frank, uncensored talks with a wide range of guests-from household names to emerging talents and essential behind-the-scenes figures-all of whom have shaped the current landscape of entertainment and pop culture. You’ll hear them discuss not just their latest project, but the influences and inspirations that fuel their work, the pivotal moments in their careers, and the ideas they can’t stop thinking about. It’s a series of deep dives into the minds of interesting people, hosted by someone who knows how to ask the questions that get to the heart of why they do what they do. This isn't about reviews or hot takes; it's about the human element behind the art we consume. Each episode feels like eavesdropping on a great, meandering conversation between two people genuinely engaged in figuring out what makes creativity tick, all delivered with the thoughtful perspective you expect from Vox.
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