Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn, the creators and stars of Apple TV's 'Pluribus', share their insights into their collaborative process, drawing from their decade-long partnership on 'Better Call Saul'. They discuss the importance of Rhea's portrayal of Carol Sturka, an irascible author who finds herself excluded from the show's 'happiness apocalypse'. Gilligan reveals how he tailored the role for Seehorn, pivoting from a male lead to a female protagonist, and how her performance made the character indispensable.
The interview delves into their unique working relationship, marked by a deep understanding and respect for each other's talents. They describe a shorthand that allows them to intuit each other's moves, fostering a creative and collaborative environment. Seehorn highlights the importance of taking risks on set, emphasizing the support of the crew and directors, and the value of learning from mistakes.
Gilligan shares his approach to directing, taking scenes 'until they break', seeking to push the boundaries of the performance. He values the trust and commitment of his actors, and the process of refining scenes to achieve the best possible outcome. The interview also touches on their personal experiences, including Gilligan's humorous anecdote about a fan's misunderstanding of his autograph request, and Seehorn's reflection on the importance of balancing people-pleasing tendencies with authenticity.
The creators express their mutual respect and admiration for each other's work, and the impact of their collaboration on their careers. They discuss the challenges of maintaining a positive attitude in the face of criticism and the importance of learning from mistakes. Overall, the interview provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the dynamic partnership of Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn.
