Whereas with Whitney, I was trying to create a character that was based in some kind of reality. I didnât want to be too didactic about it, and I didnât want to be too clear about what his intentions were. I wanted him to be a little bit of a mystery to the audience and to myself. I wanted to create a character that was filled with contradictions. And so my approach to him was to try to be as spontaneous as possible, to not make too many choices in advance, and to allow the character to reveal himself to me as I was playing him. It was a different process, but it was a joyful one. I loved playing both characters, but for very different reasons.
And I think I had just finished âHandmaidâs Taleâ when I started âIndustry,â so it was a perfect time for me to be able to shift gears in a way that was constructive and creatively fulfilling. And Iâm very grateful for it, because I think I needed it at that time. It was a very cathartic experience for me to be able to play these two very different parts back-to-back.
With Whitneyâs storyline coming to a close in âPoints of Emphasis,â Minghellaâs time on âIndustryâ will soon be over. But the characterâs impact on the show will be lasting, as Minghellaâs performance has left an indelible mark on the series. And for Minghella, the experience of joining the show as a fan and collaborator has been a rewarding one, allowing him to explore new creative territory and leave his mark on a show that has captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide.
Their relationship is complex, with Henry looking up to Whitney in a way that mirrors Harper’s relationship with Yasmin. Working together, Minghella and Harington were able to bring out the nuances of this dynamic, creating a depth to their characters that added layers to the story.
Overall, Minghella’s portrayal of Whitney in “Modern Love” is a masterclass in complexity and ambiguity. Through his approach to the character and his collaboration with his co-stars, Minghella brings Whitney to life in a way that is both captivating and unsettling. As viewers watch the series unfold, they are left questioning the true motives and intentions of Whitney, making him a character that is both fascinating and enigmatic.
In conclusion, Minghella’s performance in “Modern Love” is a testament to his talent as an actor. Through his dedication to the role and his ability to bring out the depth and complexity of Whitney, Minghella solidifies himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of television. As viewers continue to be captivated by his portrayal, it is clear that Minghella is a rising star to watch in the industry. What was it like to dig into that layer of Americanness, especially as an English actor?
Playing Whitney as an ultra-American archetype was a fascinating experience for me. As an English actor, I have a different perspective on American culture, so embodying this particular character was a challenge. I had to dive deep into what it means to be an American in the corporate world, with all the bravado and ambition that comes with it. It was a chance to explore a different side of American culture that I hadn’t delved into before, and it was both enlightening and rewarding.
In the final episode, we see Whitneyâs ultimate downfall. What was it like to play that moment of realization and defeat for the character?
Playing that moment of realization and defeat for Whitney was incredibly powerful. It was a culmination of all the layers of the character that I had explored throughout the season. To see him come to terms with his own shortcomings and failures was a poignant moment. It was a reminder of the fragility of success and the consequences of one’s actions. As an actor, it was a challenging scene to portray, but it was also incredibly fulfilling to bring Whitney’s journey to a close in such a profound way.
Overall, what was your biggest takeaway from playing Henry in “Severance”?
My biggest takeaway from playing Henry in “Severance” was the power of vulnerability and authenticity. Despite his flaws and insecurities, Henry remained true to himself throughout the series. It was a reminder that embracing our imperfections and being genuine in our interactions can lead to profound connections and growth. Playing Henry was a transformative experience for me as an actor, and I will always cherish the lessons I learned from portraying such a complex and relatable character.
As someone who didn’t grow up in the United States, stepping into the shoes of a character like Whitney in the context of the play was definitely an intriguing experience. I approached the role not from the perspective of an American but rather as someone pretending to be someone they are not. By altering my accent and speech patterns to suit the character, I was able to embody Whitney in a way that felt authentic to the story.
One of the interesting aspects of playing Whitney was the ambiguity surrounding his background. It was never explicitly stated where he was from, allowing for interpretation and speculation. I took this opportunity to give Whitney an undefined accent, one that could easily slip between regions and leave the audience questioning his origins. This added layer of complexity to the character, making him more enigmatic and captivating on stage.
Throughout the performance, I incorporated subtle nuances in my accent to hint at Whitney’s mysterious background. These small details may have caused some confusion among viewers, but I believed it added depth to the character and made him more intriguing. By keeping Whitney’s origins shrouded in mystery, I was able to create a sense of intrigue and unpredictability that kept the audience engaged.
In conclusion, playing the role of Whitney as a non-American actor allowed me to bring a fresh perspective to the character. By embracing the ambiguity of his background and using my accent to convey his enigmatic nature, I was able to create a captivating portrayal that added depth to the overall story. This experience of immersing myself in a character from a different cultural background was both challenging and rewarding, and I hope it resonated with audiences in a meaningful way.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
