Rebecca Hall, known for her steady presence in both independent films and major studio projects, recently joined Evan Peters for a uniquely unconventional interview. The discussion took place amid the promotion of The Beauty, Ryan Murphy’s latest FX series which explores a disturbing body horror premise involving a virus that grants physical perfection before proving fatal. Throughout, Hall’s portrayal of FBI agent Jordan Bennett investigates eerie supermodel deaths, bringing a calm center to the show’s theatrical chaos. Their candid interaction offered rare insights into Hall’s artistic process and revealed the genuine rapport between the two actors during the shoot and press cycle.
Rebecca Hall’s Path from Acting to Directing and Writing
Hall’s career spans acting, directing, and writing, with her debut film Passing receiving noteworthy acclaim. In this interview, Peters segmented their talk into three distinct topics: acting, directing, and writing, aiming to extract nuggets of wisdom for aspiring creatives. Hall reflected on her early start in acting at age nine, emphasizing the surprising freedom she feels in performance, despite her natural shyness. She explained,
“I’m more self-conscious in life than when I’m acting. I’ve always been a very shy person, and when I started acting, I felt completely free and easy. I didn’t feel like anyone was watching me, which is really perverse.”
– Rebecca Hall
Peters responded with disbelief, but the remark underscored Hall’s unique psychological approach to her craft. She revealed how she meticulously prepares for film shoots, creating detailed emotional maps for scenes, even though shooting out of sequence makes much of it obsolete in final edits.
“It’s a complete waste of time, because then people take things and edit them, so they’re never in the right order anyway.”
– Rebecca Hall
Exploring the Directorial Experience and Unique Challenges
Shifting to directing, Hall shared the daunting but rewarding leap she made behind the camera. Despite her discomfort talking about herself, she embraced the opportunity to offer practical advice. Hall stressed that directing is deeply personal and that a director’s primary role is nurturing everyone to deliver their best.
“The director’s number-one job is to work out what everybody needs to do their best work. And honestly, you feel a little crazy, because you can never underestimate how little people don’t see what’s inside your head. You make yourself go crazy. Draw the pictures. Show the images. Say it again. Repeat it.”
– Rebecca Hall
She praised Ryan Murphy’s directorial style on The Beauty, highlighting his clarity of vision coupled with flexibility. Hall noted his ability to let actors explore while still keeping scenes grounded.
“He knows exactly what he wants, and he’s very relaxed about it. I have much more faith and trust in a director when they allow you to do whatever you want.”
– Rebecca Hall
Writing Rituals and Maintaining Creative Flow
The writing segment offered a glimpse into Hall’s disciplined yet intuitive process. She explained how her daily meditation rituals anchor her productivity.
“In some ways, the act of sitting down and deciding to write is a ritual in itself, and there needs to be a pause around it, because there’s a moment when you’re like, ‘I’m going to commit myself to being in this place.’”
– Rebecca Hall
Hall admitted her writing pace can be feverish once immersed and that she balances this intensity with activities like gardening, painting, and playing piano. Her husband Morgan Spector provides practical support, checking on her wellbeing amid bouts of creative obsession.
“Have you drunk any water, and have you eaten any food?”
– Morgan Spector
She finds inspiration strikes unpredictably and can work in chaotic environments, even writing in the backseat of a car despite occasional car sickness.
“There’s something in my head that’s just like, ‘No, fuck it. I’m just going to do this, and I refuse to get sick,’ and I don’t.”
– Rebecca Hall
The Importance of Editing and Collaborative Creativity
Peters and Hall discussed editing as a vital part of storytelling, with digital technology accelerating the creative process. Hall equated the edit with rewriting the narrative, describing it as one of her favorite phases. Their collaboration even extended to refining a scene from The Beauty, illustrating a relaxed and worry-free mindset in shaping content.
“You’ve got to be around to catch it.”
– Rebecca Hall, referring to inspiration
Peters referenced music producer Rick Rubin’s concept of “the source,” which Hall echoed as crucial in maintaining creative momentum during writing and acting.
“I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m just getting on with it.’ But I think that about everything on some level.”
– Rebecca Hall
Playful Banter Highlights the Human Side of Fame
The interview contained moments of humor and humility, with Peters teasing Hall about a recent incident in London where she forgot her ID and had to Google herself to prove she was over 18 when entering a club. This anecdote, amid the intense and dark themes of The Beauty, revealed Hall’s grounded personality. Peters called her
“one of the most humble, down-to-earth, and hilarious people I’ve ever met.”
Their easy camaraderie softened the interview’s urgency, creating a chaotic yet charming atmosphere.
Significance and Anticipation for The Beauty and Beyond
By revealing the creative processes behind acting, directing, and writing, this candid exchange offers valuable Evan Peters interview insights and showcases Rebecca Hall’s multifaceted talent. Their openness about the challenges and rewards of their crafts provides encouragement for emerging artists navigating the entertainment world’s complexities. As The Beauty unfolds its chilling narrative, audiences can anticipate Hall’s steady performance amidst Ryan Murphy’s signature theatrical storytelling. Meanwhile, Hall’s ambitions as a writer and director promise ongoing contributions to film and television beyond acting.
