James Spader and Megan Boone are the lead characters in The Blacklist that recently went on-air on Star World Premiere HD. While Spader says that he shaved off his hair so that his character left an impact, Boone says that working with Spader is like working with a master. Excerpts:
James Spader as Red Reddington
Did you decide the look of Red ReddingtonIJ
It sort of worked out on its own. I had long hair before I went in to shoot for the pilot. But when I heard the opening sequence, I knew what I had to do. I knew the very first thing when I got to New York would be to shave off my hair.
Do you like the lookIJ
I thought it would be just a great moment when Reddington surrenders — he takes his hat off — and the juxtaposition of the shot of him with long hair and then clean-shaven. It was bound to have an impact. Hence, the look is brilliant.
This man has been on the move for more than 20 years. He has seen the world. As a spy he has had the ability to blend in. He can look like a tramp and the next moment look like a sauve man who is used to all the comforts. Reddington’s look has all that and much more to offer to his viewers.
Do you think people carry a part of the character they play in another seriesIJ For example Alan Shore in Boston legal.
People appear to have short memories when it comes to certain things like the pop culture. But if you’re able to retain a certain aspect of one’s past, the world be a very different place and so will be the people. So, did I carry a part of Alan Shore to The BlacklistIJ Well, it is something that only the viewers can answer. I have tried to be different.
People are making Silence of the lambs comparisons with The Blacklist. Is that comparison necessaryIJ
It’s clear there is a past between Megain Boone (Elizabeth Keen) and Reddington that Keene is not aware of. However, Reddington has an intimate knowledge of her past, her childhood, etc. The relationship between (the characters) in the film — Silence of the lambs — is more of an obsession. It’s not based on any sort of reality. So, it is unfair to make comparisons.
Megan Boone as Elizabeth Keene
Is it true that you didn’t meet James Spader before you got castIJ
Right. I read for the part of Elizabeth and then got cast. The next thing, I was in New York ready to shoot the pilot. We didn’t have any chemistry read, we just jumped right in.
Some compare your role to Jodie Foster’s in The Silence of the lambs. Do you see that resemblanceIJ
Jodie Foster is inexperienced, brave, young and being coerced into a situation by an older, nefarious man. But we’re different in the sense that Keene has a past that she carries with her. Foster knew who she is. Keene doesn’t.
How do you think Keene’s attitude toward Reddington has evolvedIJ
I think that she’s learned to trust him in a way that she is terrified of. He’s a very dangerous man, but she’s like a moth to the flame. He’s intriguing, he’s toying with her. There’s an attachment to him that she has because she knows he has answers that she wants about her life. Things that were very comforting to her.
What’s been your most difficult scene to shootIJ
This has just been such a rollercoaster ride. This entire experience — season one as the lead of a one-hour drama is relentless and daunting and you either come out a phoenix that rises from the fire or you crumble under the pressure and I’ve done a little bit of both. Every aspect of the work has its own challenge.
You said that James brought your acting to the next level. HowIJ
He’s a master, and it’s rare that anyone gets to work with a master. I’ve worked my entire life on my craft, and I’ve been diligent about it, and it’s got me here for which I’m grateful. But now I’m getting the opportunity to work opposite someone who has the amount of talent and experience that no one I’ve ever worked with has had.
Do you get intimidated and nervous easilyIJ
I’m always nervous and intimidated. There’s something just trembling inside my heart and my stomach all the time. James is a nice man and he was very accommodating and knows how to loosen me up and get me ready. He’s a good co-worker in that way.