Rachel Weisz is set to star in the upcoming limited series “Vladimir,” premiering on March 5, and she admits the complexity of her character has made it challenging to articulate her experience. Known as “M” in the scripts, the protagonist is a literature professor whose life spirals out of control as she navigates personal and professional turmoil. Weisz recently shared her insights into this role while seated at Goodfare, a restaurant in London’s Camden, revealing her ongoing connection to the character even six months after filming wrapped.
The series, based on Julia May Jonas’ 2022 novel, explores themes of obsession and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Weisz’s character’s husband, played by John Slattery, faces misconduct allegations at their liberal arts college, which complicates her life as she becomes infatuated with a fresh colleague, Vladimir, portrayed by Leo Woodall. Weisz’s journey with the character has been deeply introspective, as she continues to process M’s motives and complexities.
“I suppose I still need to gather my own point of view on her,” Weisz reflected, indicating that the character’s depth has left her with lingering questions even through the editing process. As an executive producer on the series, she was actively involved in shaping the narrative, which further deepened her connection to M.
A Complex Character Unveiled
Weisz describes “Vladimir” as an intriguing piece of writing that drew her in from the start. “It was a damn good piece of writing, the novel and the pilot,” she said. Her initial interest was piqued after reading the book, which was recommended by a friend, before receiving the script. The narrative centers on M, who grapples with her husband’s scandal and her growing obsession with Vladimir, leading her to indulge in romantic fantasies that contrast sharply with her mundane reality.
The Direct Address Technique
A notable aspect of “Vladimir” is its unique storytelling style, which allows M to confide directly in the audience. This technique, inspired by Jonas’ theater background, transforms the traditional narrative by making M an unreliable narrator. “I wanted to flip that to where she’s talking to someone and she’s always trying to massage the truth or sometimes outright lie,” Jonas explained. This layered approach adds depth to the character and engages viewers in her psychological journey.
Weisz had previously experienced breaking the fourth wall in theater but had never done it on screen. “On set, we called it my special friend,” she noted, referring to the imaginary audience she envisioned while speaking directly to the camera. This method allowed her to express M’s inner turmoil while maintaining a connection to the scene’s reality.
Humor Amidst Chaos
Despite the serious undertones of M’s story, Weisz revealed that the series leans into moments of humor, a departure from her usual dramatic roles. “For me, everything was intensely serious. It was about committing to her reality and what she cares about,” she said. The juxtaposition of M’s chaotic life with comedic elements resulted in a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
“I wouldn’t know how to be funny,” Weisz admitted, highlighting her commitment to portraying M authentically. As the series progresses, M’s attempts to maintain a façade while her life unravels become increasingly demanding, reflecting the absurdities of real life.
Defending a Flawed Character
Playing M required Weisz to empathize with her character’s struggles. “It’s generally critical to be able to defend the person you’re playing, but she felt psychologically true,” she stated. Weisz understands the contradictions inherent in M’s character, who is both a capable professor and a woman facing personal crises. “People are contradictory,” she emphasized, noting that individuals can excel in their professions while grappling with significant personal challenges.
What Lies Ahead
As “Vladimir” prepares for its debut, Weisz is also looking ahead to her future projects, including a potential return to the iconic role of Evelyn in “The Mummy 4,” alongside Brendan Fraser. While she remains tight-lipped about the details, she confirmed that conversations are ongoing about the film. “Brendan’s been very involved. It sounds very fascinating,” she said.
Weisz’s performance in “Vladimir” promises to showcase her ability to embody complex emotions and navigate the intricacies of a flawed protagonist. As viewers anticipate the series, the exploration of M’s character offers a compelling look at the human experience—filled with contradictions, desires, and the search for identity amidst chaos.
With the premiere date approaching, audiences are eager to witness how Weisz brings this complex narrative to life. Share your thoughts on the upcoming series and what you hope to witness from Weisz’s portrayal of M.
