Rachel Weisz recently opened up about her role in the highly anticipated limited series “Vladimir,” set to premiere on March 5. Known as “M” in the script, her character is both intriguing and complex, leading Weisz to find difficulty in articulating her experience of bringing her to life. In a candid conversation at a London restaurant, the actress revealed, “This is the first time I’ve spoken about it to anybody,” indicating the deep connection she has with the character.
“Vladimir,” based on Julia May Jonas’ 2022 novel, follows a literature professor at a liberal arts college whose world unravels as she becomes romantically infatuated with a colleague, played by Leo Woodall. As her husband, portrayed by John Slattery, faces misconduct allegations, the plot thickens, sparking internal conflict within M regarding her responsibilities and desires. Weisz, who also serves as an executive producer, has been involved in the ongoing editing process, showing her investment in the character.
Weisz described her intrigue in exploring M, stating, “I thought it would be challenging and hopefully fun,” while acknowledging the dark twists the character undergoes throughout the series. The narrative allows her to express torrid romantic fantasies and document her unraveling life directly to the audience, providing a unique blend of inner turmoil and humor.
Jonas, the creator, articulated the challenge of translating the intensely internal novel to screen, aiming to present M as an unreliable narrator whose dialogue often dances between truth and deception. This creative approach allows the audience to witness the duality of her character’s inner struggles.
Weisz reflected on her artistic journey and the fundamental approach she took while portraying M, emphasizing the need to connect deeply with the character’s psyche. “It’s very hard to do something if it doesn’t feel like that,” she said, underlining the necessity of authenticity in her portrayal.
The series is crafted with an unusual storytelling technique, wherein M addresses the audience, breaking the fourth wall in a way that adds depth to the character’s psyche and connects her experiences with viewers. Weisz’s ability to pivot between intimate moments and broader comedic tones within the character presents a layered performance that promises to resonate with audiences.
In her career, Weisz, known for her dramatic roles, finds humor difficult yet acknowledges that life often surprises us with its absurdities. “Things are going very wrong in her life with her husband and everything. It gets harder and harder for her to toe that line.” This entanglement of serious themes and comedic moments speaks to the heart of the series.
Following our interview, which took place in early January, it was confirmed that Weisz would be reprising her role in the upcoming “The Mummy 4,” alongside Brendan Fraser. This exciting development has stirred interest among fans, yet Weisz maintains a level of intrigue regarding her upcoming projects.
As Weisz navigates the challenges of playing a character like M, she emphasizes the intricacies of human nature, where brightness can exist alongside chaos. “People are contradictory,” she concluded, noting that such complexities give life its richness and truth. The engaging narrative and dynamic performances in “Vladimir” are set to offer viewers a compelling look at the upheavals within one woman’s life, reflecting the messiness and beauty of the human experience.