I trained Netflix’s algorithm to search for shows about betrayal, revenge, murder, and ruined lives.
So, naturally, I was intrigued by Ryan Murphy’s FX series “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,” which begins Wednesday night. The film tells the story of one of the greatest betrayals in literary history, in which a famous “cold-blooded” author casts a cold, penetrating eye on the stylish women who are the gatekeepers of New York society.
Jon Robin Bates, who co-wrote the show with Murphy, said the women “clung to each other to keep from going crazy.” Givenchy Private How many fittings does Shanti have to go before she feels like she’s drowning in lace?And your people, every day, from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep, are under the influence of power. Have I fornicated with the devil and betrayed you? He goes with the flow and is comforted by an apology from Van’s girlfriend, Krief & Arpels, and by Pissarro, who appears in bed. ”
Murphy wanted to give viewers a double dose of nostalgia. “This shows us the last gasp of New York society, when women wore gloves and used finger bowls and went to four-hour lunches where they drank and smoked,” he said. Ta. “But we’re also looking at a different kind of nostalgia for the female stars of the ’90s, who had to navigate the challenges of huge tabloid journalism at the time. We missed them so we’re very happy to have them back.”
I didn’t know which swan to ask to interview in the Times’ style section. Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, and Molly Ringwald were all attractive veteran actresses. (And then there’s Demi Moore and Jessica Lange next to the swan.)
I chose Flockhart because she was such a big part of my life, even from a distance. I loved her hit shows “Ally McBeal” and “Brothers and Sisters.” The latter was created by Bates, who said his holiday column about my politically divided family helped inspire it.
After I requested an interview, Flockhart’s publicist called to confirm that the 59-year-old actress was not playing the lead swan. (Watts plays Babe Paley, Swan No. 1, the epitome of grace and wife of longtime CBS chief Bill Paley. Flockhart plays Lee Radziwill.)
I thought it was very unusual to downplay my role.
When I interview celebrities, I’m prepared for them to be fascinating creatures from another planet. But Flockhart seemed like someone I’d want to spend time with on this earth.
“She’s not a Hollywood actor,” Bates said. “She’s a strange salamander who lives in her own rainforest. She has a strangely rich and quiet inner life.”
Murphy was excited about all of his swans and was pleased that Flockhart emerged from the rainforest on his private property to join him in the show. The Master of Macabre paid her his greatest compliment. “She’s a very, very good viper.”