S1 Ep.6: “Heads Have Rolled For Less” with Taissa Farmiga and Michael Jortner
Mar 1, 2022
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Actress Taissa Farmiga and property master Michael Jortner join the hosts to discuss pre-production and character development for The Gilded Age. They talk about selecting and creating props, the challenges of filming dining scenes, and the unnerving abundance of dolls on set. The hosts also explore the figures and roles of men, women, and servants during the Gilded Age, as well as the rules and etiquette of dining at the time.
The podcast highlights the dangers of rapid railroad expansion during the Gilded Age, shedding light on the common occurrence of accidents and emphasizing the harsh realities of life for the majority of people.
Beyond the glamour and fancy dinner parties, the Gilded Age was a time of everyday accidents, industrial mishaps, and difficult working conditions, revealing the challenges and struggles faced by society.
The importance of etiquette and entertaining in Gilded Age society is explored, showcasing power dynamics, social climbing strategies, and the meticulous attention to detail in props and set design that enhance the atmosphere of social intrigue.
Deep dives
Tragedy Strikes: Train Derailment
The episode begins with the aftermath of a train derailment, a tragedy that claimed five lives. This event sheds light on the dangers of rapid railroad expansion during the Gilded Age, where accidents were not uncommon. The characters, George and Bertha Russell, respond to the disaster by donating to the Red Cross and facing the public attention alongside the victims' families.
Unveiling Everyday Hardships
The podcast episode emphasizes the harsh realities of life during the Gilded Age for the majority of people. It discusses the everyday accidents, industrial mishaps, and difficult working conditions that were a common occurrence. The storyline brings more realism into the narrative, highlighting how society, beyond the glamour and fancy dinner parties, faced challenges and struggles that were often overlooked.
Etiquette, Entertaining, and Intrigue
The episode explores the importance of etiquette and entertaining in Gilded Age society. Through the characters of Bertha Russell, Ward McAllister, and Mimi Fisher, the power dynamics and social climbing strategies are revealed. The clash between American and English service in the Russell household adds tension, while Bertha's effort to impress Mrs. Aster leads to the arrangement of a prestigious luncheon. The lavish dining scenes and meticulous attention to detail in props and set design enhance the atmosphere of social intrigue.
Gladys Russell's desire for control and freedom
Gladys Russell, living in a society where freedom is tied to marriage, craves control over her life and a husband to gain liberty. She wants to break free from her mother's grip and experience the world. Gladys finds solace in her friendship with Carrie Astor, a young woman who understands the struggle for independence. Their bond offers Gladys a sense of equality and the hope of escaping her mother's expectations.
The intricacies of prop creation and attention to detail in the show
Michael Jortner, the property master, brings the script to life by creating and organizing props. He ensures that each prop adds authenticity and functionality to the scenes. From accurate etiquette lessons to proper letter writing, Michael recreates the time period meticulously. He works closely with Julian Fellowes, using actual newspapers and custom-written articles to create visual elements that enhance the storytelling. The challenges of continuity and managing multiple locations are met with careful planning and attention to detail.
In part one, hosts Alicia Malone (TCM) and Tom Meyers (The Bowery Boys) debrief about the 6th episode of The Gilded Age and explore the figures and roles of men, women, and servants during the Gilded Age.
In part two, they are joined by Taissa Farmiga (Gladys Russell) and property master Michael Jortner to discuss pre-production, character development, selecting and sometimes creating props for The Gilded Age.
Watch The Gilded Age on HBO Max, and subscribe to The Official Gilded Age Podcast so you don’t miss an episode.