Best Of: Jeremy Strong / Will & Harper's Roadtrip Across America
Oct 12, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, Jeremy Strong, known for his gripping role as Kendall Roy in HBO's Succession, discusses portraying the controversial Roy Cohn in The Apprentice. He reflects on Cohn's manipulative tactics and their eerie connection to Trump's strategies. Meanwhile, Will Ferrell and Harper Steele recount their heartfelt road trip across America, exploring themes of identity and acceptance following Harper's transition. Their journey, documented in the Netflix film Will & Harper, showcases the power of friendship, humor, and personal growth.
Jeremy Strong discusses how Roy Cohn's aggressive tactics profoundly influenced Donald Trump's approach to business and politics.
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele's road trip documentary highlights the complexities of identity and the importance of supportive friendships in transition.
Deep dives
Jeremy Strong's Role as Roy Cohn
The film 'The Apprentice' features Jeremy Strong portraying Roy Cohn, a controversial lawyer known for his ruthless tactics. This character serves as a mentor to a young Donald Trump, showcasing Cohn's infamous strategies of aggression and denial. Strong highlights Cohn's legacy, which includes advocacy for always attacking opponents and never admitting defeat, reflecting the DNA of Trump’s business methods. The portrayal emphasizes the deeply impactful nature of Cohn's approach, parallel to the emotional and ethical complexities the character navigates throughout the narrative.
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele's Friendship Journey
The documentary 'Will and Harper' showcases a cross-country road trip undertaken by Will Ferrell and his friend Harper Steele, following Harper's decision to transition. Their journey allows them to confront various past experiences and environments that Harper felt apprehensive about revisiting post-transition. As they visit locations familiar to Harper, they navigate the complexities of identity, acceptance, and safety in social settings. The candid exploration of their friendship during this transitional period offers insights into the challenges faced by transgender individuals and the evolving nature of friendships.
Exploring Themes of Identity and Acceptance
Harper's narrative reveals her internal struggle with identity, particularly the acceptance of her true self as a trans woman. Her candid letter to Will reflects on years of grappling with her identity, asserting a newfound commitment to living authentically. The documentary follows their experiences in settings that evoke memories of Harper's past while addressing the societal challenges trans individuals can face. This vulnerability contributes to a broader conversation about the importance of understanding and supporting those undergoing transitions.
Navigating Comfort and Connection
The dynamics of comfort and connection between Harper and Will are central to their road trip experience. The documentary captures moments of emotional vulnerability, where Will seeks to support Harper while navigating the complexities of touch and reassurance. As they encounter various obstacles, their friendship deepens, revealing the strength found in vulnerability and allyship. This exploration highlights how friends can significantly impact the journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Jeremy Strong played Kendall Roy on HBO's Succession. He's now starring in The Apprentice, as Donald Trump's unscrupulous lawyer and mentor Roy Cohn. Strong says the film examines the playbook Cohn passed on to Trump: "Always attack, deny everything and never admit defeat."
Also, Will Ferrrell and his friend and former SNL writing partner Harper Steele, talk about the road trip they took after Harper came out as a trans woman. Their trip is the subject of the new Netflix documentary, Will & Harper.