Podcast Summary: Molly Ringwald on 'Feud'

Podcast: All Of It (WNYC)
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Molly Ringwald
Episode Date: January 29, 2024
Topic: Molly Ringwald discusses her role as Joanne Carson in the FX/Hulu series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and reflects on her career, creative process, and working with Ryan Murphy.

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the making of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, with Molly Ringwald sharing insights on playing Joanne Carson—Truman Capote’s last close friend. The conversation explores the show's portrayal of New York’s elite “Swans,” Capote's complicated relationships with them, and the unique bond between Capote and Carson. Ringwald also touches on creative partnerships, her career evolution, and her return to acting alongside her passions for writing and singing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Capturing California vs. New York Energy

• Molly Ringwald reflects on embodying Joanne Carson’s Californian essence while contrasting it with the “buttoned-up” style of New York’s Swans.
  • “I'm originally from California, so no matter what, I feel like it's in my blood…as much as I love New York and consider myself a New Yorker, there's definitely Californian in there from too many generations.”
  • (02:07)
• The creators wanted Joanne to stand out as freer and more bohemian compared to the reserved socialites of Manhattan.
  • (02:46)

2. Joanne Carson and Truman Capote’s Unique Friendship

• Ringwald describes Joanne and Truman as outcasts who bonded over being “on the outs” from their respective worlds post-divorce and scandal.
  • "I think she and Truman kind of bonded together and were kind of a little bit outcast together…I also believe that Joanne really absolutely adored him unconditionally and may have been one of the only people in his life who did.”
  • (02:46)
• Joanne’s love for Capote was unconditional—she wanted nothing but friendship, and truly respected his literary gifts.
  • "She really just kind of wanted to facilitate his literary genius, because I really do believe that she had an incredible amount of respect for his writing more than anybody else."
  • (03:52)

3. Capote’s Betrayal and The Ethics of Writing About Friends

• The conversation turns to Capote’s tell-all and whether writers have the right to mine their social circles for material.
• Molly acknowledges the writer’s perspective but sees Capote’s choices as self-destructive:
  • “I think that there is a way he could have done it and they wouldn't have known that, they wouldn't have suspected that he was writing about them specifically…what he did was very self destructive.”
  • (05:45)

4. Portraying Joanne: Working with Tom Hollander & The Cast

• Molly praises Tom Hollander’s "transformative" performance as Capote:
  • “It wasn't just the voice. It was the mannerisms. It was the way that he walked…Tom just completely nailed it.”
  • (08:00)
• Hollander’s acting process involved moving fluidly in and out of character, more common for British actors per Ringwald’s experience.
  • (09:33)

5. Behind the Scenes: Directors & Wardrobe

• While Gus Van Sant directed most episodes, Ringwald shares her admiration for Jen Lynch (noting they previously worked together on Dahmer), describing Lynch as an “actor’s director.”
  • (10:53)
• Joanne Carson’s style was deliberately set apart from the Swans:
  • “They really wanted Joanne to seem like a lot more free and bohemian…I'm in colorful caftans…and really sort of embody that quintessential California ease.”
  • (11:32)

6. Joanne’s Enduring Loyalty & Capote’s Legacy

• The depth of Carson and Capote’s bond is evidenced by her keeping part of his ashes and being buried beside him:
  • “She apparently kept him pretty close and talked to him…it was just one of those relationships…that was really, really important to her.”
  • (12:53)
• Molly believes Joanne respected Capote as a writer more than the Swans did:
  • “They really valued him as a character… I don't know that they respected him as much as a writer. And I think Joanne did.”
  • (13:01)

7. Filming Difficult Scenes: Violence and Vulnerability

• Ringwald describes the emotional toll of witnessing a staged violent altercation, despite knowing it was choreographed:
  • “Even though I knew that it was made up, it couldn't help but, like, raise my…cortisol…It made me gasp…and just being around it, it really felt like I was watching the real thing.”
  • (14:58)

8. Ryan Murphy’s Influence & Opening Doors

• Ringwald credits Murphy with championing diverse talents and offering complex roles for women beyond their twenties:
  • "He really does, you know, he's really interested in giving voices and giving power to people who might not have that opportunity…and that's something that he has really focused on a lot…"
  • (16:08)

9. Music, Writing, and Looking Forward

• Molly shares she is currently focused on acting and writing, but aspires to one day blend all her passions—perhaps directing, writing, acting, singing, and even using her French—in a single project:
  • "I'm hoping that one day I get to do everything I want to do all on the same project. So maybe like, directing, writing, acting, singing, you know, everything else. Maybe a little French in there. Who knows?"
  • (17:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tom Hollander as Capote:
  “He always seemed like a little bit like a train wreck, but he had this very specific way of moving, and Tom just completely nailed it…” (08:00)
• On the ethics of writing about friends:
  “If you want to be a complete recluse, fine, you know, write about whatever you want. But… I don't think he wanted to lose that whole social circle…” (05:45)
• On Ryan Murphy:
  “He’s definitely in the zeitgeist. He kind of knows what people want to see, but he also takes chances and…especially in terms of hiring all of these women that are, you know, not 22 years old.” (16:08)
• On Carson & Capote’s bond:
  “She apparently kept him pretty close and talked to him and, you know, like, it was just one of those relationships, for whatever reason, that…was really, really important to her.” (12:53)
• Ringwald’s musical side:
  The episode ends with Ringwald singing her rendition of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”. (18:25)

Key Timestamps

• 02:07: Ringwald on capturing Joanne Carson’s California vibe & contrast with the Swans
• 03:52: Ringwald explains Joanne’s unconditional loyalty to Capote
• 05:45: Discussion on Capote’s tell-all and the ethics of writing about friends
• 08:00: Behind the scenes with Tom Hollander’s transformation into Capote
• 11:32: Designing Joanne’s wardrobe/persona to stand apart
• 12:53: The deep, enduring friendship between Carson and Capote
• 14:58: Filming emotionally intense violent scenes
• 16:08: Ryan Murphy’s impact on diverse casting and storytelling
• 17:34: Molly on hopes for integrating acting, music, and writing

Conclusion

This episode offers a thoughtful peek behind the scenes of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, with Molly Ringwald providing candid insights into her creative process, the significance of Joanne Carson in Capote’s later life, and the series' resonance with issues of art, friendship, and betrayal. Ringwald’s warmth and versatility shine throughout, whether reflecting on past collaborations, explaining her character’s motivations, or serenading listeners with her singing.

For listeners interested in culture, the craft of acting, and untold stories from New York’s golden age, this is a deeply rewarding episode.