Podcast Summary: Are You A Charlotte? Episode: Model Behavior...
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Kristin Davis
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the second episode of Are You A Charlotte? titled Model Behavior..., Kristin Davis delves deep into the intricacies of the beloved show Sex and the City, focusing on the character Charlotte York and the episode's unique storyline involving models and the complexities of male-female dynamics in New York City. Kristin provides listeners with a blend of behind-the-scenes anecdotes, character analyses, and reflections on the show's cultural impact.

Episode Overview

Model Behavior... explores a particularly controversial and fascinating episode from the first season of Sex and the City. Kristin discusses the storyline where a character named Barkley, portrayed by Gabriel Macht, secretly films his encounters with models, claiming it as his "real art." This plot point serves as a catalyst for discussions about the male gaze, consent, and the portrayal of women's intelligence in media.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Kristin offers a candid look into the production challenges faced during the filming of this episode. She explains the logistical complexities of filming two episodes simultaneously to maximize the use of expensive New York City locations. This method sometimes led to chaotic filming schedules, especially during season three, where multiple units were shooting unfinished scenes concurrently.

Notable Quote:

"We cross-board two episodes at a time...sometimes it gets out of hand."
[04:15] Kristin Davis

Kristin also shares personal anecdotes, such as her unexpected encounter with Sarah Jessica Parker during the show's uncertain early days and the anxiety surrounding the show's pickup by HBO. She highlights the initial uncertainty about the show's direction, especially regarding the character development of Charlotte York, who was not fully fleshed out in the early stages.

Character Analysis

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Charlotte York's character and her limited presence in the episode discussed. Kristin reflects on the challenges of portraying a character who was not yet fully defined, leading to limited screen time and scenes that did not entirely capture Charlotte's essence as fans know her.

Notable Quote:

"Charlotte was not formed, she's not cohesive. We didn't know how to dress her."
[16:45] Kristin Davis

Kristin also praises Gabriel Macht's portrayal of Barkley, noting his ability to make a controversial character somewhat likable despite his actions, which today would be deemed unacceptable.

Notable Quote:

"If it were not Gabriel Macht playing that character, I just don't know how...I can't even picture it being remotely palatable."
[19:30] Kristin Davis

Production Challenges

The episode highlights the evolving nature of the show during its formative years. Kristin discusses the shift in the writers' room as more women joined, bringing a female perspective that steered the show away from the male gaze and towards authentic female experiences. She also touches upon the difficulties in costume design, particularly with Pat Field's avant-garde approach, which initially clashed with traditional expectations.

Notable Quote:

"We were trying to figure out what we're doing. All the writers are back in Los Angeles...we didn't know what to do with Charlotte."
[22:10] Kristin Davis

Kristin recounts her struggles with adapting to the show's realistic portrayal versus her previous experiences in highly controlled environments like Aaron Spelling's Melrose Place. This transition emphasized natural interactions and genuine character behaviors, contrasting sharply with the rigid demands of earlier acting roles.

Themes and Discussions

The episode delves into several critical themes:

1. The Male Gaze vs. Female Gaze: Kristin explores how the show's perspective evolved from a potentially male-centric viewpoint to a more nuanced female-driven narrative.

2. Consent and Privacy: The controversial subplot of Barkley filming his encounters raises questions about consent and the ethical implications of such actions, both in the show's context and in today's societal standards.

3. Portrayal of Women's Intelligence: Through the storyline involving models, the show subtly critiques the stereotype that beautiful women lack depth and intelligence.

4. Cultural Reflection: Kristin reflects on how the show's themes remain relevant today, addressing ongoing conversations about relationships, sexuality, and female empowerment.

Notable Quote:

"Whose gaze is this story or show for and by? Is it the male gaze? Is it the female gaze?"
[34:55] Kristin Davis

Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, Kristin shares several poignant and reflective statements:

• "Charlotte was not formed, she's not cohesive. We didn't know how to dress her."
  [16:45] Kristin Davis

• "If it were not Gabriel Macht playing that character, I just don't know how...I can't even picture it being remotely palatable."
  [19:30] Kristin Davis

• "We were trying to figure out what we're doing. All the writers are back in Los Angeles...we didn't know what to do with Charlotte."
  [22:10] Kristin Davis

• "Whose gaze is this story or show for and by? Is it the male gaze? Is it the female gaze?"
  [34:55] Kristin Davis

Conclusion

In Model Behavior..., Kristin Davis not only revisits a pivotal episode of Sex and the City but also provides a thoughtful critique of its themes and production. She invites listeners to reflect on the show's impact on television narratives surrounding women's relationships and sexuality. By sharing personal experiences and behind-the-scenes stories, Kristin enriches the conversation about how Sex and the City laid the groundwork for more authentic and empowering portrayals of women in media.

Closing Thought:

"Candace had a very non-judgmental approach...she was like, I'm a social anthropologist and I'm uncovering what's going on and I'm not judging it."
[49:20] Kristin Davis

Kristin wraps up the episode by expressing her eagerness to engage with listeners' perspectives, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these discussions in today's cultural landscape.

Join the Conversation

Are You A Charlotte? continues to bridge the past and present, encouraging fans to share their thoughts and engage in meaningful dialogues about the themes that Sex and the City introduced. Tune in to future episodes for more untold stories and in-depth analyses with Kristin Davis and special guests.

Listen to Are You A Charlotte? on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.