Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Elizabeth Olsen Idolizes Idleness
Released on April 3, 2025, "Wild Card with Rachel Martin" features a deeply engaging conversation with acclaimed actress Elizabeth Olsen. Recognized by The New York Times as a Top 10 Podcast of 2024, this episode delves into Olsen's personal and professional journey, offering listeners an intimate look into her life beyond the screen.
Introduction: Breaking the Mold
Rachel Martin introduces Elizabeth Olsen, highlighting her evolution from Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to her versatile roles in projects like the Netflix series "Love and Death" and her latest film, "The Assessment." Rachel emphasizes Olsen's ability to transcend typical celebrity interviews by using a unique deck of cards to explore life's profound questions.
Diving into Roles: From Superhero to Sci-Fi
Rachel paints a vivid picture of Olsen's diverse career:
- Marvel Cinematic Universe: Olsen's portrayal of Wanda Maximoff has been both iconic and transformative, culminating in her powerful performance as the Scarlet Witch in "WandaVision."
- "Love and Death" (2023): Olsen's role as a seemingly sweet housewife who commits murder showcases her range and ability to handle complex, contradictory characters.
- "The Assessment": Her latest film is set in a dystopian future where she plays Mia, navigating a society grappling with environmental collapse and stringent governmental control over reproduction.
Rachel Martin (01:12): "I, for one, am sort of obsessed with her performance in the Netflix show Love and Death."
Game On: The Wild Card Segment
The heart of the episode lies in the Wild Card game, where Olsen answers unorthodox questions that reveal her deeper self.
Admiring Her Teenage Self
Elizabeth Olsen (03:05): "Those years were huge building blocks for two things that are really important to me in my life: my discipline and my love of learning."
Olsen discusses how her teenage years cultivated her academic passion and disciplined nature through activities like volleyball, dance, and theater.
Influence of Advice on Her Trajectory
When asked about life-changing advice, Olsen reflects on her self-reliant upbringing. Elizabeth Olsen (05:14): "I needed to make the mistakes myself before taking advice blindly."
She shares that lacking mentors, she often relied on self-discovery, occasionally disregarding good advice from her sisters in pursuit of her path.
Reliance on Validation
Olsen reveals her minimal dependence on external validation. Elizabeth Olsen (17:54): "I have a very healthy relationship with not relying that much on the validation of others."
Growing up in a large family, she learned to seek genuine, specific encouragement rather than exaggerated praise, fostering her ability to remain steadfast without constant approval.
Proving Personal Taste
Addressing what she feels she needs to prove, Olsen emphasizes her commitment to aligning her work with personal taste. Elizabeth Olsen (20:46): "I feel like I have to really focus on coupling all of those films and shows that I do with Marvel with to showcase my taste."
Despite her success in blockbuster franchises, she strives to demonstrate her artistic integrity through diverse and meaningful projects.
Instincts She Trusts
Olsen shares her heightened awareness and instincts developed from traveling alone. Elizabeth Olsen (25:30): "I'm always ready for someone to attack me... how I'm carrying my bag."
These instincts ensure her safety and reflect her practical approach to navigating unfamiliar environments.
Beliefs Beyond the Tangible
When contemplating reality beyond the visible, Olsen introduces the concept of the "atemporal self." Elizabeth Olsen (27:21): "There's a thing, I feel, the atemporal self, which is the things we can't quantify."
She rejects traditional spirituality, favoring a more nuanced understanding of intangible aspects like love and creativity.
Truth that Guides Her Life
Olsen's guiding principle centers on kindness. Elizabeth Olsen (32:56): "Being kind... responsibilities aren't excuses to be assholes."
She believes that compassion and understanding are fundamental truths that should govern interactions, regardless of personal challenges.
Memory Time Machine
For her memory time machine moment, Olsen reflects on observing a father and daughter in a London park. Elizabeth Olsen (35:21): "I was just endlessly fascinated by the things we choose to do in idleness."
This moment underscores her appreciation for simple human behaviors and the unnoticed beauty in everyday life.
Personal Reflections: Balancing Fame and Authenticity
Throughout the episode, Olsen candidly discusses:
- Upbringing: Growing up in a large family with sisters in the limelight, she learned independence and self-motivation.
- Career Choices: Balancing blockbuster roles with indie projects to maintain artistic integrity.
- Philosophical Views: A belief in the eventual triumph of goodness and morality, coupled with a realistic fear of death and its implications.
Elizabeth Olsen (16:10): "I just believe in goodness and morality, winning in life."
Her perspective is a blend of optimism and realism, striving to impact others positively while acknowledging life's inherent fears.
Concluding Thoughts: Embracing Idleness
The episode wraps with Rachel acknowledging Olsen's profound insights and promoting her latest work, "The Assessment." Olsen's reflections on idleness reveal her ability to find meaning in the mundane, appreciating the simple moments that shape human existence.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-Reliance: Olsen's path was shaped by her need to learn through personal experiences rather than external advice.
- Artistic Integrity: She seeks to align her work with her personal tastes, balancing mainstream success with meaningful roles.
- Philosophical Outlook: A deep belief in kindness, the enduring impact of one's actions, and a nuanced view of reality beyond the physical.
- Personal Safety and Instincts: Her cautious nature, especially as a woman traveling alone, highlights her practical approach to life's uncertainties.
Notable Quotes:
- Elizabeth Olsen (03:05): "My discipline and my love of learning."
- Elizabeth Olsen (17:54): "I have a very healthy relationship with not relying that much on the validation of others."
- Elizabeth Olsen (32:56): "Being kind... responsibilities aren't excuses to be assholes."
For listeners seeking a blend of celebrity insight and profound personal reflections, this episode of "Wild Card with Rachel Martin" offers a compelling exploration of Elizabeth Olsen's journey, philosophies, and the idleness she so deeply values.