We interview the legendary Sacha Baron Cohen and Laila George about their roles in Alfonso Cuaron’s Disclaimer.
For those who haven’t delved into the Apple TV Plus disclaimer yet, let me tell you that you’re missing out on one of the most exciting shows of the year. Written and directed by the legendary Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity, Children of Men), with cinematography duties split between Emmanuel Lubezki and Bruno Delbonnel, the series is a beautifully crafted limited series. It ranks up there with Twin Peaks: The Return and True Detective: Season One in how it proves that limited series can actually be a director’s medium if given freedom, and how the long-form format can push them toward the storytelling experience. I will never have the opportunity to experience a traditional film.
In Disclaimer, Cate Blanchett plays Katherine Ravenscroft, a famous journalist who is harassed by a retired teacher (Kevin Kline), who is convinced that she is responsible for his son’s death. Over the course of seven episodes, we see how Blanchett’s character had an illicit affair many years ago while on vacation and how the repercussions destroyed the lives of many people. I was recently lucky enough to interview two of the key players involved in the disclaimer process.
First up was the legendary Sacha Baron Cohen, who gave a powerful dramatic performance as Robert Ravenscroft, Catherine’s wealthy husband, whose world collapses when he realizes that Catherine has been unfaithful to him and may have been involved in the death of the person she was having an affair with. Cohen’s performance was powerful and dark, and he was a real pleasure to talk to.
I also spoke with up-and-coming actress Leila George, who plays young Katherine and has one of the most fascinating roles on the show. It’s a star-making performance for her, and she speaks glowingly about working with Cuarón, who she said shot all seven hours of the show as if it were one long movement rather than traditional television.
Do you see the disclaimer? Let us know in the comments! Check out our Alex Mandy review here.
