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PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA, THE: THE PATH: SEASON THREE PREMIERE SCREENING AND CONVERSATION {LONG VERSION}

Summary

One in a series of evenings and special screenings presented at The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles. This evening celebrates "The Path," the drama series about a family drawn to a religious movement run by a charismatic leader.

Host Rene Reyes (executive in charge of production, The Paley Center for Media) offers opening remarks and introduces the third season premiere, "The Beginning," which is then screened in its entirety. (For synopsis and credits, see ACCNUM 131622.)

After the screening, Todd VanDerWerff (critic-at-large, Vox.com) moderates the following panelists: executive producer/creator/writer Jessica Goldberg; and cast members Hugh Dancy (Cal Roberts), Emma Greenwell (Mary Cox), Aaron Paul (Eddie Lane), and Michelle Monaghan (Sarah Armstrong).

The panelists touch on such topics as: Dancy's views on Cal's "drive"; developing the "hypoxian cleanse," inspired by Japanese punishment rituals, and shooting the challenging scene with Dancy and Monaghan; Sarah and Cal's profound intimacy; Eddie and Sarah's bond as "soulmates" and their lack of shared screentime in season two; Mary's journey and growing self-confidence; the decision to bring Meyerism to mainstream attention via social media in season three; genuine interest in the fictional religion from people unaware of the show; how working on the series has affected the cast's personal views of faith and a sense of community; developing the history and ritual of Meyerism, including its annual holidays; the actors' interest in some of its tenets, including the "unburdening" of sins and guilt; inspiration from the traditions of various real religions; Paul's many scenes with newcomer Freida Pinto, who plays Vera; Eddie's journey from self-doubt to accept his role as a "vessel" and a leader; how Dancy's dissimilar characters of Cal and Will Graham from "Hannibal" make use of empathy; the "good chance" of a continuation of fan-favorite "Hannibal," officially cancelled in 2015; the actors' past high-profile roles and how fans react to their new project; the theme of parent-child relationships, including the many infant actors on set; Eddie's bond with daughter Summer (Aimee Laurence) and her potentially prophetic artwork; how the characters' themes of faith and doubt are reflected in the writers' room; guest stars in season three, including Dancy's "Hannibal" co-star Raúl Esparza; why incorporating real-world politics could be "a fun road to hoe"; and Dancy and Paul's very dissimilar feelings on working with their snake co-star.

Questions from the audience then lead to a discussion of the following topics, among others: their personal religious backgrounds, including Paul's father's work as a Baptist minister; Paul and Monaghan's lack of formal drama training and belief in "learning on the job"; how the revelations about Cal's past, including his repressed memories, "clarified" Dancy's view of the character; reactions and praise from viewers who have experienced real cults and crises of faith; and the mental "fatigue" that can come with living with their characters for long periods of time.

Details

  • NETWORK: N/A
  • DATE: November 30, 1999 7:00 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:51:49
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: 131608
  • GENRE: Seminars
  • SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
  • SERIES RUN: N/A
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • Rene Reyes … Host
  • Todd VanDerWerff (see also: Emily VanDerWerff) … Moderator
  • Hugh Dancy … Panelist
  • Emma Greenwell … Panelist
  • Aaron Paul … Panelist
  • Michelle Monaghan … Panelist
  • Jessica Goldberg … Panelist
  • Raúl Esparza
  • Aimee Laurence
  • Freida Pinto