EXCLUSIVE| 'Tales From The Loop': Rebecca Hall says her biggest challenge was winter while shooting the series
The sci-fi show 'Tales From The Loop' drops on Amazon Prime this weekend and looks intriguing. The series, which is based on artbook of the same name by Simon Stalenhag, follows the lives of townsfolk who live above a machine called 'The Loop', a machine built to unlock and explore the mysteries of the universe. 'The Loop' makes things possible that were previously relegated only to science fiction. In this eerie town, powerful human tales are told through bare universal emotional experiences, while drawing on the intrigue of generic storytelling.
MEA Worldwide caught up with Rebecca Hall, who plays the lead role of Loretta in the series, where she spoke about working on the film, its challenges and what she plans to do next.
Could you give us a little more insight into Loretta's character on the show?
Loretta is a mother of two boys and a high-level physicist working at the Loop. She is a person who is driven by a need to explain and control her surroundings following an inciting incident in her childhood. One could say she is plagued by the age-old bind of trying to balance her work like and her family one, but in her case the thing that drives her work life is also related to her need to protect and stabilize her family - that are very much bound up together. She is hyper-intelligent and struggles with her emotions. If she could write code for how she is feeling at any given time she would probably be more comfortable.
'Tales From The Loop' is a blend of philosophy and science-fiction. How did you prepare for this role?
I read the scripts and looked at the paintings - I tried to get a feeling for the tone of the show but also do what I do with everything: tell the story, make it credible.
How does 'Tales From The Loop' touch upon the issues faced in the real world today?
Because the show is science fiction it has an opportunity to be metaphorical. I think that just means it actually deals with things that are every day and human: loss, change, love - being a person - but it does so in a particularly heightened and poetic way.
As you know, 'Tales From The Loop' is based on the art book by Simon Stalenhag. Did you read it before taking up the show? And if yes, what are the similarities between the show and the book?
I looked at the pictures, but that was pretty much it - the book is a starting point. The characters are all an invention.
What was the most challenging part about acting in this show?
It was very cold in Winnipeg.
In your opinion, can we expect a second season of 'Tales From The Loop’?
I honestly have no idea! This show has the capacity to go wherever it wants to in time and space so I guess anything is possible!
Would you like to act in sci-fi genre themed shows again?
Sure, if the stories were intriguing. I think I’m more likely to do something that happens to be a genre rather than actively choose to work on them because they are a particular genre.
What is it like to work with a cast that includes Jonathan Pryce, Paul Schneider and Tyler Barnhardt?
Everyone in this show is very classy - it was special to be a part of it.
What other works do you have in the pipeline?
Right now I’m remotely finishing the edit on my first film as a writer/director which is an adaptation of the Harlem Renaissance novella 'PASSING' starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga. I have no idea right now but with a bit of luck it will be out by the end of the year. Aside from that I’m in a pretty terrifying supernatural-ish/psychological-ish horror movie called 'THE NIGHT HOUSE' - also with a bit of luck out before the years out. Then there’s some film nobody’s ever heard of about a giant ape and a lizard called 'Godzilla Vs Kong' out in November.