Navigation

© Zeal News Africa

Talamasca's Nicholas Denton Reveals Dream (and Fear) of Sharing Scene with Lestat

Published 20 minutes ago4 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Talamasca's Nicholas Denton Reveals Dream (and Fear) of Sharing Scene with Lestat

The AMC series 'Talamasca: The Secret Order,' a new addition to Anne Rice's Immortal Universe, delves into a world of secret societies, immortal beings, and profound family mysteries. The show centers on Guy Anatole, portrayed by Nicholas Denton, who is on the cusp of a legal career when he is unexpectedly drawn into the enigmatic Talamasca organization by agent Helen (Elizabeth McGovern). As Guy navigates this supernatural realm, he becomes determined to uncover the truth about his family history and his mother, intertwining his path with various powerful figures, including the vampire Jasper (William Fichtner), Talamasca agent Raglan James (Justin Kirk), the writer Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian), and the mysterious witch Doris (Celine Buckens). The six-episode season lays the groundwork for a much larger narrative, leaving audiences with many questions and eager for more.

Nicholas Denton, who previously played a layered character in 'Dangerous Liaisons,' found similar appeal in exploring Guy Anatole. He describes Guy as an "exposed character," lacking the grandeur that shielded his previous roles. Guy begins the series believing he has control over his life, seeing himself as a smart, lonely outsider trying to maintain normalcy. However, Helen's intervention shatters this perception, revealing that his perceived "disability" – hearing things – is, in fact, a strength and a gift. This forces Guy to relinquish control and embark on an unpredictable journey, stripped of his self-worth, identity, and relationships, which he discovers were built on lies. Denton relished the opportunity to perform such a raw and vulnerable character study.

The Talamasca itself is portrayed as a "shadow organization of the underworld," responsible for observing and tracking immortal creatures while attempting to maintain balance between them and humans. Yet, their methods and trustworthiness are constantly questioned. Denton points out that everyone associated with the Talamasca seems to possess a degree of corruption or moral ambiguity. This skepticism is evident in Guy's interactions with characters like Raglan James, whom Denton describes as an "epitome of an untrustworthy human" and a "slippery fish" that is hard to pin down. Similarly, Guy finds common ground with Daniel Molloy, both having been "done a disservice" by the organization, creating a "toxic relationship" born from shared disdain for the Talamasca's power and manipulation. Their mutual superpower, according to Denton, is "knowledge and fact," which compels Guy to join them.

The series features several pivotal character interactions and shocking twists. The relationship between Guy and Jasper intensifies throughout the season, culminating in a visceral and intense scene in episode five, shot in the freezing cold. Denton describes William Fichtner's performance as phenomenal, showcasing Jasper's rage and feeling of betrayal. Another memorable scene involves Guy's unique conversation with Helen in a peep show booth, where the power dynamics shift, allowing Guy to assert control. The director, along with Elizabeth McGovern, decided that the coin slot and closing curtains symbolize the breaking of facades, bringing an emotional depth to the otherwise absurd setting.

Major plot twists drive the narrative, including the hunt for a mysterious book, the "752," and the shocking revelation that Guy's handler, Olive, is untrustworthy. However, the most surprising twist for Denton was the nuanced fluctuation of Guy's allegiance – whether he sided with the immortals or remained with the Talamasca, blurring the lines of his loyalty. The show's biggest revelation concerns Doris, who is not only Helen's sister and a vampire, but also the physical embodiment of the "book" itself. This intricate web of connections deepens the mystery surrounding her character, captivating both Guy and the audience. Despite Guy's initial desire to part ways with Doris, his overarching mission to find his family, combined with Doris's newfound intel, suggests their paths are inextricably linked. Guy recognizes that the Talamasca and Doris are his primary access points to understanding his family's secrets and the vast knowledge held by the organization.

Denton also shared several amusing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including witnessing 15 fully grown revenants performing Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance under an ambulance light, and the week-long, visually stunning, but utterly delusional, shoot for the violent end of episode four, which involved 132 shots and intense monster effects. Looking to the future, Denton expressed enthusiasm for more episodes of 'Talamasca: The Secret Order' to further develop its unique world. He is also open to potential crossovers with other shows in Anne Rice's Immortal Universe, particularly with characters from 'Interview with the Vampire.' He mused about the interesting dynamic Guy might share with Lestat (Sam Reid), even if it would be "scared shitless" experience.

Recommended Articles

There are no posts under this category.
Loading...

You may also like...