Cara Seymour (Adaptation, American Psycho, The Savages) is Guest Blogging all day today! - Editor
-by Cara Seymour
Getting to work on "The Knick" has been one of the greatest experiences of my career. I screamed with joy when I got the part and I'm not a big screamer of joy. Amazing director, talented and really fun cast and all round impeccable team of super talented people in every department. I'm madly appreciative of this.
Michael Begler, Jack Amiel and Steve Katz wrote this extraordinary character of Sister Harriet - she leapt off the page. But I wanted to know more about nuns in 1900 when The Knick takes place, so I ordered nun books.
"Through the Narrow Gate," by Karen Armstrong was an unflinching account of her life as a nun in a convent pre Vatican II -- read every word of that!
Didn't read them all from cover to cover. Not quite that crazy!
(more on The Knick after the jump)
My Research Pile for Sister Harriett on "The Knick"
But it was great finding out about the huge contribution nuns made to the American welfare system. How many brave, maverick nuns went to far flung places and built schools, hospitals and orphanages.
The whole history and life of nuns is a massive, complex picture, but I was interested how in 1900, becoming a nun was a one of the very few ways for smart women from not wealthy background from non-wealthy backgrounds to see the World, have a job and even hold positions of authority. I admire the idea of a higher calling, the rigors, the discipline, the devotion, the prayer.
© Photo by Josh Cheuse
P.S. This handsome devil is Chris Sullivan (who plays Tom Cleary) performing with his great band, the Benevolent Folk. He's an amazing partner in crime, a great actor and singer and song writer. We've just finished our storyline in season two of "The Knick". Had a blast.
"The Knick" returns in October.
other posts:
An Education and American Psycho and my favorite films