‘Can Get Inside Anyone’s Head’: Sweetpea Star Ella Purnell On Playing Murderer In The Straz Series

by

As an ardent fan of Ella Purnell, I must admit that her transformation in Sweetpea left me utterly spellbound. The actress has always been captivating, but to see her portray a complex character like Rhiannon Lewis was nothing short of mesmerizing.

It was difficult to imagine the charming Ella Purnell as a psychotic killer until her role in the Starz series Sweetpea. In this show, she portrays Rhiannon Lewis, a girl who is often overlooked by others. Rhiannon manifests her suppressed rage by going on a killing spree against those who have wronged her. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Purnell discussed her approach to playing a serial killer.  

She stated that as an actor, she strives not to pass judgment on the characters she plays. However, she finds it difficult to condone the actions of her character, such as murder, which she cannot understand or support in real life. Yet, she can empathize with her character’s desire to be recognized and valued.

In my role as a lifestyle guide, I might rephrase this scenario as follows: “The sense of being recognized and making a difference was once portrayed through my character. Yet, what could be more lasting and influential than altering another’s life journey? My character’s transformation unfolds from a shy bystander to a cold-blooded killer, eventually evolving into a self-assured woman who commands both her personal and professional realms.

As a dedicated follower, I found it crucial for me to delve into the intricacies of embodying various stages of my character, subtly conveying her evolution throughout the narrative. I emphasized on subtle changes that were almost imperceptible yet significant, ensuring that each scene showcased minute progress or growth. In essence, I was portraying a character undergoing rapid development right before the audience’s eyes.

When queried if she would categorize Lewis based on her wicked deeds or if there was a deeper side to her, Purnell admitted that she found it challenging to summarize. “I am an extremely compassionate individual,” she stated. “I can delve into anyone’s thoughts, and I can rationalize almost anything. It’s difficult in such circumstances to make a judgment,” she continued. The actress emphasized that she explores her character’s emotional drives to grasp her behavior.

Regardless of Lewis’ past experiences as a child, they seemed to persist into her adult life, shaping a mindset of being a victim, which Purnell found problematic. In other words, while the terrible events that occurred in her past might provide an explanation for her actions, they do not excuse them. According to Purnell, it’s crucial to understand why Lewis acts the way she does, but it doesn’t justify those actions.

Read More

2024-11-10 20:25