ELISABETH MOSS: Thank you.
I really appreciate that.
MOSS: This the first time that Ive ever played a real person, I think.
I could be wrong, but I think so.
I think that was the challenge for me.
It was a little frightening.
Image via Sundance Institute
I was a little nervous about that.
He really helped inspiring enthusiasm and also literally sent me material to read.
I honestly dont know if I could have done it without him.
Image via Sundance Institute
That was the thing that was new for me, and definitely a challenge.
What sort of research most helped you?
Did you read the novel?
Image via Hulu
Did you read her work?
What was the key in finding her, for you?
That was really rare, that we found them.
It was truly them.
That was the most helpful thing, I think.
MOSS: Yeah, totally.
The honest answer is a little bit of both.
The research into who Shirley was laid the groundwork.
That was the bedrock of it.
I think weve gotta let it all go.
You have to forgive yourself a little bit.
Its the only way that it’s possible for you to actually proceed without fear.
I think that was really helpful for us to do, at a certain point.
Its not an exactly accurate story of Shirley Jackson.
I think that its important to mention she was incredible mom.
She was wonderful to her kid and a great cook.
Ive spoken to her son, and she was a great mom.
Obviously, thats not included in the story.
So, its a slice of this woman.
MOSS: I love it.
I love that kind of work.
I am very fulfilled by it.
I am not afraid of it.
Im not a method actor.
I loved exploring that.
MOSS: I think that you do the latter.
Thats what I focused on.
What do you hope audiences take from this film?
MOSS: I love her so much.
I have so much admiration for her.
She was so ahead of her time and she inspired so many people that came after her.
And so, I hope that people get that little bit of her.
I hope they take that away.
What are your biggest hopes and fears, in that regard?
There have been a lot of emails, a lot of Zooms, and a lot of conversations.
Human life is not worth making a TV show for.
But weve gotta do it safely, and were just trying to figure that out.
Its all new territory, and were all in the same boat here.
Shirleyis available at Hulu and on VOD.
