Interview with George Webster

George Webster on being part of "Genius", National Geographic's first drama series, portraying troubled characters based on real people, bringing the powerful Prince William of Orange to life in "Versailles" - bouncy hair and all - and making his first feature film, "Further Ed", in his early 20s

Foto: George Webster - Copyright: Phil Sharp
George Webster
© Phil Sharp

Mai 7, 2017 by Nicole Oebel @philomina_
Here's a German translation of the interview.

On "Genius" you play the role of Julius Winteler, son of the family Albert Einstein stayed with as a teenager in Switzerland. What was the experience like to be part of National Geographic's first scripted series, working with Ron Howard, and do you think the series carries Nat Geo's own thumbprint in some way?

It was one of those projects that when you hear about it, you just want to be a part of it in any way you can. It ticked so many boxes for me, as a fan of history and science, of Ron and of Nat Geo as a company. Being part of their first scripted series felt really, I don't know, important? This is a company that have been around since like, 1888 or something (totally googled that). So to have been a part of their next big step, moving into TV drama, was just a huge honour.

I think the show is incredible too, I might be bias! But I really think they've got this unique little beast here. And I absolutely think Nat Geo put their thumb print on it. What other company could balance advanced scientific theory, the rise of the Third Reich and Einstein's penchant for sexual conquests? And succeed at all three? Not many, I tell you that.

The following question contains spoilers on Genius episode 1x04.

Julius Winteler is said to have suffered from mental illness and he killed family members and himself. How did you approach working on these scenes and - like with playing River Phoenix's last hours a little while back - was it difficult to leave your work at work after a day of filming?

We do address Julius' decent into that darkness. And I'd be lying if I said I don't take something away from playing scenes and characters like that. It does drain you emotionally and physically doing those supercharged emotions. And as someone who is often told to be quiet on set, because I'm telling bad jokes to someone probably, when these scenes come up that are dealing with these heavy themes, I have no other choice than to just take myself into a corner and go internal for a while. And it can be hard to break out of that solidarity after it's over. Especially as Julius was a real person, who was likely suffering with a severe mental illness that wasn't understood yet. I believe you kind of owe it to the memory of him, his family and those he hurt, to treat it with the respect and seriousness it deserves.

As for River, that was arguably more pressure because, of course, he has living relatives today. The reason I accepted the role in the first place was because I didn't trust anyone else to treat the role with the respect that I knew I would treat it. River's passing is still so sad and relevant that it certainly impacted me, there's lessons I learned from studying his work and life and mistakes that will stay with me forever.

Alex Vlahos said in an interview Versailles is a bit "like Skins set in the 17th Century", which is so true when you look at how young these characters actually are. Does it sometimes hit you, playing William of Orange, how powerful these historical figures were and how much weight their decisions carried at that young age?

Yeah absolutely! I think the show's central theme is power, whether that's power in sex, in the throne room, or on a battlefield. Power was the only thing these characters really cared about. You look at how power, wealth and influence directly effects young people today. You don't need to look very far to find the tragic Hollywood child star or the young music prodigy who have the world at their fingertips. Imagine those people, with swords, armies and the ability to kill, fuck or torture anyone they want. It probably wouldn't end well.

I do think William was the best of a bad lot though (insert smirk emoji here)

I love how Versailles sometimes takes a breath from all the trials and tribulations to just revel in it's own glory. For example these slowmo catwalk scenes, marching in step, hair bouncing - like your character's entrance in season 1. What is the most fun part for you about working on this lavish tv series?

They do like a hair bounce don't they! I think I was one of the only male characters who didn't wear a wig actually, that bounce was all mine! "L'Oreal, because I'm worth it." -- The writing in this show is some of the best I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The dialogue is just gold. But the most fun part? You should see the food they put out for lunch... we're talking wine, cheese, lobster, cured meats, fresh bread, beer, you name it. You could give me the worst script in the world, but you feed me like that... you bet your ass I'll be in your show!

The following question contains mild spoilers on a later episode from Versailles season 2.

One of your episodes is almost a chamber play for you and George Blagden. It has an incredible dynamic, a quiet dialog between mortal enemies leading up to several points where tension builds and dominance shifts. Please walk us through filming this episode, was it as exciting for you as it was captivating for us watching it?

To date, my favourite time as an actor was that week with ol' Blaggers! We get on really well off screen, we have a lot of the same sensibilities and outlooks, I knew him before Versailles was even a thing. And I honestly don't think you would find a more down to earth, genuine or generous leading man in any show on TV today.

I'd love to say we stayed on different sides of the set, and just eyed each other up with nothing but disgust and disdain before they called action... but really we'd be goofing around or playing with his drone. That comfort and ease with someone, I think really allows you to be confident, bold or try something new in the scenes. So we'd lock horns, snarl at each other, then someone would yell cut and I'd be showing him a YouTube video about a talking frog or something.

Foto: George Webster
George Webster

Watching "Further Ed", the dark college comedy that you've written, directed and starred in, I thought this is what would have happened if Bret Easton Ellis' characters ever had a friend. Loved it, all the detail, the drawings... What were the challenges and surprises about the whole process, the writing and production?

Firstly, thanks so much for watching it. I really appreciate that. It was by far the most difficult thing I've ever done. I'm the guy that jumps in at the deep end. Never directed a feature before this, so why not act in it as well? I tell you why. Because it's fucking hard work. God knows how Affleck does it. Maybe because he's Batman, I don't know.

But anyway, I chose early on to pursue a career in this industry by getting on sets and meeting like minded people, instead of going to university or film school or more conventional roots. And making Further Ed, which we shot over two weeks, for a total of £4,000 was the best film school I could have asked for. I learned a tremendous amount and I couldn't be more proud of what my cast and crew put into it. I'm a big advocate that as long as something is done with love and passion then it cannot, in anyway, be without merit, no matter how technically insufficient something might be.

And people seem to be really enjoying it and taking it at face value as well, which I couldn't be happier about!

Your character Mikey Cyprus, love child of Joey Tribbiani and Brian Molko, is completely your creation, isn't he, from being an idea in your head to putting on the fantastic hats and shirts. Is there a lot of you in him, or who you wanted to be or who you wanted as a friend maybe?

Mikey certainly has elements of me in him. His care free, debaucherous sensibilities are certainly present in at least half of my life decisions. But then the other half is Cameron, the other lead character, who is awkward, serious and full of doubt. So I kind of split myself in two and made them opposing characters in the movie. My own personal internal monologue tends to go like this, "we should absolutely steal that boat, because if we get caught, we will be literal pirates." -- "Yes, true. But also, you probably wouldn't be able to get into America with a conviction of piracy and that's absolutely the worst idea of all time, ever." That inner conflict is certainly explored in Further Ed, I think.

Watch "Further Ed" on Amazon Video:
UK | Germany

"My Name is Emily" is a coming-of-age road movie with heaps of heart. Your character has a wonderful silent-cinema-esque rooftop scene that says a lot about you as an actor, I think, since it added a layer to the character that was unexpected and from what I gather some of it was your idea, wasn't it?

I like to think it adds a layer to Arden's character for sure. I remember being a teenager and spending hours in my room learning how to do the most random things. From shuffling poker chips like Le Chiffre in Casino Royale, to learning how to Moon Walk, to spinning a revolver...

And I would pull those talents out at any chance I got. So when Arden finally gets a stage and a reason to perform, I had the idea that he'd been practicing this routine in his bedroom since he was a kid. And this was his moment to shine, so he goes all out! There's a lot of influences in there, from Heath Ledger in "10 Things I Hate About You", to Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin...

The original scene was me setting off fireworks, but the permit fell through at the last minute. There was other ideas bounded about, but when I suggested this fire bucket, piano mime with circus clown comedy... for some reason they loved it and we just went for it.

And last but not least, let's talk geek: What series, films and music are you a fan of?

FINALLY, a chance to let the real me out. So my favourite TV show of all time was "Smallville", I have refused to watch the last episode so it's never really finished in my mind. Maybe on my death bed or something.

Films, I'm a stickler for the comic book movie. I used to read comics and loved Marvel/DC before they became this juggernaut of entertainment. But I still get excited when I see Captain America's shield in Live Action, or the fact that even my Mum now knows who Green Arrow is. I think if I ever got the chance to enter that world as an actor I may just become an insufferable fanboy and get fired immediately. And if the opportunity ever arose to play Gambit from X-Men, there's not a lot of things I wouldn't do to get that role. I love him as a character.

Music wise, I've found myself listening to soundtracks of late, they help with my writing process. But if we're talking singers and bands, I certainly subscribe to the church of John Mayer. I'm a huge Jason Mraz fan. The Rolling Stones. Bob Dylan. Dean Martin. The Pierces. Timberlake. Tara Lee. Colter Wall. It's pretty eclectic, if it makes me feel something, sign me up.


Genius is currently airing on National Geographic. Versailles season 2 is on BBC Two.

Note: © myFanbase 2017 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first two questions (up to 180 words) if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the link to this site.

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