Robin Wright on Claire’s origin

MANILA, Philippines — “She’s an interesting fictional character.”

That was how Robin Wright described her character Claire Underwood, when the actress-director recently met up with select Asian media for the Netflix event, See What’s Next: Asia 2018, in Singapore. The successful, compelling House of Cards is now on its sixth and final season.  

“The idea behind her, the origin of her, was always meant to be the best of both sexes, to build a leader in a female body, who is also a man,” elaborated Robin on the contribution of her female president role to the portrayal of women on the small screen. “She operates as a man would in certain aspects and she operates the way a woman would simultaneously, within this environment of a very Shakespearean drama.”

The web television series has given viewers across the globe a lens to look at a representation of the intricacies of US politics, which resonates some universal aspects of politics found in other territories. This explains why many have appreciated its narrative (from its debut season to the latest one) and have globally shared it.  

Proof of its popularity is Robin’s anecdote about a Southern senator, who simply adores the show. She met the personality in a democratic national convention dinner, where “actors sat at different tables with different politicians... it was an eclectic group at each table. And I was sitting next to a southern senator and he was like, ‘I just love the show… It’s so real.”

The success of House of Cards does not solely rely on the directors and show runners’ shoulders but also on the entire creative personnel’s. Since everyone was responsible for its very good run from 2013, Robin couldn’t help but feel proud.

“Wow, how do you feel? This is your baby,” she asked Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos during the event. “I’m so proud, proud of the team that we accomplished our goal, which was to make the most conniving, maneuvering, scheming couple we could in politics.”

On the set with director Alek Sakharov: The working environment is very creative and collaborative. — Photos courtesy of Netflix

Robin, who was recently in the thick of doing press, wanted to know the feedback of those who have seen the latest season. “I’m excited to hear what everybody thinks because the last season is very different,” said the actress, who is glad to be part “of a show that revolutionized the way we consume television. It has changed the way TV is looked upon… It’s a new form of watching and it’s a new form of consuming.” The actress went down memory lane on how the role landed on her lap. Director David Fincher proposed to her the idea of doing a television show. Robin initially said “no,” because she had done (daytime) TV for years when she was younger and wanted to be in film. Five years ago, TV and film were two separate entities, she implied.

“He (David) basically educated me,” said Robin on the  platform’s potential as “a new movement” and “structure that Netflix is getting behind” in narrating great stories with global appeal. “He said, ‘Don’t you wanna be a part of a revolution in this industry that you’ve been in most of your life?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, get (me) on that train.’” Robin the artist did enjoy the ride. She won the Golden Globes Best Actress in a TV drama award in 2014.

“It’s a family that you formed,” she said. “It’s been a six-year-long movie, that’s what it feels like, the relationships that grow and deepen, and the trust that is formed. To be able to be given the opportunity to direct and learn how to direct on a show that is your family, it was an incredible experience and then I’m so grateful for it.” She had “incredible, good, down-to-earth people” behind her. According to Robin, the working environment is very creative and collaborative. She said, “We will always miss each other. Yeah, we all age together, a great group of people, hardworking, solid human beings, cast and crew, production ­— everybody on that show (is) just amazing.”

“Everywhere, every country I go… I’m always shocked and surprised on how many people know House of Cards,” Robin said of the impact of Claire and the popularity of the show that explores the art of war, “which is how politics works in every country, I think, showing the very corrupt reality that goes on in politics,” she shared. “Yes, it’s Machiavellian, it’s dramatic. But there’s a little bit reality to it.”

“As an actor, you have to like your character,” Robin further said about Claire, who became her husband’s (Francis Underwood, portrayed by Kevin Spacey) ally to make their plan work. “She was a good wife. She stood by her man.”

While filming season six, Robin already knew the “fate” of Claire. “You know that you have to put the character to bed… I will miss her clothes and her shoes.” 

What’s next for Robin as a creative person?

“I’m really focusing on directing solely right now,” she answered. “Hopefully, (I want) to direct film.”