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The Wall Street Journal

Warning: This story contains major spoilers about the entire season 3 of “House of Cards.” It’s not recommended for reading until all 13 episodes have been watched.

In the world of “House of Cards,” it’s easy to get sucked into the backstabbing, conniving, and scheming that Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) dishes out on a regular basis. But through all the underhanded tendencies woven through creator Beau Willimon’s hit series, spots of redemption shine through. Remy Danton is one such bright spot.

Danton is played by 41-year-old Mahershala Ali and his role in season 3 is a big one. After Underwood becomes president, he’s appointed Underwood’s chief of staff, a major step up from his days as a lobbyist. As we’ve seen him do in seasons past, Danton works behind the scenes to further Frank’s political agendas with a  combination of suave mannerisms and firm way of speaking – he’s charismatic and loyal, yet understated.

Along with “House of Cards,” Ali has gained higher-profile  roles over the last few years, specifically in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” and “Treme.” He is currently shooting “The Free State of Jones” in New Orleans, alongside Matthew McConaughey and Keri Russell.

Below, an edited transcript:

Remy got a promotion in season three to chief of staff. How would you characterize his and Frank’s relationship?

I was really trying to hone in on that throughout the season. We never really saw Remy work for Frank when he was in congress. They were looking at one another eye to eye for the first two seasons, but now the power dynamics shift. It was interesting trying to find how to connect to Frank, with having such a new understanding. That was challenging.

Is he a good chief of staff?

He must not be! [Laughs.] They don’t really pause when Remy quits. The train keeps on moving. When Doug [Stamper] does come in, there seems to be an excitement around [him] coming back. The idea is that he’s going to right the ship.

It also feels like Frank figures out that Remy isn’t going to do the dirty work that Doug is willing to do. Doug is cool with murder.

Right. Doug is not going to question Frank in terms of an idea. Remy is really going to question something that Frank might come up with – they had two seasons where you’re seeing Remy operate independent of Frank. There was constant push back. If Frank wants a “yes man,” Remy’s not that.

You mentioned Remy quitting – is he going through a mid-life crisis?

He’s honest in that he’s not in a place where he’s fulfilled. Instead of ignoring that voice inside himself, he’s addressing it. And confident enough that he’ll land in a position where he’ll live in a manner that he’s [used to]. I’d imagine he’s thinking about a family and children – the political world can be so toxic. It’s not giving him enough back at this point.

The thing is, you only see so much from certain characters on the show. It depends on what Beau and the other writers choose to reveal about these people. Remy had a couple of moments where we got to see the thought process behind him taking action. If you get a moment to see someone process that stuff, we might think of him as being more morally grounded. I really don’t think he is. We’ve seen the process a little bit.

Does love guide his decisions in anyway? Is he too romantic for Washington?

In a scene to Jackie [Sharp], after he quits, she’s looking for dirt on Claire. And his response is “they never let me in the inner circle.” If you feel hampered in any way and you can’t do your best work – it’s hard to sit on the bench for a losing team. He’s frustrated that he’s not getting to operate to his full potential – it’s just a job title at that point. You never see him functioning as a chief of staff.

Frank gave him a watch with a Winston Churchill quote “To improve is to change. To perfect is to change often.” Which seemed to sum up his arc very well.

He’s someone who is accustomed to following his heart. And that’s not within that world. That is somewhat of a guide for him in making changes throughout the course of the story.

You play Boggs in “The Hunger Games.” What’s “Mockingjay – Part 2” going to be like?

It might be the best of all three. It’s so action driven; everyone is very clear on where they’re at in the story at this point. What’s really left in this second half is the ball is rolling down hill – the revolt is up and running. You see Katniss go full force and make some really difficult choices. Of the two, it was the more exciting to shoot.

You’ve really honed in on these insane political stories.

[Laughs.] I never thought of that. But it’s also a reflection of the time we’re in. People are hungry for some other angle and see truth be entertaining. Of course, you have to heighten it. But there’s such a kernel of truth in these stories, and a reflection of what’s going on – some of it in the U.S., some of it outside the U.S.

Remy is clearly the most suave character on “House of Cards.” What percentage do you exude of his suaveness in your day to day?

[Laughs.] I’m not as suave as Remy. But I did get “best dressed” in high school. Remy definitely makes me a lot cooler than I am, for sure.

Ecrit par Misty 

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Ecrit par Misty 
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