Notes from the Lecture with James Spader

Introduction

• Guest: James Spader, Emmy Award-winning actor
• Current Role: Stars in The Blacklist

Discussion Points

Public Suspicion

• Spader acknowledges public suspicion regarding his character's actions related to Special Agent Elizabeth Keen.
• He aims to prove his loyalty and identify the true betrayer.

Language and Grammar

• Light-hearted discussion on the phrase "been dug" vs. "dug" with Marcus.
• Both phrases are grammatically correct, though "dug" is more common.

Eccentricity and Acting Choices

• Spader is known as the "strangest man on television."
• He embraces this identity and relates it to the roles he chooses to play.
• Discusses his attraction to eccentricity in both life and characters.
• References the film Secretary, noting its unusual themes and characters.

Influence of Personal Life on Roles

• Highlights the role of his long-term agent in selecting unique roles.
• Emphasizes having eccentric friends and family members, which influences his character choices.

Character Analysis: Raymond Red Reddington

• Reddington is a former criminal turned informant for the FBI.
• Spader discusses the complexity of the character, who is both funny and threatening.
• Comfort with discomfort and chaos is a key trait of Reddington.

Fear and Media Influence

• Spader discusses societal fear, linking it to insecurity.
• Media and political voices can commodify fear for personal gain.
• The evolution of communication (from television to internet) has amplified societal fear.

Personal Sharing in the Digital Age

• Conversation about social media sharing and personal life visibility.
• Spader expresses a lack of interest in sharing personal details online.
• Comments on how people often struggle to find time for various activities in their busy lives.

Conclusion

• The Blacklist airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on NBC and is also streaming on Netflix.
• Spader's multifaceted character and the role of media in shaping society are key themes discussed.