CBS Mornings – Inside the Stirring Drama She Said…
In an interview on CBS Mornings, celebrated anchor Gayle King had the distinct privilege of sitting down with two prominent figures in the world of journalism and cinema. Investigative journalist Jodi Kantor and the talented actress Zoe Kazan, who portrayed Kantor in the 2022 film She Said, came together to delve into the filmmaking process and the transformative impact of their work. This compelling conversation provided unique insights into the creation of the film and the enduring significance of the New York Times investigation into Harvey Weinstein.
**Introduction:**
The interview opened with Gayle King warmly welcoming Jodi Kantor and Zoe Kazan to the CBS Mornings studio. King set the tone by acknowledging the profound impact of their work, which played a pivotal role in sparking the #MeToo movement, and expressing her eagerness to discuss their collaboration on She Said.
**The Making of “She Said”:**
The conversation naturally segued into the heart of the matter—the creation of She Said. Zoe Kazan, a talented actress known for her versatility, shared her experience of stepping into the shoes of Jodi Kantor. She described the intensive research she undertook to understand Kantor’s character, including reading Kantor’s writings and observing her mannerisms. Kazan expressed her immense respect for Kantor and her determination to do justice to her role.
Jodi Kantor, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, discussed her involvement in the filmmaking process and the importance of accuracy. She emphasized the significance of the film staying true to the source material and the real-life events. Kantor provided insights into the collaborative efforts between the filmmakers and herself to ensure that the essence of the investigation remained intact.
**The Emotional Toll of the Investigation:**
Gayle King sensitively addressed the emotional toll that investigative journalism, especially one of this magnitude, can take on a journalist. Jodi Kantor shared her experiences of interviewing survivors and grappling with the weight of their stories. She spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of telling such deeply personal and often painful narratives.
Zoe Kazan, reflecting on her portrayal of Kantor, spoke about the responsibility she felt in capturing the emotional nuances of the character. She delved into the personal journey of discovery that came with inhabiting a role rooted in real-life events. The conversation highlighted the emotional authenticity that both the journalist and the actress brought to their respective roles.
**The Impact of Their Work:**
One of the most poignant moments in the interview revolved around the transformative impact of Kantor and Twohey’s investigation. Gayle King pointed out the profound cultural shift that their work triggered. Kantor shared her sense of pride and the feeling of having contributed to meaningful change in society. She acknowledged the power of journalism in driving social progress.
Zoe Kazan echoed these sentiments, underscoring the role of the #MeToo movement in creating a safe space for survivors to share their stories. She emphasized that their film served as a reminder of the importance of holding those in power accountable and the role that storytelling plays in affecting change.
**Balancing Truth and Drama:**
A significant aspect of the interview explored the challenges of balancing truth with the cinematic demands of storytelling. Zoe Kazan discussed the fine line between accurately representing real-life events and maintaining the narrative flow of a film. She praised the filmmakers for their efforts in staying true to the source material while crafting a compelling cinematic experience.
Jodi Kantor offered her perspective on this issue, acknowledging that certain dramatic elements were added to enhance the storytelling process. She emphasized that the heart of the story—the abuse and the bravery of survivors—remained faithfully depicted in the film.
**Fidelity to Source Material:**
The discussion transitioned into the faithfulness of She Said to Kantor and Twohey’s book and the real-life events. Kantor highlighted the importance of preserving the integrity of their reporting, as it was a critical part of their contribution to the cultural conversation. She commended the filmmakers for their commitment to accuracy.
Zoe Kazan expressed her admiration for Kantor and Twohey’s journalistic work and the opportunity to honor their achievements on screen. She shared her joy in participating in a project that had such a profound impact on the world.
**Awards and Recognition:**
Gayle King wrapped up the interview by acknowledging the critical acclaim that She Said had received. She highlighted the British Film Awards nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress and the Golden Globe nomination for Carey Mulligan, celebrating the film’s impact in bringing the story to a broader audience.
Jodi Kantor and Zoe Kazan expressed their appreciation for the recognition the film had received, emphasizing the importance of continuing to shed light on issues of abuse, harassment, and the power of journalism in affecting change.
**Conclusion:**
The CBS Mornings interview with Jodi Kantor and Zoe Kazan was a powerful exploration of the filmmaking process behind She Said and the indelible impact of their investigative work. Their candid discussions on the emotional toll of the investigation, the importance of accuracy, and the transformative power of storytelling painted a vivid picture of their collaborative efforts to bring their story to the world. This insightful conversation affirmed the enduring relevance of their work and the significance of telling stories that matter.
You can watch the full CBS Mornings interview with Kantor and Kazan below:
She Said is available now on Prime Video…