Social anxiety
Aubrey Plaza’s new film probes the dark side of Instagram
As stone-faced April in sitcom Parks and Recreation, Aubrey Plaza was an ensemble player who exhibited promise.
But she has been hit and miss in movies.
She co-starred with only marginal success in two studio farces: Dirty Grandpa and Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. But the 33-year-old may boost her profile with Matt Spicer’s independent satire Ingrid Goes West. Plaza’s unstable character Ingrid integrates herself into the life of Instagram star Taylor (Elizabeth Olsen), whose narcissistic and vacuous Los Angeles existence is dutifully recorded.
Q How did Ingrid Goes West maintain the good-natured spirit of its twisted humour? A I think the script (co-written by Spicer) captured the specific tone of riding that dark comedy line. And I never really approached Ingrid thinking about the comedy or the drama of her situation.
Q What was your starting point? A I wanted to treat the portrayal like a psychological study and peel back the layers of a human being. But I think there is something undeniably funny that comes out of Ingrid’s truth. Her actions are questionable, but her motivations are pure.
Q Ingrid does come across as dangerously dysfunctional. Do you agree? A The funniest things can come out of the most tragic circumstances.
Q Did Spicer assist you in finding the right path? A We had a great collaboration and he was delicate when it came to Ingrid. While we were shooting, we would try different things all the time. Sometimes we would take things too far, but ultimately we would stay on course.
Q Compared to Olsen, you are a seasoned comedy veteran. Did you offer to help her? A She needed no help from me. She was so funny — she would make me break character all the time. She was, at first, a little nervous to improvise, but once she started doing it she didn’t stop. And she is a great actress. She really seemed to have her character inside her.
Q Did you research people who have social media disorders? A When we were shooting the movie, Elizabeth (Olsen) and I allowed ourselves to spend too much time on social media. It was useful to us and it did open my eyes up to how unhealthy it can be.
Q What do you think of social media? A I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with it. I was on Twitter for a long time, but it always complicated things. But I’m like everybody. In a moment of boredom, I will pick up my phone and scroll through Instagram.
Q Can you define the good and bad aspects of social media? A It’s a way to express yourself, connect with friends and express yourself artistically. But the negative criticisms can be scary and make you feel really bad.
Q Is it true that actors are required to promote their productions on social media? A Yeah, the reality is actors are expected to engage in social media. And I want everybody to see Ingrid Goes West, and all the things I’m in, so it is a doubleedged sword. I’m still trying to figure out how to navigate that.
Q Generally, social media reaction to Ingrid Goes West has been great. How does it feel? A I’m really blown away by it. The reaction is such a satisfying way to end the journey.
I was on Twitter for a long time, but it always complicated things.
Q What about your character Lenny Busker in the Marvel drama Legion on FX? A It’s been creatively fulfilling for me and I really am thankful to the people who have taken the risk by hiring me. The role has allowed me to show something I’ve never done before.