“ alright . let’s begin . what is your first name and what bar are we in ? ”
“ i'm max — don't call me maxwell . ” stern look down the camera , though with a hint of a smirk playing at his lips . “ and we're currently in bar manhattan . ”
“ great , thank you . and what is today’s date ? ”
“ march eighteen . ”
“ straight to the point , okay . just one more : what is the name of the gossip column currently trending in manhattan ? ”
expression dares to falter as he stares at the interviewer , yet remains steady as stone . “ robinhood . ”
“ good enough . let’s jump right into it . ”
“ have you ever called someone when you’re drunk and alone ? ”
barks a laugh , head dipping and eyes closing briefly as if he can see it all play out again . “ many times . ” not even embarrassed to admit it . “ that's the truth . ”
“ not surprising coming from you max . how about this ... do you sing in the shower ? if so , do you think you’re better than certain singers ? ”
question earns a sharper laugh , free hand smacking the table once , twice ... he's been caught . fingers then thread through styled tresses , fidgeting . “ ah, shit . yeah , i do . but let’s be clear … ” max leans forward , deflecting , blue hues locking on the camera and hand hooked to wires painting in the air . “ there should be no shame in singing in the shower . this is a safe space . be celine dion, whitney houston, isabel dela rosa … ”
“ he's … telling the truth ? i think we just discovered the next superstar . what about something a little bolder ? have you ever gone skinny dipping ? ”
tongue clicks against the roof of his mouth , a half shrug following as if it’s hardly worth the question . “ yeah ... ”
“ clearly telling truth with that one . care to share with the class ? — nope . that's obviously that on that . let's switch it up . are you happy with your career ? ”
question lands heavier than max expects, like a cannonball tossed into a calm pond , shock waves he can’t quite outrun . fingers drum lightly against the table , gaze lost in reflection . “ … it depends on how you define happy . ” hues flick briefly to the ceiling as if scanning storm tossed seas . “ i’ve won six championships , eighty one grand prixs , been on podiums i never thought i’d touch … so on paper ? yeah , that’s a dream . ” soft laughs and a shake of his head , further reflection of his years on the track ... and off . “ but between pushing too far , risking too much ... it had to mean more than racing for the record . so racing for the love of it in those last few years , with people i actually liked — i enjoyed that just as much as i did when i first joined ferrari . that is what i'm happy about . that , and vita — she ... makes it all matter . "
“ oh so he's a sap and honest . you've had a very full and successful career . what’s something you’re currently working on ? ”
“ right now ? staying out of trouble … mostly , but also keeping busy . working with a couple of teams , trying not to break the house while i tinker with whatever new obsession i’ve picked up , and … enjoying the time i have with vi when she's home . that's all i'm giving away . ”
“ ... we’re picking up some deception here . hmm ... do you wish robin hood would pay more attention to you ? ”
“ absolutely not . ” flat , final . no elaboration . “ he's telling the truth. ”
“ alright max , thanks for your .. honesty today . one more before we have a rapid fire round . is there someone in your suite at bar manhattan you’d kick out ? ”
he doesn’t even blink . features dare move as the name slips his lips dryly , as though he truly means it . “ monty . ” silence … then a shake of the head , laughter breaking his character . “ absolute dickhead . thinks he owns the place . tries to steal my chair , my drink … my spotlight . i'd let him stay ... only for my entertainment . ”
this or that , rapid fire.
gold or silver / coffee or tea / cook or order in / penthouse or brownstone / love or money / early bird or night owl / winter resort or coastal town / opera or ballet / give up caffeine or give up dessert / sweet or savory / plan ahead or live in the moment / bad haircut or bad dye job / disney world or las vegas / books or movies / saturday or sunday / pilates or running / vacation or staycation / tourist hotspots or hidden gems / horse track or race track / wine tasting or bar hopping / concert or comedian / superbowl game or halftime show / charity gala or charity work / book smarts or street smarts / logic or emotion / forgiveness or justice / truth that hurts or lie that soothes / follow tradition or pave your own way / private success or public recognition / always feel understood or always feel appreciated.
bar manhattan’s honoured to play host to vanity fair as they put their patrons under a lie detector test.
we’re going to be taking a lie detector test today. you have already been hooked up to the machine, and we are going to ask you a series of questions to first establish a baseline before we jump right into it. please be sure to be as truthful as possible for these first three, beyond that whether you tell the truth is up to you - but the test will catch any deceit.
ooc information:
who: your muses get their very own vanity fair lie detector test - it's just them and the the person handling the polygraph ,and bar manhattan's staff.
how: we'll be offering you a psd + template to start off the interview + suggested phrases for the person running the test. then you get to pick questions to answer & finish it off by a rapid fire this or that.
note: in the scenario that you're muse is lying, please communicate ooc that it is a lie. whether that is the polygraph person outing them immediately or their inner thoughts, etc.
bonus: this counts as activity, also known as equals one thread for your muse.
tags: manhattan.task02 for finished interviews.
templates,
let’s begin. what is your first name and what bar are we in ?
great, thank you. and what is today’s date?
just one more: what is the name of the gossip column currently trending in manhattan?
good enough. let’s jump right into it.
suggested phrases to use from the person running the test: we’re picking up some deception here, questionable, that’s a lie, that’s true, they’re telling the truth, it’s indeterminate, let’s try that one again.
questions,
personal life: choose at least one
have you ever called someone when you’re drunk and alone?
we’ve heard you ‘insert guilty pleasure’. is it true?
have you ever canceled important plans because you couldn’t find the right outfit?
do you sing in the shower? if so, do you think you’re better than certain singers?
have you ever lied to a friend about something important?
what’s your guilty pleasure movie? we all have one.
what’s the most awkward thing you’ve been caught doing?
what is something popular - a brand, a show, or a movie - that you actually hate?
do you have a secret social media account?
have you ever started a rumor about someone? what was it?
what’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told?
have you ever gone skinny dipping?
robin hood: choose at least one
have you ever leaked drama to robin hood to get them off your back? would you?
have you ever anonymously leaked a story about yourself to get attention?
do you sometimes scroll through robinhood.com?
do you care what the public thinks of you?
thoughts on the latest robin hood post about you?
do you wish robin hood would pay more attention to you?
what’s the weirdest headline you’ve read about yourself?
dating life: choose at least one
have you ever used raya, and if not - would you?
have you ever slid into someone’s dms?
is there an ex you wish you could get back with?
what’s the weirdest place you’ve kissed/hooked up with someone?
have you ever given someone a fake number?
have you ever kissed more than one person in the same evening? more than two?
what is the worst date you’ve ever been on?
who has been your best kiss to date?
have you ever gone skinny dipping?
would you enjoy living with your partner?
do you prefer to keep your relationships private?
do you kiss on the first date?
do you usually make the first move?
what would it take for you to tell your crush you like them?
have you ever sent a risky test or an “oops” snap?
have you ever been someone’s secret?
career: choose at least one
have you ever worked with someone you couldn’t stand?
are you happy with your career?
are you worried your career is reaching a plateau?
what’s something you’re currently working on?
what was your biggest career fumble?
do you get along with your teammates?
general / miscellaneous: choose at least one
could you see yourself in manhattan for the rest of your life?
what’s your favorite place in new york city?
what’s your favorite hobby?
if you were stranded on an island, who would you want to be stranded with? who would you not want there?
is there someone in your suite at bar manhattan you’d kick out?
is there another guest list you’d love an invite into?
do you ever get concerned about being kicked off the SUITE NAME's guest list and being sent back to the main bar?
this or that, rapid fire: mandatory, bold what applies,
gold or silver / coffee or tea / cook or order in / penthouse or brownstone / love or money / early bird or night owl / winter resort or coastal town / opera or ballet / give up caffeine or give up dessert / sweet or savory / plan ahead or live in the moment / bad haircut or bad dye job / disney world or las vegas / books or movies / saturday or sunday / pilates or running / vacation or staycation / tourist hotspots or hidden gems / horse track or race track / wine tasting or bar hopping / concert or comedian / superbowl game or halftime show / charity gala or charity work / book smarts or street smarts / logic or emotion / forgiveness or justice / truth that hurts or lie that soothes / follow tradition or pave your own way / private success or public recognition / always feel understood or always feel appreciated.
“ let’s begin. what is your first name and what bar are we in ? ”
❛ melis, bar manhattan. ❜
“ great, thank you. and what is today’s date? ”
❛ march 24th. ❜
“ just one more: what is the name of the gossip column currently trending in manhattan? ”
❛ why is that relevant? ❜
“ please answer. ”
❛ i don't know? robin… red robin? ❜
“ good enough. let’s jump right into it. ”
questions,
“ what’s your guilty pleasure movie? we all have one. ”
melis shifts in her seat, feeling the cattle prod of forced vulnerability already. ❛ i don't. ❜ that's a lie.
“ come on melis, we're not letting you move on until you tell us… ”
❛ i, tonya. ❜ she answers dryly. indeterminate.
“ you're joking, but there's some truth in it. spill. ”
silence, for longer than is necessary, then… ❛ ice princess. ❜
“ great choice! speaking of ice princesses, what's the weirdest headline that you've read about yourself? ”
❛ how much time do you have? peformance enhancing drugs made from my own plasma, only wearing red underwear on competition days, being created in a lab to dominate american ice skating… take your pick. ❜
“ have you ever given someone a fake number? ”
❛ yes. ❜ that's true. ❛ i don't think i've ever given anyone my real number. ❜ we're picking something up there.
“ not even to matthieu? do you not get along with your teammate? ”
brow quirks, and melis can spot the very subtle smirk on the interviewer's face. ❛ obviously matty has my number. it'd be impossible to communicate, otherwise. i don't think you have a choice in figure skating, if you don't get along, it affects your performance. there needs to be trust and communication. it helps to be friends. ❜ she's telling the truth.
“ just friends? ”
the silence that follows is incredibly, incredibly uncomfortable. a rumour swirls after the interview's release that melis had to be convinced to continue filming.
“ thank you for your time today, melis, we know you're busy. one final question – is there someone in your suite at bar manhattan you'd kick out? ”
❛ lucas. ❜
“ that was a speedy response! are you sure abo– ”
❛ yes. ❜
this or that, rapid fire: mandatory, bold what applies,
gold or silver / coffee or tea / cook or order in / penthouse or brownstone / love or money / early bird or night owl / winter resort or coastal town / opera or ballet / give up caffeine or give up dessert / sweet or savory / plan ahead or live in the moment / bad haircut or bad dye job / disney world or las vegas / books or movies / saturday or sunday / pilates or running / vacation or staycation / tourist hotspots or hidden gems / horse track or race track / wine tasting or bar hopping / concert or comedian / superbowl game or halftime show / charity gala or charity work / book smarts or street smarts / logic or emotion / forgiveness or justice / truth that hurts or lie that soothes / follow tradition or pave your own way / private success or public recognition / always feel understood or always feel appreciated.
#𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗡𝖳𝖠𝖲𝖪 olympic equestrian, narisa narong, sits down with vanity fair for their famous lie detector test.
❝ let's begin. what is your first name and what bar are we in ? ❞
eyes lingered on the machine, potential enemy, seeking something juicier than a drunken picture for page six, already with its claws hooked into her, before drifting toward interviewer. ❝ narisa, but most people call me risa. ❞ she smiled, consciously relaxing her posture. ❝ one of my favorite bars, of course, bar manhattan. ❞
❝ great, thank you. and what is today’s date? ❞
❝ march twenty-third. ❞
❝ just one more: what is the name of the gossip column currently trending in manhattan? ❞
she tilted her head. ❝ do you always start these with the questions on easy mode ? ❞ a laugh. it didn't dispel the pit festering in her stomach but confidence remained her toughest armor. ❝ they call themselves robin hood. ❞
❝ we're only getting started. let's jump right into it. ❞
❝ have you ever called someone when you’re drunk and alone? ❞
❝ i thought you said we were getting started. ❞ another laugh. risa relaxed in her seat — maybe this wouldn't be so bad. ❝ i'm pretty sure everyone has, and it's not really a secret how i am after a few drinks. ❞ thoughtless. reckless. foolish. pick your favorite word. a drunk call was a minor bad decision in the grand scheme of her past antics. ❝ so yeah, i have. ❞ the operator gave a thumbs up.
❝ care to share who? ❞
❝ um . . . friends mostly. dominic a few times. ❞
❝ when you two weren't together? ❞
risa shifted in her seat. ❝ i can't remember. i was drunk when it happened. ❞ she really hoped not. out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at the operator, only releasing a soft breath when he said, " inconclusive ". better than nothing.
❝ well, let's move on then. do you sometimes scroll through robinhood.com? ❞
❝ yeah. it's kind of hard to avoid with how often it shows up on my feed, and some of the stuff they post is amusing. ❞ " that's true ".
❝ amusing? you have to tell us what’s the weirdest headline you’ve read about yourself. ❞
sitting up a little straighter, risa rested her elbows on the table. ❝ someone once claimed i was trying to host a hobby horse competition at bar manhattan. don't get me wrong, it would've been a hilarious sight, especially if we served alcohol, but i don't need to play pretend when my job is horseback riding. ❞
❝ you might've given the bar a new idea. i bet it'd explode on social media. speaking of having fun, have you ever kissed more than one person in the same evening? more than two? ❞
❝ yes to both. ❞ the operator confirmed it as true. silence lingered in the space another question should've gone. brow furrowed until risa remembered that rumor. before the interviewer could ask, ❝ when i was single, ❞ was added. " she's telling the truth ".
❝ of course, of course. next, are you happy with your career? ❞
❝ i wouldn't want to do anything else with my life. ❞ lips curved upwards, carrying her smile up to her eyes. she didn't even pay any attention to the operator — knew her words were true.
❝ but it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows, right? sports are all about the ups and the down. what was your biggest career fumble? ❞
smile dimmed as quickly as it'd appeared. the look in the interviewer's eyes made it clear exactly what period of her career the question was designed to poke at. ❝ is it really a fumble if i still ended up at the olympics ? ❞ " that's a lie ". narisa crossed her arms.
❝ the competition you pulled out of was a big one and— ❞
❝ yes, it was. i'm not saying it was a good look, but i recovered. it's not a misstep i'm going to repeat. ❞ this time, she did listen for the operator's voice. " inconclusive ", he said, and narisa shifted in her seat.
❝ we're getting close to the end so how about something light? if you were stranded on an island, who would you want to be stranded with? who would you not want there? ❞
❝ dominic, without a doubt. i'd miss him too much. plus he'd probably devise the best survival or escape plan. melis would probably be the most capable out of my friends ❞ lips pursed. ❝ i adore monty but i'm not sure how useful he'd be. he can lead the search party for us in the city. ❞ " we're ending with the truth ".
❝ before we conclude, we're going to do a rapid fire round of this or that questions. super quick and fun. ready? okay. ❞
gold or silver / coffee or tea / cook or order in / penthouse or brownstone / love or money / early bird or night owl / winter resort or coastal town / opera or ballet / give up caffeine or give up dessert / sweet or savory / plan ahead or live in the moment / bad haircut or bad dye job / disney world or las vegas / books or movies / saturday or sunday / pilates or running / vacation or staycation / tourist hotspots or hidden gems / horse track or race track / wine tasting or bar hopping / concert or comedian / superbowl game or halftime show / charity gala or charity work / book smarts or street smarts / logic or emotion / forgiveness or justice / truth that hurts or lie that soothes / follow tradition or pave your own way / private success or public recognition / always feel understood or always feel appreciated.
people's daughter extends downwards facing palm to greet examiner. firm handshake & unwavering eye contact establishes dominion: wisdom instilled upon by father at early age.
' let's begin. what is your first name, and what bar are we in ? '
" anastasia. that's ah - nuh - stay - zhuh and it's such a pleasure to be here with you in the exceptional bar manhattan. thank you, vanity fair. " beam polite & perfected. well versed in the art of swaying the assembly.
' thank you. and what is today’s date ? '
" it's march twentieth. the first day of spring .. have you noticed the cherry blossoms blooming in the park yet ? they're my favorite. "
' i have not. just one more: what is the name of the gossip column currently trending in manhattan ? '
" a film character, right ? robin .. robin hood, i believe. "
' that's right. okay, let’s jump into it. '
' first question: are you happy in your career ? '
" absolutely. it's such a privilege to serve in this role and to work on behalf of the people our office represents every day and not to mention, working alongside my father has been incredible. i've got to witness firsthand his commitment to public service and i am so grateful for that. "
operator provides a thumbs up. ' do you worry about your career reaching a plateau ? '
" no, i'm too entirely focused on the work in front of me. "
' that's questionable. '
" i think what i mean is that this work doesn't really feel static. i care deeply about making an impact and i don't see that as something with a ceiling but if one day that means stepping into a role where i can serve more directly, i'd be open to it. " pearly whites on full display, lithe shoulders inching forward to whisper: " who knows ? madam president stratton does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it ? "
' it sure does. and if you were stranded on an island, who would you want to be stranded with ? '
" oh, that's an easy one. i'd want my brother there with me, no question. he's the smartest person i know. he'd make a phone out of a coconut or something and get us off the island. "
examiner glances up: ' and your sister ? '
" sorry, my who ? "
' your sister. your father's — '
" i'm kidding — my brain just went straight to my brother. that's usually how it goes with hypothetical survival questions. "
' so you wouldn't want her there ? '
" no — "
' that's true. '
" you didn't let me finish. i mean, she'd be fine. she's — she's very capable. just in a different way. "
' she's telling the truth. okay, we're switching gears a little here. do you keep relationships private ? '
" that's a great question. i think when you grow up in the public eye, you learn pretty quickly that not everything needs to be public to be meaningful. so yes, i do tend to keep my relationships private, not out of secrecy but out of respect. "
' so have you ever been someone's secret ? '
" no. "
' we're picking up some deception. want to elaborate ? '
an almost amused exhale leaves glossed brims. " it's a question of definitions. again, not everything is public facing and not everything is labeled or announced. that doesn't make it a secret, it just makes it private. furthermore, i don't categorize my personal relationships in a way that invites that kind of simplification. people can call things whatever they want from the outside. it doesn't make it accurate. "
another thumbs up. ' do you wish robin hood would pay more attention to you ? '
" no. "
' that's a lie. '
" right. okay. " cue a pause. not flustered. perfected wires just recalibrating. " it's not attention in the way you're implying. "
operator gives a half - way thumbs up.
" for example, two months ago i led a public information campaign that actually got people to town halls who'd never engaged before so yes — if you're asking whether i'd like that kind of stuff to be acknowledged instead of ignored or mischaracterized, the answer is obviously yes but that's not the same thing as wanting an uncredible gossip blog to ' pay attention ' to me. "
' fair enough. the media has speculated a lot about your social circle and personal life. did any of that ever surprise you ? '
" yes. feels like i'm learning new things about myself everyday. "
' looking back, were there moments where people assumed you were thinking about more ? settling down ? marriage — even if you weren't ? '
" people tend to project their expectations. if they assumed i was thinking about settling down or marriage, that was their interpretation and not my reality. " raises hand as if to search for diamond & then presents it to camera. bare, save for vintage rings stacked & adorning digits but no wedding band.
' that's true. have you ever kissed more than one person in the same evening ? '
" i — no. " usually composed cadence now slightly offbeat. " no. i haven't. "
' she's not telling the truth. '
" i think we may be getting a little far afield here. " forces an airy laugh before continuation: " but i will say — i've had a very normal, very human social life at different points. nothing i'd consider out of the ordinary. "
' what about more than two ? '
darkened lashes blink once. twice. " no. "
' that's not consistent. '
petals uphold but thinner now. " again, i've had a normal dating life. i've had fun, i've been social like anyone else. but i'm also not going to sit here and dissect personal moments in a way that's .. performative. i think most people can relate to having experiences that are a little less scripted than others. " offers an affirmative nod. " next question. " but gears turn & middle stratton seldom one to hold back: " actually, i have a question for you. will you be asking your male victims these questions too ? or do i just get this pleasure because i'm a woman ? " in the corner, longtime family aide steps forward just enough. a quick shake of their head. stop. not a threat. a reminder. a signal. heiress catches it immediately & forces an innocent laugh. " just curious but please, let's continue. "
' everyone gets the same questions, ms. stratton, i have list here but yes, let's continue. what's the weirdest place you've kissed/hooked up with someone ? '
cannot stifle groan but uses grin to disguise it as something jocular. " i'm noticing a theme here. i'm happy to be open and engaging but i do think there's a line between getting to know someone and focusing a little too narrowly on their personal life especially when that's not really what i'm here to speak about so respectfully i'll pass on that one but i do appreciate the creativity of the question. "
' got it. can you at least tell us who has been your best kiss to date ? '
optics dart to aide once more as spine straightens in chair. " alright. i think i've been more than open today. " lower limbs force figure to stand fluidly. " i appreciate your time and i do hope the rest of your sessions go well. "
' wait — before you go .. we were thinking of doing a rapid fire round. just a few more questions. it'll be quick. promise. '
" about ? "
' this or that. things you like. nothing too heavy. '
glances toward exit then back at the editor. " fine. rapid fire it is. "
' perfect. let's start. '
gold or silver / coffee or tea / cook or order in / penthouse or brownstone / love and money / early bird or night owl / winter resort or coastal town / opera or ballet / give up caffeine or give up dessert / sweet or savory / plan ahead or live in the moment / bad haircut or bad dye job / disney world or las vegas / books or movies / saturday or sunday / pilates or running / vacation or staycation / tourist hotspots or hidden gems / horse track or race track / wine tasting or bar hopping / concert or comedian / superbowl game or halftime show / charity gala or charity work / book smarts or street smarts / logic or emotion / forgiveness or justice / truth that hurts or lie that soothes / follow tradition or pave your own way / private success or public recognition / always feel understood or always feel appreciated.
VANITY FAIR PRESENTS, a lie detector test, ft. logan sethi.
let's begin. what is your first name and what bar are we in ?
one blink at the machine like it might suddenly start speaking to them, logan's fingers fidget a little with the edge of the chair before she remember she's technically supposed to be sitting still. " oh, right, sorry. " a quick breath, like she's resetting. " logan sethi … or, you said just first name. logan. " she clears her throat, " and we're in good ol' bar manhattan. "
nope, no worries, you're doing great, thank you. and ... what is today's date ?
gaze lifts toward the ceiling, " um, " a pause, brows knitting together while she quietly counts something in her head. " march… twelfth ? " she looks back to the interviewer almost immediately after saying it. " i think. wait — no, i'm pretty sure that's right. march twelfth. "
and, what is the name of the gossip column currently trending in manhattan ?
that one makes her nose scrunch. she shifts in the chair, hands folding together, " that would be robin hood, " voice careful but a little wry. then she adds quickly, like it slipped out before she could stop it, " which, for the record, i do not read. intentionally. it just … sort of appears places. "
alright, for sure ... okay, let's jump right into it. keeping on theme; what's the biggest lie you've ever told ?
brows lift a little at the question, " oh, that's… that's a big one. " shoulders hunching slightly while she thinks, gaze drifting up toward the ceiling for a second. " um … i once told a director, i'll never say who, that i had read a book he was adapting. " she winces faintly, already half - smiling at herself, trying to ignore the machine operator shaking their head. " like, i was fully committed to it. said i loved the themes, talked about the characters, the whole thing. " her hands lift in a helpless little gesture. " i absolutely had not read the book. at all. i skimmed the wikipedia page in the bathroom about five minutes later and hoped for the best. "
looks like that might not be true. care to elaborate ?
" right, okay… fair. " tone still warm despite the mild fluster, " i suppose that might not technically qualify as the biggest one i've ever told. " she tilts her head a little, clearly choosing her words carefully now. " the actual biggest one is probably… something i'd prefer to keep between me and my therapist. " the corner of her mouth tugs upward in a self - aware smile, " but that one felt like a safe runner - up that wouldn't ruin anyone's day. " a quick glance toward the operator again, brows lifting apologetically. " i promise i'm not trying to cheat the system. just… strategically editing. "
okay, let's pivot. what's the weirdest headline you've read about yourself ?
the tension from the previous question easing a bit as she lets out a soft breath through her nose. " oh god. there are… a few contenders. " an awkward laugh escapes her as she shifts in the seat. " um… one of them said i was secretly preparing to go into competitive fencing. " she's still clearly baffled by the idea. " which, to be clear, came from a single photo of me holding a prop sword on a film set. " she gestures vaguely with one hand, like she's still trying to understand the logic. " but the article had a whole theory. training schedules, olympic aspirations, the works. — honestly i almost admired the level of imagination. it was… very thorough. just, wildly incorrect. " her answer is confirmed true as a shared laugh rings through the room.
speaking of, people have been speculating that you might not really be as into acting as you once were. so, straight from the source, logan, are you happy with your career ?
" oh, " a small exhale slips out, more thoughtful than nervous this time. she tilts her head, buying herself a second to figure out how honest she's willing to be. " um… yes. " the smile that follows is a little softer than the ones before. " i mean, acting is still the thing i love the most. that part hasn’t really changed. movies are my world. " she glances off to the side for a moment, choosing her words deliberately. " i think sometimes the circus around it gets… louder than the work itself. interviews, press cycles, people speculating about what you're thinking or feeling on any given day. " a tiny self - aware smile tugs at her mouth as she looks back toward the interviewer. " so i guess the answer is yes. i'm still happy with the job. i'm just… occasionally less enthusiastic about the rest of the package deal, if - if that makes sense. " indeterminate. fuck.
anyways, ... as a queer icon in the acting world, i think the fans need to know. have you ever used raya, and if not — would you ?
the phrase queer icon clearly catches her off guard before she lets out another nervous chuckle. " oh, wow. okay, first off, i'm no icon, " she says, flustered but grateful. " but no, i've never used raya. " her nose scrunches faintly as if she’s trying to imagine it. " i actually had never heard of it until, like last week. " a shrug, " i think i prefer meeting people in real life, i guess? something about dating apps just feels too… shallow, y'know? "
that appears true. good for you. ending on a light note; what's your favorite place in new york city ?
shoulders loosen a bit, grateful she wasn't asked another existential question. " oh, easy. metrograph. " fingers briefly tapping against the arm of the chair before she remembers the wires again and stills them. " it's this little theater on the lower east side that shows a lot of older films and indie ones that don't really play anywhere else. it's absolutely lovely. " big brown eyes glance hopefully toward the operator with a laugh. " i'm guessing that one’s safe ? "
you bet. absolutely true. okay, interview's almost over. we're gonna do a quick rapid - fire this or that. ready ??
gold or silver / coffee or tea / cook or order in / penthouse or brownstone / love or money / early bird or night owl / winter resort or coastal town / opera or ballet / give up caffeine or give up dessert / sweet or savory / plan ahead or live in the moment / bad haircut or bad dye job / disney world or las vegas / books or movies / saturday or sunday / pilates or running / vacation or staycation / tourist hotspots or hidden gems / horse track or race track / wine tasting or bar hopping / concert or comedian / superbowl game or halftime show / charity gala or charity work / book smarts or street smarts / logic or emotion / forgiveness or justice / truth that hurts or lie that soothes / follow tradition or pave your own way / private success or public recognition / always feel understood or always feel appreciated.
#𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦, sitting down with vanity fair, nathaniel kent answers your top questions while connected to a polygraph.
❝ let’s begin. what is your first name and what bar are we in? ❞
❝ really? it's nathaniel, and we're in bar manhattan. ❞
❝ great, thank you. and what is today’s date? ❞
❝ the ides of march. ❞
❝ uh .... okay. i guess that is technically true. just one more: what is the name of the gossip column currently #trending in manhattan? ❞
❝ robin hood. ❞
❝ not a man of many words are you? but good enough. let’s jump right into it. the fans want to know - do you have a secret social media account? ❞
❝ no. ❞ he's short in his answer, eyes rolling as operater shakes their head with an 'indeterminate'. ❝ i don't have a secret social media, exactly. but i do have an account my wife made me just to send me things. ❞ there's no argument from the machine this time.
❝ do you care what the public thinks of you? ❞
he scoffs, a quick ❝ no ❞ spilling out, only to be met with the polygraph calling him a liar. he's quiet for a moment as he considers the question once more, considers the lie. ❝ i suppose.... i do hope the public enjoy my work, but... my private life i don't care what they think of. it's not their business. ❞
❝ that's a pretty valid answer. going with that then, have you ever given someone a fake number? maybe to keep your private life private? ❞
❝ a number of my own creation, no. but my assistant's number, or some other pa's instead of mine? yes. if you don't already have my number, you don't need it. ❞
❝ you really cut through the bullshit, don't you ? alright, well that leads me to ask have you ever worked with someone you couldn’t stand? ❞
❝ the film industry is full of all different personalities. ❞ the operater shrugs, no sign of deception on the screen in the half answer, but does not ask him to continue.
❝ that's not exactly an answer, but okay. moving on, could you see yourself in manhattan for the rest of your life? ❞
❝ i don't think so. but we have enough homes across the world that that will never be necessary. ❞
❝ i guess that's fair enough. just one last series of questions and we're done. we'll do these rapid fire. ready? start ! ❞
❝ gold or silver / coffee or tea / cook or order in / penthouse or brownstone / love or money / early bird or night owl / winter resort or coastal town / opera or ballet / give up caffeine or give up dessert / sweet or savory / plan ahead or live in the moment / bad haircut or bad dye job / disney world or las vegas / books or movies / saturday or sunday / pilates or running / vacation or staycation / tourist hotspots or hidden gems / horse track or race track / wine tasting or bar hopping / concert or comedian / superbowl game or halftime show / charity gala or charity work / book smarts or street smarts / logic or emotion / forgiveness or justice / truth that hurts or lie that soothes / follow tradition or pave your own way / private success or public recognition / always feel understood or always feel appreciated. ❞
VANITY FAIR PRESENTS, a lie detector test, ft. arabella mann.
let's begin. what is your first name, and what bar are we in?
"arabella. we're in bar manhattan." predictably tight-lipped, expression perfectly coached into something neutral and indifferent.
great, thank you. and what is today's date?
"last i checked, it was march 13th."
just one more: what is the name of the gossip column currently trending in manhattan?
"robin hood. a bit offensive to the outlaw himself, if you ask me." or wishful thinking, maybe, that they think themselves on par with the folk hero himself.
good enough. let's jump right into it.
do you have a secret social media account?
denial blooms and dies on her tongue, hyper-aware that any lie she's caught out in could end up blasted across tabloid headlines, spun out of control and exaggerated beyond belief—so she takes a breath. shifts a little in her seat. crosses her legs, and then crosses them the opposite way. "i don't know if it's secret, per se, but i have a private account, one that just my friends are following."
no chance of us getting that handle, then? worth a shot. alright, changing direction here a little bit: we've heard you're a mobile game connoisseur. is it true?
"it's not untrue." aren't you meant to be a politician's daughter, arabella? "i like block blast, and royal match, and, uh ... homescapes." cheeks take on a reddish tint as operator confirms it, spying their up-turned thumb out of the corner of her eye, and wondering (yet again) why she agreed to this.
do you care what the public think of you?
"i try not to," she volleys off immediately, only to be met with an obvious pocket of silence that's followed with a murmured we're picking up some deception here. jesus, that's embarrassing. "it's difficult, of course. my mom may be the elected official of the family, but we're all in the public eye, and it's important that we all hold ourselves to the same standards that she holds herself to." talk about a non-answer. interviewer looks imploringly at her, and it's with a wearied sigh that arabella acquiesces further. "i care about what people think of me more than i would like to, the public especially." is it a little sad that she's striving to get a good grade on the vanity fair polygraph test? maybe so, but she's trying not to think too long or hard on it.
do you wish that robin hood would pay more attention to you?
"god no." quick and precise, the little upper-body shudder she gives emphasising just how strongly she feels. she's telling the truth, pipes up the deep voice off to the side, and arabella has to fight against the urge to smile.
okay, okay, moving onto a juicier field now. have you ever slid into someone's dms?
she pretends to wrack her brain a little, acting as though she needs to think about it—she's done it more than once, in reality, but only when she was pretty certain that it would work in her favour. it helps when your mom was the favoured mayoral candidate of most nyc celebs, after all. "yeah, i have. my last relationship came out of it, actually."
would that have been with a certain veteran theater actor and activist, by any chance? yes? do you prefer to keep your relationships private?
"ordinarily, i do." pointedly does she answer that one, already envisioning the comments that are going to arise from her confirmation of a relationship that was no more than rumour before, but there's no doubt in denying it when she's hooked up to a polygraph. "i may be used to the scrutiny and attention, but not everybody that i date is."
have you ever worked with someone you couldn't stand?
quick, someone call the papers: it's the first time this whole interview that arabella has laughed! "that's basically a given in the hospitality industry." maybe it's to be expected, that she only perks up when line of questioning turns professional in nature. "i've been working since i was fifteen, so that's ample time to have worked with an asshole chef or two. it's just the name of the game, really."
what are you currently working on?
"for the time being, i'm really just focusing on the restaurant. i want to make sure it's stable and capable of running itself before i start working on anything else." it is the truth, and she is so affirmed (albeit vaguely), but it's not the whole truth. it's too early in the negotiation process to even dream of mentioning six-part tv series brainchild, though, so any mention of a potential presenter role in the future goes unvoiced.
there's light at the end of the tunnel—we're almost finished, i promise! could you see yourself in manhattan for the rest of your life?
she hems and haws for a moment, wondering what sentiment would be the best received by her mom's current staff and her future campaign staff; but when the voice of reason stirs from beside her (let's try that one again) she decides with a heave of a sigh that there is no point in trying to be coy or overtly diplomatic. "i like manhattan, and i think as long as my family are here i'll keep coming back to it. but i spent a lot of my childhood in brooklyn, and there's something special about it. it's more peaceful, i think. and i'd like to live abroad for a time, properly. paris, definitely, and maybe tripoli."
to finish up, we have a little rapid fire round of this or that. sound good? okay, let's go!
gold or silver / coffee or tea / cook or order in / penthouse or brownstone / love or money / early bird or night owl / winter resort or coastal town / opera or ballet / give up caffeine or give up dessert / sweet or savory / plan ahead or live in the moment / bad haircut or bad dye job / disney world or las vegas / books or movies / saturday or sunday / pilates or running / vacation or staycation / tourist hotspots or hidden gems / horse track or race track / wine tasting or bar hopping / concert or comedian / superbowl game or halftime game / charity gala or charity work / book smarts or street smarts / logic or emotion / forgiveness or justice / truth that hurts or lie that soothes / follow tradition or pave your own way / private success or public recognition / always understood or always feel appreciated
