#sam trammel

[entertainment]

Entertainment Spotlight: Sam Trammell, Homeland

Actor Sam Trammell may be most widely recognized for playing Sam Merlotte in True Blood and President Benjamin Hayes in Homeland. He’s starred in a variety of films including Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase, The Fault in Our Stars, Breakthrough, I Am Wrath, Imperium, and 3 Generations. He also co-wrote, co-produced and starred in the indie film All Mistakes Buried. A theater veteran, Trammell earned a Tony nomination and the Clarence Derwent Award and Theater World Awards for his role in Ah, Wilderness! at Lincoln Center. He is also an advocate for clean oceans and beaches and works with the non-profit organization Oceana. We got the chance to ask him a few questions. Check it out:

Can you tell us your favorite fan experience?

I was once asked to record a video for a fan who was getting ready to propose to his girlfriend. He asked me to lobby for him, listing his positive qualities and why she should say yes. No way I could turn down that request.

How often (if ever) did the Homeland script or plot change due to current events?

Homeland is extraordinarily focused on shaping their seasons to current events. The writers meet with ex Administration officials and CIA about what’s happening in geo-political events, and what will be current and relevant in the following year. Incredible.

What’s the funniest photo on your phone?

Here  is a photo of me performing a role that required a mustache.

What’s next for you?

My Sony TV series Reckoning will be debuting very soon. Make sure to check out my social media handles to learn more about where you can see it. I recently filmed the feature The Tiger Rising based on Kate DiCamillo’s young adult book of the same name—with Queen Latifa and Dennis Quaid. I’ll also be in HBO Max’s new series Generation produced by Lena Dunham.

Would you rather play the hero or the villain? Why?

I love playing villains, especially those that teeter on the edge of good and bad. Maybe someone a viewer can relate to, who then goes over the line. That’s exciting—and scary.

What’s your favorite character arc or plot line from Homeland?

I loved Jake Webber’s character Brett O’Keefe in season 7. He’s a wonderfully weak character who got in way over his head when his hardcore followers took up guns to protect his space. Be careful what you wish for . . . .

Thanks for taking the time, Sam!

Photo: Laura Ise

[adamwatchesmovies]

Breakthrough (2019)

Like all faith-based films, Breakthrough is meant for a certain crowd. At its worst, it’s preachy and predictable but the rest of the time, it’s surprisingly emotional thanks to a strong performance by Chrissy Metz.

John Smith (Marcel Ruiz) is playing on a frozen lake with his friends when the ice gives and he falls through. Brought to the hospital by an emergency team 45 minutes later, the doctors do not believe he'll wake from his coma. His adoptive father, Brian (Josh Lucas) prepares for the worst, while his mother, Joyce (Metz) insists their faith will pull them through this ordeal.

Films like God’s Not Dead and Let There Be Light have created this impression that all films centered on telling feel-good or inspirational stories about people of faith in modern America are hammy and tone-deaf. There are few of these Bible-pics I’d rank as "good" so you can understand why this one came as a shock. First of all, this story works even without the God stuff. John struggles with his feelings of abandonment. He rebels against the parents who love him. After parting on not-so-good terms, he is hospitalized. You might’ve seen that sorta thing before, but it’s nonetheless effective. It's nearly impossible to relate to the mother who wants to believe, despite everything, that her son will return.

What sells this film above all are the performances. Chrissy Metz is so good as Joyce. There’s depth and nuance in her character both as a mother and as a woman who believes heaven can save her son. There are nice moments between her and her new hip pastor (Topher Grace), whom she butts heads with. Also between her and her husband. You feel her love, her panic, and exasperation at this situation she has no power over. I was astonished to find myself tearing up in the most dramatic scenes and the ending, which actually addresses a big question people of faith would have after this ordeal is well-handled.

Primarily known for her television work, director Roxann Dawson presents this story (based on true events) with a steady hand and uses the natural emotions well. There are a couple of moments where Breakthrough lacks subtlety. Considering the caliber of the performances, this is a disappointment - I think it would’ve benefited greatly from dialing it down and giving us more food for thought. Still, in its league, this is dynamite stuff, miles ahead of the phoniness of War Room and its kin.

If you like these religious films, I absolutely recommend Breakthrough to you. I can’t think of any hardcore church-goer who wouldn't enjoy it. Even if you’re only mildly religious, I think you’ll appreciate this a great deal thanks to an excellent dramatic turn by Chrissy Metz. (Theatrical version on the big screen, April 29, 2019)

[daddymymouthisfullofstars]

Tom Lennon with Sam Trammell and Michael Patrick Jann at Sunset Cocktails Presented By Leifsdottir on March 12, 2011 in Sherman Oaks, California. (Photo by Donato Sardella/WireImage)

[the-memphista]

Sam Trammell, Marilyn Manson, Joe Manganiello, and Joel Madden at Sunset Strip Music Festival VIP party (2012)

[asyourshadowfalls]

Woah Sam was young when he was on House

[itsnot-anselelgort]

[thefandomnet]

Hazel Grace Rallies For A Fake ID In New THE FAULT IN OUR STARS Clip #TFIOS Hazel Grace Lancaster only needs one thing to get out into the world and meet people. Now all she has to do is convince her parents!

[upandcomers]

New Post has been published on http://upandcomers.net/2014/04/21/tv-true-blood-trailer-final-season-hbo-anna-paquin/

TV: New Trailer for the Final Season of HBO's 'True Blood'

We’ve had six seasons with HBO’s wild ride of vampires, werewolves and fairies (oh my!). We’re now reaching the final season of “True Blood” and it’s impossible to predict what twists and turns the writers will throw our way. Based on “The Southern...