Known for her role as Madeleine Loomis on A&E’s television series “Bates Motel,” Isabelle McNally also had a recurring role in “House of Cards” as Kendra Lee in 2014. She has appeared in films like “Before I Disappear” as Vista, then as Rebecca in the 2010 romantic drama “Struck,” and in “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him.” In the comedic action mini-movie “The Big Break,” satirizing the entertainment industry, McNally is Grace Barnett, a talent agency executive assistant who struggles to survive a shootout between police and two out-of-work actors.
What attracted you to the role of Grace on “The Big Break”?
Isabelle McNally: First and foremost, Gil (Freston) offered it to me. He’s so talented and I wanted to work with him. When I read the script, I found it funny with lots of action. I’d dealt with the stereotypes of living in L.A.—the relationships between actor and agent, though not that extreme. It was really familiar to me, a sort of heightened reality of what I’d been exposed to having lived here for quite some time. And I thought Grace was the only sympathetic character in the film. It was so much fun to shoot. And the action sequences were so impressive and took so much coordination. The special effects were amazing. I’d never been on a set with so many special effects. The film had a lot of gore but when played ‘over the top’ with a bit of humor, it didn’t feel so jolting.
Moving on to “Bates Motel,” did you audition for the role of Madeleine Loomis?
McNally: I sent in a tape initially and then went in for a callback. I found out I got the part a couple of weeks after that. I’d seen every season of the show, so I was very happy to get the part.
How did you get into the mindset of playing a woman who grows infatuated with a guy who thinks she looks like his mother?
McNally: The Oedipus complex. I think there’s an element of truth to that. I think the admiration for one’s mother is something that I really appreciate.
So when you looked in the mirror with that blonde wig, standing side-by-side with Vera, did that freak you out a bit?
McNally: I didn’t realize until later that some of the crewmembers confused me with Vera.
Were there any challenges you faced in “Bates Motel”?
McNally: Probably how to play a character that doesn’t come across as being totally naïve. That would have been too simple. There had to be some other reason why Madeleine was the way she was. She would have been too one-dimensional otherwise.
How are you like Madeleine and how are you different?
McNally: I’m not married and my husband’s not having an affair (laughs). I’m like her in that I could run a hardware store and I’m interested in various forms of woodworking. I think if I had met someone like Norman Bates, I probably would have wanted to be friends with him.
Okay, “Rear Window” or “North by Northwest,” which is your favorite?
McNally: “Rear Window.” I just watched it again. And I love Grace Kelly in that film.
I worry every time that dog disappears.
McNally: I know! What is that with animals? I’m always way more upset when I see the dog die than people. I think it’s the ultimate sin to harm or kill these unconditionally loving creatures.
And James Stewart sitting there with his binoculars and that lamp light right on him. You want to scream at the screen: turn that light off!
McNally: I know. Having grown up in the city, I’m so aware of my blinds being drawn. I’m always shocked at how oblivious people are about that. Or maybe it’s on purpose. But people could be spying on you and misinterpret what you’re doing.
What’s next for you?
McNally: Right now, I’m directing my own short film. And I’ll be doing my friend’s film this summer.
(cover photo of Isabelle McNally is courtesy of Jack Siegel)
Alex A. Kecskes is a published author of "Healer a Novel" and "The Search for Dr. Noble"—both now available on Amazon. He has written hundreds of film reviews and celebrity interviews for a wide variety of online and print outlets. He has covered red carpet premieres and Comic-Con events for major films and independent releases.
