Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Motherless Brooklyn’s Katy Davis

Katy Davis is starring opposite Edward Norton in the crime-drama, Motherless Brooklyn—in theaters now. Set in the backdrop of 1950s New York, Motherless Brooklyn follows a lonely private detective with Tourette’s Syndrome as he ventures to solve the mystery surrounding a murder. Along the way, he encounters Katy’s character, a new Irish immigrant. Pop Culturalist caught up with the talented actress to chat about the film.

Motherless Brooklyn

PC: Tell us about Motherless Brooklyn, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Katy: Motherless Brooklyn is a whodunit mystery. I play a young, fresh off the boat Irish girl who works at the front desk of an office that Edward Norton’s character encounters along his way to solve the mystery that he’s investigating. My scenes were all opposite Edward Norton, which I think would draw in any actor. It’s set in New York in the 1950s, which is very cool; the hair, makeup, costumes were so much fun. It’s kind of film noir style.

PC: The film is being adapted from a bestselling novel. How familiar were you with the source material and how did you prepare for this role?
Katy: I listened to the book on tape. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat. The only real difference between the novel and the film is Edward chose to set it in the 1950s, whereas the novel itself is in present day. I read the novel and I loved it. I just showed up and tried my best to be in the moment!

PC: What is it like collaborating with Edward who wrote, produced, and directed the film, and is also starring it? What’s that process like?
Katy: This was my first time working opposite an actor who would then step out and go behind the camera, check in with the DP, and make sure the shot was being realized how he wanted. It’s becoming more and more common these days, but this was my first time experiencing it. It was so inspiring to see everything that’s possible if you’re focused and driven enough. Edward really trusted the people he had around him to help create his vision. It felt very special on set—it felt like a big collaborative family.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
Katy: That’s a great question. Edward’s character suffers from Tourette’s, which is a condition that’s often misrepresented. I hope audiences will see it humanized through the lead character and sympathize and empathize with him.

Troopers

PC: You’re also the lead of Troopers. Tell us about that project and your character.
Katy: Troopers is a comedic spoof of Star Wars. It’s really, really fun. I play Valkyrian Prime, who is the Mistress of Management. She rules with an iron fist. Valkyrian takes herself and her job very, very seriously, and has no problem killing anybody that’s in her way. She’s fighting an uphill battle on this ship where she’s surrounded by a man who gets taken a little bit more seriously than she does. Talk about a 180 from Motherless Brooklyn!

It was a really fun job from start to finish, though it was hard to learn all the space jargon. [laughs] But, once I had that down, we were good to go. I’ve never worked with so many special and visual effects. My mind was blown when I saw the final product.

Career

PC: Who or what would you say has had the biggest influence on your career?
Katy: Oh my gosh! I have no idea. I will say that every time I go see any live performance, I get so inspired. That goes back to when I was a small child until now. It doesn’t just have to be an acting performance; it can be standup comedy, a singer, inspirational speakers…my creative fires get stoked whenever I see live performances.

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started this career?
Katy: It’s not personal. It’s not about you. The quicker that any young actor can figure that out, the faster you’re going to get ahead. This business is about constantly auditioning and oftentimes not getting the role. All you can do is show up and do your best. If the part’s yours, it’ll be yours. If not, there’s nothing you can change about that. I might look like the producer’s ex-girlfriend. Maybe they want somebody who’s 5’4” because the lead is 5’6”. There are so many reasons that are outside of your control. It’s a waste of energy to critique yourself too harshly and to try and figure out why it got away—it’s gotten away, so move on. There’s enough cake for everybody.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Katy: The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Katy: Mean Girls, The Devil Wears Prada, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Love Actually, any of those.

PC: Favorite book?
Katy: The Time Traveler’s Wife

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Katy: Blood Brothers by Willy Russell and anything by Martin McDonagh

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Katy: Neil Diamond

PC: Hidden talent?
Katy: I’m double-jointed and I can fit my fist in my mouth. I don’t do that anymore. [laughs]

To keep up with Katy, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Catch Motherless Brooklyn in theaters now.

Photo Credit: Yasmine Kateb // Make-up: Anton Khachaturian // Hair: Allison Noelle