Fiona Dourif – Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I have a Gus Van Sant and Lance Black mini-series on gay civil rights called “When We Rise” that is going to be released in January. I play the young Rachel Griffiths (who plays Diane).

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency?”

A) The scripts were totally unique and unlike anything I’ve ever read. Also, it was intimidating to prepare something that I thought required some big choices. I had no sexuality to it, which I feel like women almost never get to play. So, it was really liberating and wonderful.

Q) How was your character Bart Curlish originally described to you?

A) Bart was originally described as a force of nature, a character on the spectrum of Beetlejuice or Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. Max [Landis] had a really long breakdown for the character. It was a unique voice and one of the other descriptions was a “homicidal dirt muppet.” [laughs]

Q) What did you find challenging about playing Bart?

A) Making her world specific. I found it challenging and really, really exciting and fun.

Q) Was there something you added to her that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) I think that what they do is they kind of give you an outline and then I fill in the rest. So, I think there are a lot of aspects to Bart that would be played differently if another actress played her. I know the other people that were close to it would have played a completely different character than me. They were just choosing what Bart made more sense. I think that Bart is the most vulnerable character that I’ve ever played. I really love her. I find her lonely and kind of sincere.

Q) How did you prepare for the physicality of the role?

A) The way I stand and move is different and it changed throughout the season. I think that the producers and I were finding the character as we went.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when the cast began working together?

A) I was mostly working with Mpho [Koaho]. My storyline was really kind of separate. When we sat down to the table read I think there was a level of excitement that I never experienced at a table read. We were just excited! It is really rare that you get to say words that easy to say because the writer is so good that they have thought about the characters to the extent Max does. Mas knows everything about Bart. I have to kind of runaway with it. Sometimes we meet in the middle and sometimes we are separate. There was an excitement at the table read in the air. And I’m really proud of it! I saw it. I basically hate everything I do – it’s my personality. But I love “Dirk!”

Q) Who in the cast would you like to have more scenes with in the future?

A) I ultimately got to work with most of them. I love the awesome chemistry between Elijah [Wood] and Sam [Barnett]. I would love to be a part of some of those scenes. I’m also a big fan of Hannah Marks. Actually, Jade [Eshete] too and I love what she did with that character.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Dirk Gently?”

A) It was such a weird, long shoot. Being tied to the cross for like forty-eight hours. There was one point where I was on set and I look pretty crazy in the series. And there were three other “Barts” walking around looking as equally inane as I was. There were also two “Dirks.” It was this really cool double effect. Sam and I were like, “What the fuck is going on with our lives?” That was pretty cool.

Q) What do you think it is about the series that will make it a fast fan favorite?

A) I think there is nothing like it. I think it is really funny and I think if you guys stick in there it becomes an emotional story about relationships, ultimately. I cared about the characters and I hope that other people will, too.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you will be receiving?

A) Kind of! I’m scared! [laughs] I think Ana Lily Amirpour said, “Making a movie is like getting a tattoo on your face,” and I think that this character Bart will evoke the same thing. It takes a lot of risk and I did my best. So, now people are going to get to see it for the first time. I’m ultimately proud of it, but there are some interesting choices made.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure fans know about “Dirk Gently?”

A) Yes, I want them to know that all of the pieces that we’re laying down are actually going to be tied together. Tweet at me something that you think isn’t answered by the end of the series because I feel like someone will be hard pressed to find something.