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The Bridge - Franka Potente Teases Big Character Revelations

Aug 5, 2014

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The character of Eleanor Nacht on FX’s “The Bridge” is a study in paradoxes. She is a Mennonite, a group that normally shuns violence, yet Eleanor instigates bloodshed without hesitation. Her conservative dress belies a ruthless killer. She talks about seeing the light but seems to be shrouded in darkness. She is a woman of few words but authoritative actions. And she is a woman working in a male-dominated field.

“She’s definitely weird so I think her character raises a lot of questions, and that is intriguing,” her portrayer, Franka Potente, tells SpoilerTV. “It’s enhanced. It’s like this weird-looking, frumpy-ish, but yet hard-ass woman in the Mexican cartel world. I think she has a lot of male attributes. She’s just as cutthroat as Fausto is, in a way. I think she’s very good at tucking her emotions away.”

Without showing those emotions, the dark character doesn’t leave the audience much room for empathy. Yet Potente has infused Eleanor with a slow-burning fire that inevitably mesmerizes you with its flickers of color and heat. You find yourself fascinated watching her, wondering what could be driving someone like this. And that’s exactly what Potente is hoping to achieve.

“How is it we can watch someone so bad, so psycho, and kind of enjoy it?” she asks. “How can we watch someone like that who is so different, and for a split second maybe admire her determination? That’s what I want. That’s what’s interesting to me.”


The actress tells SpoilerTV there is a lot more to her character’s backstory that will begin to shed light on her motivations. “She has dark secrets,” she hints. And they have everything to do with the person who is caged up in Fausto Galvan’s basement. “In the script he has been called the gimp, the beast, all those kind of things. There seems to be a relationship with him,” she teases. And it's a relationship that guides all of her actions.

“I think inside she’s quite simple,” says Potente of the character. “What’s complicated is her baggage from the past and the history of the terrible things that have happened to her and are still very present in her life and driving her to do what she does.”

Also to be revealed is the history between Eleanor and Fausto Galvan. Their connection goes deeper than boss/employee. “Every week a stone is turned, and it’s almost like I’m given a new challenge, a scavenger hunt that will eventually lead me to the goal or the prize,” says Potente. “It’s a very playful approach. It keeps you on your toes, keeps you curious – and sometimes you’re surprised.”

In the coming weeks, Potente says Eleanor will show a softer side with certain women. “She will have interesting connections that are surprisingly tender for her with female characters,” the actress reveals. She also teases that Eleanor will meet Charlotte, Ray and Monte – and their business discussion will lead to personal revelations.


While she can’t disclose if Eleanor crosses the path of detective Sonya Cross, she says the two characters parallel each other in many ways. “They have a lot of similarities. They’re both struggling with something in the past that they want to end or want to come to terms with. I think they are both driven by some weird passion, even though the surface is aloof or cold. But they’re definitely on different sides of the river. Sonya is the law and Eleanor operates by her own laws. If these women do get to interact, one can imagine that it’s going to be very interesting.”

Potente just wrapped filming last week. Audiences will see her in all but one of the 13 episodes this season. (She says Eleanor “takes a vacation” in one episode.)

Potente guest stars in “The Bridge” Wednesdays on FX at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Related: Demian Bichir Talks About Sharing Scenes with his Brother
Related: The Bridge Season 2 Exclusive Video Preview


What do you think is going to happen with Eleanor? Who do you think is the person in the cage? Do you have any predictions for the character's backstory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.


About the Author - Tonya Papanikolas
Tonya Papanikolas is a freelance journalist who loves covering entertainment and television. She spent more than 10 years as a broadcast news anchor and reporter. Now she does everything from hosting to writing. She especially loves writing TV articles and reviews for SpoilerTV.


16 comments:

  1. Great interview, thank you Tonya. Looking forward to a potential Sonya/Eleanor meeting and to see what the relation is to Fausto

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  2. Thanks, Fluffy Bunny! I'm also looking forward to that Sonya/Eleanor meeting. It's got to happen, I figure. And the connections to Fausto and the man behind the cage should be interesting to watch, too. I really appreciate your comments!

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  3. One of the most mesmerizing female characters on TV in years.

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  4. She really is, isn't she? She's sick and dark but yet you can't look away. I look forward to more with her. Thanks so much for your comments.

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  5. Thanks for interviewing her. She deserves more attention for the terrific work she is doing on The Bridge.

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  6. The first time we watched Eleanor I was like, that is one weird lady. The more she does the more odd it seems, but she is like a train wreck, you cannot help but keep watching! I am now where I cannot wait to see what she does next! Thanks for posting this.

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  8. Franka Potente has been, by far, the best part of The Bridge this season. I have been disappointed in more than one aspect of season two but Ms. Potente still makes this series well worth watching.

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  9. Great interview. Great actress. Great show.

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  10. My pleasure. I totally agree!

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  11. Ha ha, love your comments. She is definitely weird, I thought the same thing. And you're right - she is like a train wreck you can't help watching that has become so interesting. Glad you enjoyed the article. Fun reading your comments!

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  12. She has definitely become the most interesting part of the show! I actually told her that and she was very humble and said the environment was a great one to work in and she loved doing the work. But you're right - she is the making the series what it is! Thanks for your comments. It's fun to hear what people like about the show. :)

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  13. Thanks so much. She IS a great actress and she's added a lot to the show! I appreciate your comments. Thanks for weighing in. :)

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  14. Thanks Κοπελια!|
    Franka is great and the role is intriguing. After episode 4 you wonder who is more dangerous, her or Fausto.
    I think they are both equally creepy.

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  15. How far on the season you have watched? all of it?

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  16. Ha ha. You better not. Very funny. I haven't seen the whole season. I have watched tomorrow's episode and I have next week's episode but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. I'm usually one week ahead.

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