Actor Richard Gadd: "I knew I had to talk to other people if I didn't want to fall apart" [premium]

Following the global phenomenon of "Baby Reindeer," Scottish actor and writer Richard Gadd returns with "Half Man," a new six-part series now available on HBO Max. This latest work delves into complex themes of masculinity, male violence, and emotional suppression, exploring the experiences of two men grappling with their identities. Gadd, who was born in 1989, has once again drawn from personal experiences, though he emphasizes that "Baby Reindeer" was not a direct autobiographical account, nor is "Half Man" a simple reflection of his own psyche.

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I knew I had to talk to other people if I didn't want to fall apart.

Gadd reveals that the initial concept for "Half Man" emerged around 2019, during a period of intense public discussion about male behavior. He envisioned a narrative centered on two men whose masculinity had been fractured, seeking to contextualize their development from childhood. The creative process, he notes, was significantly influenced by the overwhelming success of "Baby Reindeer." While such acclaim opens doors, it also brings immense pressure and the paralyzing fear of unmet expectations.

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At least in preliminary form, yes. Around 2019, there was a lot of discussion about men, about male violence, suppressed male feelings and the like. Back then, I first had the idea of telling about these topics using two men who are both broken in their masculinity in some way. I wanted to take a look at their childhood and youth and thus contextualize how they became who they are.

Initially hesitant to play the lead role of Ruben himself, Gadd cited concerns about the character being too distant from his known persona. However, he ultimately embraced the risk, a decision supported by co-star Jamie Bell and the production companies. This willingness to step into challenging roles, even when fear of disappointing audiences looms, is a hallmark of Gadd's artistic approach. For Austrian audiences, familiar with Die Presse's nuanced cultural commentary, Gadd's exploration of male vulnerability and societal pressures offers a compelling, albeit potentially uncomfortable, reflection on contemporary issues, distinct from how such themes might be presented in Anglo-American media.

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Most ideas that come to mind quickly disappear again. But this one didn't leave my head. So I pulled out my phone and wrote the first scene between these two men, which can now be seen practically one-to-one in 'Half Man'.