In an unexpected turn of events, veteran actor Bill Pullman found himself in the role of Alex Murdaugh, a personal injury attorney who was found guilty in the double homicide of his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. Pullman admitted that he was the last person on earth who hadn’t heard of Alex Murdaugh before preparing for his role in the movie “Murdaugh Murders: The Movie” for Lifetime’s lineup of ripped-from-the-headlines films last fall. Despite his lack of initial knowledge, Pullman was able to immerse himself in the character with the help of extensive video footage from the courtroom proceedings.
Pullman delved deep into the psychology of his character by analyzing real transcripts from the case. He highlighted the intriguing behavior of sociopaths and their cauterized morality, as evidenced by the syntax they use. Pullman found it fascinating how individuals like Murdaugh could manipulate their speech to navigate through a sentence, showcasing a lack of polished language. This unique insight into Murdaugh’s thought process allowed Pullman to infuse a sense of authenticity into his performance.
Despite the rich source material available, Pullman faced a tight deadline for preparing for the role of Alex Murdaugh. With only six days to get into character before production began, Pullman experienced nerves and uncertainties about his performance. The film was shot in a mere six weeks, just before the writers and actors went on strike, adding to the pressure on Pullman to deliver a convincing portrayal of Murdaugh. However, through discussions with the writers and director, Pullman was able to tap into the emotional complexity of his character.
In portraying Alex Murdaugh, Pullman grappled with the emotional turmoil of a man who seemed to love his wife and son yet committed a heinous crime against them. Pullman questioned the internal conflict that must have plagued Murdaugh, wondering how someone could harm those they claim to love. Reflecting on Murdaugh’s trial, Pullman highlighted the character’s misguided confidence when he took the stand, believing he could sway the jury with his words. This fatal mistake added a layer of tragic inevitability to Murdaugh’s downfall in Pullman’s performance.
Bill Pullman’s unique perspective on portraying Alex Murdaugh in a Lifetime movie sheds light on the complexities of the human psyche and the challenges of embodying a character mired in moral ambiguity. Through meticulous preparation and a deep dive into the character’s psyche, Pullman was able to deliver a nuanced and compelling performance that captivated audiences with its authenticity.