'Masters of Sex' News: Michael Sheen Talks About Intimacy and What Makes Bill So Emotionally Unavailable
Michael Sheen talked about intimacy, sex and playing Bill Masters on Masters of Sex in a recent interview with The Envelope.
The show, which is based on the Thomas Maier biography of Virginia Johnson and William Masters and their research on sex, delves more into the issues of intimacy than the mechanisms of the carnal act itself.
Bill is portrayed as being this determined scientist who is also somewhat of an emotional cripple, as is revealed by his dealings with his subjects, research partner Virginia (Lizzy Caplan) and his strained relationship with his mother, played by Ann Dowd.
Sheen spoke about Bill's tussle within, while acknowledging his steely disposition.
"Bill Masters is almost repelled by intimacy, or at least hugely conflicted about it, and yet something inside him wants to let go of control and move toward something more vulnerable, connected and authentic," he said. "That battle within him gets projected out, which is going to be a bumpy ride for everyone, including him."
In season 1 of the show, Bill's and Virginia's professional collaboration starts off on a strong footing, but as the series moved along it started to tease out the complexity of their relationship. At times it seemed like Bill had started to build feelings for Virginia, feelings he suppresses. This also lends to a degree of friction between the two, along with Virginia questioning Bill's shrewd business-like ways.
The 45-year-old actor also discussed his character's relationship with Virginia, suggesting that their work together drew them closer.
"We are very supportive and open with each other," he said. "At the same time, there are aspects we don't talk about because it needs to be uncharted territory [for the characters], in a way. Some things need to be mysterious and unknowable, even about what's going on between us."
