In a recent interview, actress Amanda Seyfried provided insights into her unexpected involvement in the documentary *You Can See Everything*, directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. The film focuses on the tumultuous 34 days leading up to the incarceration of Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, revealing Seyfried’s unique perspective as she reprised her role as Holmes after receiving critical acclaim for her performance in Hulu’s *The Dropout*.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Amanda-Seyfried-Elizabeth-Holmes-split-111126-1f208c64a63b4fe28007b63c3220698e.jpg)
Initially, Seyfried’s participation in the project was shrouded in secrecy, and it wasn’t until now that she has openly discussed her experiences while filming the documentary. This discussion marks the first time the actress has spoken about her journey alongside Fielder and Oppenheim. In an interview with *Rolling Stone*, Seyfried described how she joined the project midway through its production and delved into her creative motivations, as well as the challenges she encountered while engaging with Holmes’ partner, Billy Evans.
Fielder revealed that it was Seyfried’s friend and colleague, Emma Stone, who initially connected him with her. What started as a request for feedback on existing footage evolved into a more comprehensive role for Seyfried, who found the opportunity both exciting and intriguing. Seyfried expressed her desire to return to the character of Holmes, noting that new footage provided additional insight that she wished to explore further.
“I had more information now because of their footage,” Seyfried said, referring to the wealth of material captured by the filmmakers. She added that the journey would offer fresh perspectives on her previous portrayal of Holmes, stating, “The idea that I could go on this journey with you guys, however you needed me, in whatever capacity, was very interesting to me.”
Throughout the documentary, Seyfried had no creative control or approval over the material, engaging with scenes for the first time while the cameras were rolling. This approach heightened the stakes, leaving her to confront what she acknowledged as a certain level of risk. “There was always this vibration of risk and that sensation of: Am I going to destroy my career in some way?” she explained.
In a particularly intense segment of the film, Seyfried joins Fielder for dinner at Evans’ home in Texas. This setting quickly turned charged as the evening included a surprise call from Holmes herself, who is currently imprisoned. Seyfried recalled that her desire to meet Evans stemmed from what she perceived as a ‘dangerous’ situation and her need for answers regarding his management of Holmes’ online presence.
Seyfried had initially felt strong negative emotions towards Evans, which only grew during their conversation as she confronted him about his control over Holmes’ social media accounts. The discussion rapidly escalated after he questioned Seyfried’s portrayal of Holmes in *The Dropout*, adding a layer of personal conflict that made the encounter all the more intense.
“I was honestly trying to connect with him,” Seyfried explained, referencing her conflicting feelings of diplomacy and confrontation. However, as Evans became aggressive, she felt the need to push back. “I don’t like the way he’s using this human being, his wife… as a tool,” Seyfried stated, making her stance on Evans’ treatment of Holmes abundantly clear.
Reflecting on her experience and whether she would take on a similar project in the future, Seyfried expressed her reservations. While she insists she has no regrets regarding her involvement, she made it clear that she would not pursue something akin to this again. “What are you talking about? I don’t regret it at all… I’m not going to do this again. But neither are you!” she responded, confirming the intensity and complexity of the experience.
*You Can See Everything* is currently screening in cinemas, captivating audiences with its revealing portrayal of one of the most controversial figures in recent entrepreneurial history. Seyfried’s deep dive into the psyche of Holmes, juxtaposed with the realities presented in the documentary, offers a unique view into the extraordinary events surrounding the downfall of Theranos and its enigmatic founder.
About the Author
