Nude scenes ‘incredibly liberating,’ says ‘Hacks’ star Hannah Einbinder

Hannah Einbinder, known for her role in the award-winning series 'Hacks,' recently shared a surprising perspective: filming nude scenes can be "incredibly liberating."

In the hit comedy-drama 'Hacks,' which explores the complex relationship between veteran comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her younger writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder), the characters are constantly navigating professional and personal tensions. Season 4 sees Deborah launching a late-night talk show, with Ava as her head writer – a position secured through less-than-conventional means, leading to ongoing friction.

During a press conference at The London Hotel in West Hollywood, Einbinder addressed a journalist's question about a scene depicting Ava's interactions with a married couple. This prompted her to share her thoughts on onscreen nudity and its impact.

Einbinder articulated her perspective, stating, "I have found it incredibly liberating to be nude on camera. It has actually been healing in many ways." She elaborated on normalizing the female form, questioning societal codes that differentiate reactions to male and female nudity. "It’s like what is actually stopping that from applying to women, like a puritanical societal code. What do any of these codes even mean?" she questioned.

The actress, recognized for her Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated performance as Ava, continued, "Doing nudity has made me feel cooler and freer." She mentioned actresses Mikey Madison and Emma Stone, noting they have expressed similar sentiments about the liberating and empowering nature of such scenes.

Regarding the scene with the straight couple, Einbinder highlighted the positive experience of working with an intimacy coordinator and the comfort established with her fellow actors. "We have a great intimacy coordinator this year. I loved working with her... I was just lucky. I’m in a really safe environment."

Jean Smart interjected with a playful, "I bet you did," adding a touch of humor to the discussion.

Einbinder, maintaining composure, further emphasized the professional and safe atmosphere on set. "Obviously, you’re at work, it’s a job... I have a lot of queer people around me, a lot of women around me."

The comedian and actress, who is openly bisexual, also appreciated the humorous approach to sex scenes in 'Hacks.' "Nothing is just gratuitous at all," she noted. "There’s always a comedic angle, which I enjoy." She underscored the significance of depicting multiple queer characters in the series, especially in the current socio-political climate, referencing US President Trump’s policies impacting LGBTQ+ rights.

Einbinder stressed the importance of representation, stating, "It’s important now more than ever (to depict queer characters)." She added, "I really do think in the face of such horrendous fascist crackdown on our community, it’s really important for people to be able to see themselves fully and in a way that is fully realized. It is really meaningful to be a part of it."

The press conference also touched upon a particularly intense scene filmed at Universal Studios, showcasing the adversarial relationship between Deborah and Ava. Rappler witnessed the filming of this scene, where a seemingly confident Ava is quickly confronted by Deborah, leading to a tense and almost threatening exchange. The dynamic between Smart and Einbinder was palpable, even during takes, highlighting the captivating chemistry that has made 'Hacks' a success.

The performances of Smart and Einbinder are central to the show's appeal. Their ability to embody these complex characters, navigating a relationship filled with both tension and a strange form of camaraderie, is a key reason why 'Hacks' continues to resonate with viewers and garner critical acclaim.

Jean Smart commented on this scene, noting, "It’s a moment that’s been coming... But yeah, it is a very kind of threatening moment." She praised Einbinder's acting, stating, "As an actor, you play the scene. And to play opposite Hannah, everything’s easy because it’s true. It’s in her eyes. She’s right there." Einbinder reciprocated, acknowledging learning from "the best" and the collaborative environment.

Lucia Aniello, writer and director for 'Hacks,' highlighted the actors' contribution, stating, "They do so much of the heavy lifting in terms of helping the audience get into the emotional perspective of the character. So, it is really easy to write and direct for them in that way."

Regarding Deborah's journey to hosting a late-night show, Jean Smart noted the pressure her character faces. She also expressed amazement at the writers' ability to "find more and more for us and also to keep this dynamic going," ensuring the show remains engaging and even "better, and meaner and nastier."

Hannah Einbinder addressed Ava's evolution in her head writer role, explaining, "I think her hand has kind of been forced... she has to kind of speak Deborah’s language." She enjoyed playing the "adversarial thing," highlighting the fun in portraying the on-screen conflict despite the warm off-screen relationship with Jean Smart.

Jean Smart also addressed the stereotype of women being adversarial in the workplace, finding it "insulting" and "bizarre." She recalled similar questions during her time on 'Designing Women,' questioning why such assumptions are made about women but not men.

When asked about staying grounded, Jean Smart humorously dismissed the question. She reflected on her upbringing, expressing gratitude for her parents and a childhood that instilled in her a sense of appreciation for her current success.

Jean Smart also commented on the increasing presence of senior characters in television, jokingly attributing it to herself. While slightly uncomfortable being a "poster child for older actresses," she acknowledged the importance of portraying older characters with the same "hopes, dreams, and desires" as younger ones.

She highlighted Deborah Vance's character arc as a positive representation, showcasing personal growth and the ability to overcome bitterness. In a somber note, the article concluded with the news of the mansion used as Deborah's home in 'Hacks' burning down in the recent LA wildfires, a poignant real-world event impacting the fictional world of the show.