Tramell Tillman on ‘Severance’ Finale, Marching Band Dance
Tramell Tillman, known for his role as Mr. Milchick in the hit Apple TV+ series “Severance,” recently spoke about his experience filming the Season 2 finale and the evolution of his character. In a recent interview with Variety, Tillman shared his thoughts on the memorable marching band sequence and the character development of Milchick.
In the Season 2 finale, Tillman’s character, Mr. Milchick, leads a marching band celebration after Adam Scott’s character, Mark S., completes the Cold Harbor file. Tillman drew inspiration from his time at Jackson State University, where he witnessed the awe-inspiring performances of the Sonic Boom of the South marching band. The scene allowed Tillman to showcase his roots and pay homage to the athleticism, creativity, and passion of marching bands.
Tillman also discussed the physical demands of filming scenes such as kicking down a bathroom door with a vending machine. He shared that the choreography for the vending machine scene initially involved him going down with the vending machine, but a lucky take led to a more dynamic and badass moment that made it into the final cut.
The actor also reflected on the evolution of viewers’ perceptions of Milchick throughout the series. Initially seen as a villain, Milchick’s character has undergone a reevaluation as viewers have learned more about his backstory and motivations. Tillman expressed his joy at seeing viewers develop empathy for Milchick and engage in conversations about identity and belonging within the corporate structure of Lumon.
Moreover, Tillman delved into the exploration of race within the show and the impact it has on Milchick’s character. He discussed the significance of the scene where Milchick receives paintings of Kier depicted as a Black man and the conversations he had with the show’s creators about portraying race in the corporate setting. Tillman appreciated the opportunity to explore these complex themes and collaborate with his co-stars to bring authenticity to the story.
Overall, Tramell Tillman’s portrayal of Mr. Milchick in “Severance” has captivated audiences and sparked conversations about identity, race, and empathy. As the series continues to delve into these themes, Tillman’s performance continues to shine, showcasing his talent and dedication to bringing depth to his character. Can you talk about filming that scene and the dynamic between Milchick and Kier throughout the season?
Filming that scene with the animatronic Kier was such a surreal experience. It was a moment where we see Milchick trying to connect with Kier, even though Kier is just a machine. It shows the loneliness and isolation that Milchick feels in this world, and his desperate need for connection, even if it’s with a robot. The dynamic between Milchick and Kier throughout the season is complex and ever-evolving. At first, we see Milchick using Kier as a way to cope with his grief and loneliness, but as the season progresses, we see their relationship shift and grow. Kier becomes a confidant and a source of comfort for Milchick, even though he is just a machine. It’s a fascinating exploration of human connection and the lengths we will go to find it.
Overall, “Severance” has been a groundbreaking show that tackles important issues of identity, race, and power dynamics in the workplace. Tramell Tillman’s portrayal of Milchick has been a standout performance, bringing depth and complexity to a character struggling to find his place in a world that seeks to control and oppress him. As the season comes to a close, it will be interesting to see where Milchick’s journey takes him next, and how he continues to navigate the challenges and obstacles in his path.
The interaction between Kier and Milchick on the set of the show felt like a scripted moment at first, with jokes being exchanged back and forth. However, a pivotal moment occurred when Kier insulted Milchick’s vocabulary and he snapped back, revealing a side of himself that seemed to be breaking free from the facade he had been maintaining.
It was evident that Milchick had been holding onto a lot of pent-up emotions, and the insults seemed to trigger a raw and unscripted response from him. The use of the phrase “devour feculence” was particularly telling, as it seemed to be a spontaneous outburst that showcased a more authentic side of Milchick.
In previous episodes, such as Choreography and Merriment, we have seen glimpses of Milchick infusing his personality into his performances. While “The Kier Hymn” was traditional and by the book, “The Ballad of Ambrose and Gunnell” allowed Milchick to let loose and express himself in a more unconventional way. This contrast suggests that Milchick is slowly revealing more of his true self through his art and performances.
When asked if Milchick has the courage to stand up to Lumon once and for all, it is clear that there is still much to uncover about his character. The cult-like nature of Lumon’s influence adds a layer of complexity to Milchick’s predicament, as breaking free from such indoctrination is not easy. Whether Milchick has the strength to confront Lumon remains uncertain, but delving deeper into his past and motivations may provide insight into his future actions.
In conclusion, the tension between Kier and Milchick on set revealed a more authentic and unscripted side of Milchick, shedding light on the inner turmoil he may be experiencing. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how Milchick’s character evolves and whether he will ultimately find the courage to challenge Lumon’s control.
