From Rolling Stone · Andy Greene · · 2m
Alex Winter on Humanizing Predators in 'Primetime'
Alex Winter explains how he portrayed a predator as human in Lance Oppenheim's 'Primetime' film.
In brief
Alex Winter explains how he portrayed a predator as human in Lance Oppenheim's 'Primetime' film. Alex Winter discusses humanizing Bill Conradt in 'Primetime' to challenge cultural stigma around predators. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Bill Conradt's suicide
On Nov. 5, 2006, Texas District Attorney Bill Conradt committed suicide with a Browning .380 pistol after communicating online with someone he thought was a 13-year-old boy.
NBC's 'To Catch a Predator' show
NBC's hit tabloid news show To Catch a Predator led to Conradt's suicide after he was deceived by an adult working for Perverted Justice.
Lance Oppenheim's film
Lance Oppenheim's Primetime features Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, who is expected to win a Best Actor Oscar nomination.
Alex Winter's role
Alex Winter portrays Bill Conradt in Primetime, known for his Bill & Ted trilogy and documentary work on internet impacts.
Winter's research
Winter researched Bill Conradt's work environment and life, talking to DAs and ADAs in his region.
Sympathy for Conradt
Winter expressed sympathy for Conradt, calling him a 'tragic case' with deep loneliness and inner torment.
Predator portrayal
Winter aimed to humanize Conradt without exonerating him, focusing on his flaws and need for help.
Casting choices
Oppenheim cast Alex Winter, Phoebe Bridgers, Creed Bratton, and Jeff Zucker in Primetime for authentic performances.
Horror sequence
The film's climax involves authorities approaching Conradt's house, creating a horror-like tension.
Humanizing predators
Winter believes humanizing predators helps survivors by showing they need help, not just punishment.
Critique of 'To Catch a Predator'
Winter criticized NBC's show for providing 'pure, low-hanging fruit' vigilante justice without helping survivors or predators.
Internet's impact
Winter discussed how early internet had great promise but became weaponized by tech oligarchs and AI.
Broadway return
Winter reunited with Keanu Reeves in Waiting for Godot on Broadway, a role that reconnected him with theater.
Keanu partnership
Winter and Keanu Reeves bonded through trust and shared trauma from Bill and Ted films, enabling their Broadway success.
Future projects
Winter is co-producing Arthur Miller's Incident at Vichy in New York in May, continuing his theater work.
Lance and Nathan Fielder
Winter learned Lance Oppenheim was secretly collaborating with Nathan Fielder on You Can See Everything.
The key point
Alex Winter discusses humanizing Bill Conradt in 'Primetime' to challenge cultural stigma around predators.
