Barry

About Barry

Barry is a drama television series that first premiered on March 25, 2018. Created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader, the show follows the life of the eponymous character, Barry Berkman, played by Bill Hader himself. Barry is a former Marine who becomes a depressed hitman from the Midwest. However, during a hit in Los Angeles, he ends up discovering a passion for acting and decides to pursue a career in the performing arts. Throughout the series, Barry struggles to balance his newfound love for acting with his previous life as a contract killer. As he tries to leave behind his criminal past, he faces conflicts with his criminal associates and mentors, particularly Monroe Fuches, played by Stephen Root. Barry also becomes involved with an acting class led by Gene Cousineau, played by Henry Winkler, and begins to develop relationships with his classmates, including Sally Reed, played by Sarah Goldberg.

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- About - Making / Production - Actors - Trivia / Interesting Facts - Awards - Quotes - Music - Soundtrack

About

Barry tells the story of a hitman who wants to leave behind his violent past and pursue his passion for acting. The series dives into the psychological struggles that Barry experiences as he tries to escape his criminal life while also trying to find meaning and purpose in his new artistic endeavors. As he navigates the world of acting, Barry must confront the consequences of his past actions and make difficult choices that will shape his future. The show artfully blends elements of drama and dark comedy, providing a unique exploration of the human condition and the complex nature of identity. It delves into themes such as morality, self-discovery, and the lengths people will go to reinvent themselves.

Making / Production

Barry is co-created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader, with the latter also serving as the lead actor in the series. The show is a collaboration between HBO and Hader's production company, Hanarply. The production team carefully crafted a tense and atmospheric tone for the series, capturing both the gritty world of contract killing and the vibrant world of acting. The writing is sharp and nuanced, providing a compelling narrative that keeps viewers captivated. The show was praised for its exceptional cinematography, which effectively enhances the storytelling and immerses viewers in Barry's world. The use of lighting, framing, and camera work helps to create a visually stunning and immersive viewing experience.

Actors

- Bill Hader as Barry Berkman / Barry Block - The eponymous lead character who is a former Marine turned hitman. Hader delivers a remarkable performance, seamlessly transitioning between Barry's conflicting personas. - Stephen Root as Monroe Fuches - Barry's longtime friend and handler, who constantly drags him back into his criminal past. Root brings depth to the character, portraying both Fuches' manipulative nature and his genuine concern for Barry's well-being. - Henry Winkler as Gene Cousineau - An acting teacher and mentor to Barry. Winkler's portrayal of Cousineau is both comedic and heartfelt, capturing the complexities of an eccentric yet talented instructor. - Sarah Goldberg as Sally Reed - A fellow acting student and love interest of Barry. Goldberg showcases Sally's ambition and vulnerability, making her a compelling presence on screen.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

- Bill Hader drew inspiration from his own experiences of anxiety to portray Barry's struggles with depression and PTSD. - The character of Sally Reed was partially inspired by Sarah Goldberg's own experiences as an aspiring actress. - Henry Winkler won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Gene Cousineau.

Awards

Barry has received critical acclaim and has been nominated for several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Critics' Choice Television Awards. - Primetime Emmy Awards: - Outstanding Comedy Series (2019) - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Bill Hader, 2018-2019) - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Henry Winkler, 2018) - Golden Globe Awards: - Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy (2019) - Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Bill Hader, 2019)

Quotes

- "I kill people... I'm good at it. I don't feel anything." - Barry Berkman - "You ever feel like you're just clinging to the edge of a cliff and you can just slip off at any moment?" - Barry Berkman - "You say that like it's one system. There's a big difference between the morality of something and the legality of it." - Gene Cousineau

Music

Barry features a carefully curated soundtrack that complements the tone and atmosphere of the series. The music ranges from intense and suspenseful tracks during action sequences to introspective and emotional pieces during character-driven moments.

Soundtrack

- "Cler Achel" by Tinariwen - "No Matter What You're Told" by Broken Bells - "Come" by Jain - "Danny Nedelko" by IDLES - "Red Road" by Anna Calvi Overall, Barry is an engrossing and gripping drama series that skillfully explores the inner conflicts and duality of its protagonist. With its strong performances, compelling storytelling, and unique blend of genres, the show has captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim.