For the University of Chicago math major there’s a through line between numbers crunching and acting (“There are derivatives to be found between story arcs and character motivations.”).

Fans of Homeland know Morgan Saylor as Dana Brody, the troubled teen with the complicated father. But few will recognize her in Elizabeth Wood’s sexy new drug drama White Girl, the feature film in which she stars as Leah, a privileged girl who hooks up with a Puerto Rican drug dealer and begins slinging cocaine in the quest to spring him from jail. Following the film’s Sundance debut, The Hollywood Reporter called her performance “never blank or predictable … [with] a fierce intelligence that comes through.”

Neither of her characters in Homeland and White Girl bear any resemblance to the real Saylor, who is a brainiac majoring in mathematics at the University of Chicago. But the FilmRise movie, which expanded into 16 theaters this weekend where it grossed a meager $27,750 for the weekend, is still proving to be an impressive calling card for the UTA-repped actress. Now, Saylor is plotting her next move (think indies, not superhero movies).

The 21-year-old Georgia native talked to THR before the start of the fall semester about her favorite drug-themed movie, whether or not she’ll return to Homeland and the through line between mathematics and acting (“There are derivatives to be found between story arcs and character motivations.”).

You were 19 when you landed the starring role in White Girl. Was it a difficult audition process?

It was a really fun audition process. It was February [2015] and it was a blizzard out and I came in wearing a very long jacket. I took it off and was wearing short shorts and a tank top because when I got ready that morning, jeans and a turtleneck didn’t feel right. Elizabeth really likes to play around and try to figure out the scene in a way that just isn’t plainly on the paper. So we really did try it a bunch of different ways.

What, if anything, do you and White Girl’s Leah have in common?

Not much. But I moved to New York too when I was 18, like Leah. I grew up in Atlanta and definitely found the city in a different way but still related to coming to this giant universe from this small, little rest of America, and the opportunities and weird adventures you can have in the city. But I definitely went about it a different way than Leah.

What’s your favorite drug-themed movie?

The Panic in Needle Park. That does it for me. Young [Al] Pacino. Man oh man.

What profession would you pursue if not this?

Something to do with numbers. Maybe a physicist if I’m really daydreaming.

Is there any through line between studying mathematics and being an actress?

Completely. Especially as my classes have gotten harder, more intense. I’m such a dork, but I really think there are derivatives to be found between story arcs and character motivations. And the way you evaluate functions is a really interesting way to look at stories and the way you act. I really believe it.

So, do you have a favorite number?

Six. Always has been. It’s a very comfortable number. Certain numbers feel better than others, for sure. When I had to live in the dorms, I would wake up with the math majors every morning and be like, “Today’s the 21st, 3, 7, wow that feels good.” (laughs)

You are not on Twitter. Why not?

I like being mysterious as an actress. That’s my simple answer. I’m scared to put that much out there in terms of “Morgan.”

What are you currently reading?

[Erik Larson’s] The Devil in the White City. I also have a book of Emily Dickinson poems on top of it as well, which are fun to read.

What was your very first acting job?

My first proper credit was I did a small voice-over on an episode of The Sopranos when I was like 11 or 12. I didn’t know [how culturally influential] the series was then, but I have since watched it and think it’s phenomenal. I’m very proud that was my first thing.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?

Pick your battles.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Goofy. Interested. Thoughtful.

What do you hate the most about Hollywood?

That’s tricky. Maybe red carpets. They’re just weird.

This will be the second presidential election you can vote in. Hillary or Trump?

Hillary. It’s a pretty simple decision to make. I have been a fan of hers for a while, and I’m excited.

Who would be your dream director?

Paul Thomas Anderson, Jim Jarmusch, Jacques Audiard.

Any chance you’ll return to Homeland?

No plans, but I am still great friends with them and they’re all in New York now shooting, so I’ve been hanging out with them a bit. But no plans on the calendar.

Have you been courted for superhero movies yet?

They come my way. They come everyone’s way. And I don’t usually pursue them that hard. Tou don’t read the script; you don’t know the director. So I haven’t tried to play that game yet and I’m not sure I will, but who knows? We’ll see. Indies tend to be my cup of tea more often.

Who would you most like to meet?

Probably Miuccia Prada. Hang out with her a little bit. I love her clothing and think she’s brilliant. She’s got a Ph.D. in political science and makes the coolest clothes in the world. I’ve met her very briefly from afar at a fashion show, but all I want to do is talk to her.

What would White Girl’s Leah think of Dana Brody?

That’s a good question. Well, Leah likes everyone it seems. So maybe she’d be able to get a smile out of Dana somehow. I’m not sure Dana would be as excited by Leah

(Source The Hollywood Reporter)

We’ve been fans of Morgan Saylor since she made her debut as Brody’s daughter Dana on Homeland – and fell even more in love when we were seated next to her at a fashion week at Spotted Pig dinner a couple of years back .

She’s one of those girls about who, after you meet her, you say something like “Shit, that girl is cool” before going on your merry way (and aiming to be slightly cooler than you are for the rest of the week). Now, Saylor has again proved that she is a talent to be reckoned with. Her newest movie, White Girl, is a whirlwind film surrounding drugs, controversial sex and objectification: Saylor is the college student who plays both the victim and troubled instigator at the center of it all. We caught up with Saylor, sadly not over a Spotted Pig burger but the next best thing (miso soup at Lovely Day), to chat about the new film, truffle butter popcorn, and Hillary Clinton as the new potato…

From start to finish, what would be your ideal food day?

Yum! I’d probably start off the day with something cozy at home…Maybe a frittata packed full of fresh veggies – perhaps spinach, tomatoes and peppers – topped with some slices of avocado, plus cold and black coffee. I’d have something fishy for lunch. As a pescetarian, I love a fresh catch. For dinner…a pasta dish. Something warm and made with love – maybe a puttanesca spaghetti sort of thing. And a glass or two of red wine.

How do you practice beauty from the inside out?

I wear things I love. I get ready in the morning by thinking through how I’ll want to feel throughout the day. Armed with a look that feels right to vibe of the day, I feel confident and ready to roll.

What are your morning and nightly beauty routines?

Lots of water, both in the morning and at night. A quick shower in the morning really helps me wake up, so I always leave enough time to at least jump in for a few minutes. I don’t wear much makeup unless I’m working, but make sure to brush my brows with a bit of gel (or even hair spray). I spritz myself with Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle on my way out the door. At night, I like a good facial scrub or mask. I’m still discovering my favorite brands, but have been using a lot of Fresh products lately, like their Sugar Face Polish. I feel so refreshed after. Before bed I apply a bit of Lancôme’s Youth Activating Eye Cream.

Your new movie White Girl is quite intense; how did you prepare for such a dramatic role?

The director, Elizabeth Wood and I spent a lot of time together in the months leading up the shoot. It was a mix of rehearsal and discussion and just hanging out. It was really important though. During this time we were able to answer all of our questions for one another and just get on the same page. I spent a lot of time on my own working on the script and figuring out what went on inside Leah’s head.

Did it take an emotional toll? How so?

Of course. The shoot itself was exhausting – just twenty-two days that were very, very full. It also felt like a discovery in a lot of ways. It was my first large lead role in a film, and I was figuring out how to handle that, and keep myself sane and healthy at home, too. It took a few months to settle back into my own routine after the shoot…

What is your go-to lunch on set?

Some big ole salad, maybe with beans or corn or chickpeas. Set lunch usually has a good selection of veggies. I toss all kind of things together and chow down. Nuts and fruits are my constant daytime snack to keep up energy.

The film is set in New York; what are your favorite NYC restaurants? What do you order at each?

New York has the best food! I go to school in Chicago now, and spent a lot of the year there…I’m missing the food in NYC. My favorite spots include (but certainly are not limited to): Lovely Day, where I like the Green papaya salad, fried tofu, and Tom ga coconut milk soup. Gaia, which has a constantly changing menu, but can be relied on for insanely amazing meals. Friday is their ‘fish day’. I also love the pesto lasagna. Pok Pok in Redhook, I love their Cha Ca “La Vong,” a delicious catfish dish.

What some of your favorite cities to travel to? What won’t you travel without?

Paris and Florence for the food, art and leisure. Also, I do love Budapest and Berlin, I could get lost in both and be perfectly content. Last summer, I went to Japan. Holy heck, it’s magical over there.

I usually bring too many pairs of shoes. Not crazy excessive or fancy, but like Nike Blazers for walking around, running shoes, something oxford or loafer-y, and then a heel. Shoes just take up too much room in a suitcase!

We saw you are a nationally ranked rock climber – How important is diet and exercise in your daily life?

I wish I climb the way I used to. I grew up competing and spent a lot of time training. It is no longer part of my days, I just don’t have the time to be good anymore! And it is kind of unsatisfying to climb when I’m not as strong as I once was. That being said, I think exercise is really important to staying healthy. I run a lot, and it feels good for my body, but also my brain.

What are some of your go to workouts?

I love running. I also enjoy biking, especially in the city. I like a long ride, like out to the Rockaways. It’s more than two hours from the city, but delicious and so worth the length.

What would you last meal be? Who would it be with?

A fresh pasta dish with fish, I think. And good wine. With my brother Graham.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? What is the worst?

Be patient. I’d say that’s the best and worst.

You never liked X till you tried it at Y…

Popcorn…At Nitehawk cinema. That truffle butter popcorn! Yum!

Who do you think you were in a past life?

Roger Miller.

In the same vein as ‘what is the new black’ in fashion, what’s the new potato right now?

Hillary [Clinton]. And rightfully so.

(Source TheNewPotato.Com)

Morgan attended the Orla Kiely presentation during the New York Fashion Week on September 8, 2016 in NYC. 9 photos have been added to the gallery
Edit: + 3 pics of Morgan at the W Magazine IT GIRL Luncheon 2 days ago.

Hi! Morgan attended Rachel Comey presentation during New York Fashion Week on September 7, 2016 in New York. I have added 23 photos to the gallery

Writer-director Elizabeth Wood’s debut film White Girl is based in her own story of moving from Oklahoma to New York after high school: young, a bit innocent but brash and eager for new experiences. Played by Morgan Saylor, the film’s central character is bleach-blonde, chainsmoking Leah who moves to Queens with her best friend (artist India Menuez) before her second year of college and interns at a magazine in the city. When her hookup with a neighborhood Puerto Rican boy, Blue (rapper Brian ‘Sene’ Marc), ends with him in jail for selling drugs, she takes it upon herself to free him. The eponymous white girl becomes this double-entendre: Leah coming to terms with her whiteness and its inherent privilege while she parties, sees a lawyer, and does and sells copious amounts of cocaine.

Throughout the film, a hand-held camera focuses almost exclusively on Saylor, watching her reel through euphoric, private and terrible moments with the feeling of cinema verité. Her experience is incessantly anxiety-inducing but unquestionably devastating, especially in the hands of Wood, who deeply understands the character, her sexuality and flaws and doesn’t allow the audience to take advantage of or objectify her the way men in the movie otherwise do.

In life, Wood and Saylor are so close that they talk like siblings, and Saylor is not much like her character in White Girl. She is currently studying math at the University of Chicago, and is equally disciplined in her art—while shooting White Girl’s scenes out of order, she created a graph to track Leah’s shifting states of mind, from confident and naive, to manic and reckless, to low and confused. The two talk about making the film in Wood’s New York home.

READ MORE AT THE SOURCE

THE WHITE GIRL STARS ON WHY DISCOMFORT IS A GOOD THING
Morgan Saylor and India Menuez ruminate on fall’s most controversial movie.

To give you an idea, White Girl, out in theaters tomorrow, is being compared to Kids, that seminal ‘90s movie about New York youth that made everyone squirm out of discomfort, recognition, fear…or really all of the above. TBD, watching White Girl is a stressful, uncomfortable experience largely because the main character, played by Morgan Saylor, and her best friend and roommate, played by India Menuez, are simultaneously completely relatable, yet totally frightening.

Through the length of the film, and Elizabeth Wood’s writing and direction, you live their dream/nightmare summer as they navigate a hell of a lot of sex, drugs, violence, and a whole lot of testing their power and privilege as young white women in New York—you know, normal coming of age stuff accelerated to the nth degree. It probably goes without saying the Saylor and Menuez are about as smart and savvy as they come. After a screening of the film last week we let the co-stars do their thing in a hotel conference room and got to listen in on their conversation about everything from patriarchy and rape culture to how they became IRL friends.

READ MORE ON “THE COVETEUR”