Louisa Krause is currently starring in season two of Starz’s series The Girlfriend Experience, based on the acclaimed Steven Soderbergh film so now it’s a franchise! The show explores the drama in the lives of high end escorts who provide their customers with more than just sex.
I first met Krause, by phone, for an interview for her SXSW hit King Kelly, in which she played an online amateur porn star. King Kelly could only dream of being a GFE. Or maybe not. Kelly liked the public attention. Season 2 of The Girlfriend Experience brought Krause to the Television Critics Association summer press tour where we finally got to meet in person. Catch new episodes of The Girlfriend Experience Sunday nights on Starz.
Franchise Fred: You did a movie that was so much about the world internet performers. Did you sense any connection between King Kelly and The Girlfriend Experience?
Louisa Krause: Oh man, they’re both so different. I feel like the connecting tissue is fearlessness and playing these roles that are fearless. But I do feel like Anna Garner is definitely a more mature, knows who she is, professional and successful, more grown-up than the amateur King Kelly.
FF: She was in charge of her performance though.
Louisa Krause: That’s true, that’s true. That’s good. I’m glad you’re telling me this. I just sort of dive in. Sometimes I’m not even aware of what’s going on because I just surrender to the material.
FF: You’ve also done 15 things since then and I’m the one remembering King Kelly.
Louisa Krause: I’m so glad you are because that’s definitely the film that I’m probably the most proud of in the work that I’ve done. This has been so completely satisfying. I couldn’t be more thankful to be part of this art.
FF: Do you have any interaction with Carmen Ejogo’s story?
Louisa Krause: It’s so funny, I just met Carmen for the first time. I didn’t get a single script of hers. I only got five pages of scenes when I was first presented with this audition, but I knew from those five pages that it was a project I wanted to be a part of because I saw a strong character, a complex woman and truly, I saw layers. I was like, “Yes, I need to be a part of this project.” I have no idea the New Mexico storyline at all but I’m excited to watch it. I’m going to watch mine as a fan too. I haven’t seen any of my stuff. I can’t wait.
FF: Can you usually watch yourself in movies and shows?
Louisa Krause: I can usually. It’s always shocking but I can do it. I’ll bear it because I think it’s very interesting. Also what you’re reminded of, like, “Oh yeah, that’s that day when blah blah blah happened.” So you’re seeing so much more than just the scene because you have all the memories as well. It’s a very vibrant experience.
FF: It’s been five or six years since we spoke. How has your career grown since King Kelly and Martha Marcy May Marlene?
Louisa Krause: Oh man, I’m all about the work and thankfully I’ve been able to continue to do quality work that I truly believe in. I guess I’ve done a lot more independent film and I was on the first season of Billions, popping in and out. I had a fun little part. That was sort of my first taste test into television. I did a play that was three years of my life. I did it off and on and it won the Pulitzer, called The Flick written by Annie Baker. I play this green haired projectionist and I got to go to London with that play. That was a real bucket list dream come true. I’ve been walking in the shoes of different walks of life and transforming, hopefully being a vessel for humanity.
