New Insight from David Fincher on ‘House of Cards’

“House of Cards,” David
Fincher’s diabolically watchable big-budget foray into Netflix programing, is groundbreaking in its presentation. But the show stands on its
own apart from its much-hyped release plan. (CAA reveals the numbers behind the series here.)

Fincher made a rare appearance at LACMA to talk about the show, which has also helped to re-launch the career of star Robin Wright, who plays Kevin Spacey’s vulnerable ice queen of a Lady MacBeth wife. 

Some savory tidbits from Fincher via Slashfilm:

Fincher would not have made “House of Cards” without Kevin
Spacey in the central role as the Machiavellian congressman, which is not surprising. Something that did raise eyebrows: Corey Stoll’s troubled addict
congressman Peter Russo was initially a minor plot-thread; his standout performance inspired Fincher and co. to expand the role.

Fincher gives some strong writing advice about writing each character as their own
protagonist: 

“The
thing I always say to any writer that I’m working with is: Just make
sure that in any argument, EVERYONE is right. I want every single person
arguing a righteous side of the argument. That makes interesting
drama.”

Fincher also talked to DGA Quarterly here about Netflix and his Frank Capra
influences.