Alex Winter on Playing a Predator in 'Primetime' and Lance Oppenheim

Key Points:

• The film "Primetime," directed by Lance Oppenheim, explores the tragic story of Texas DA Bill Conradt, who committed suicide during an NBC "To Catch a Predator" sting operation, with Alex Winter portraying Conradt in a nuanced, empathetic role.
• Winter emphasizes the film's attempt to humanize Conradt, presenting him as a flawed individual rather than a one-dimensional villain, and critiques the exploitative nature of the original TV show for prioritizing ratings over genuine help.
• The movie features an eclectic cast including Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, Phoebe Bridgers in her acting debut, Creed Bratton, Jeff Zucker, and Jonathan Lipnicki, blending documentary and narrative styles to examine media and internet culture on the cusp of major social changes.
• Winter connects "Primetime" thematically to his previous documentaries about technology’s impact on society, highlighting the early internet's promise and its subsequent co-option by corporate interests, as well as ongoing issues like content theft in the AI era.
• Reflecting on his recent Broadway work with Keanu Reeves in "Waiting for Godot," Winter discusses the personal significance of returning to theater amid his history with abuse in that environment, and previews upcoming projects including a new Arthur Miller play and feature films.