Talk Therapy With Gabriel Byrne

A Session With Katie Couric And The Veteran Actor And Star Of The HBO Series "In Treatment"

(CBS)  With outstanding performances in "Miller's Crossing" and other films, Gabriel Byrne has long had folks talking. He's now winning new fans with a TV series about a psychotherapist. His success more than justifies a little analysis itself, which is what we'll be getting this morning from CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric:

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"Therapy" … that psychological game of hide-and-seek played by doctor and patient … has suddenly become appointment viewing on television.

Five sessions a week, viewers of HBO take their place in the made-for-television "office" of Dr. Paul Weston, played by renowned Irish actor Gabriel Byrne. The series is called "In Treatment."

It's mainly just two people in a room, talking. But critics can't seem to get enough of the man in the chair.

"When I read it first, I thought, 'Well, this is gonna be a challenge,' because most roles are, for want of a better word, active," Byrne told Couric. "And 80 percent of this role was about reaction - in other words, listening."

Viewers obsess over Byrne's soulful eyes as he listens to the relationship woes of an unhappy couple. His other patients include a suicidal young gymnast and a Navy pilot who accidentally bombed civilians in Iraq.

But the audience also learns that Dr. Weston is a vulnerable man who sees a therapist himself.

Byrne says he thinks Weston represents a "certain kind of man at a certain age in life, where all the things that one has held dear and to be unchangeable are beginning to be questioned.

"And at that moment, this beautiful young girl comes in who says (or he believes) loves him."

It's a situation that can get a therapist and patient in big trouble. And it's moments like this that have some therapists doing some analysis of their own.

The psychoanalytical community has embraced this show, and actually uses it discuss issues such as professional practices, transference, and counter-transference.

"Does that amuse you in a way?" Couric asked. "I mean, after all, it is a TV show."

"Yeah," Byrne said. "A couple of therapists have told me that patients have brought up the program to them in their sessions."

Byrne says one woman actually cornered him on the street - offering some free advice:

"With no preamble, whatsoever, [she said] 'Don't you go with that Laura.' With a big pointy, boney finger, 'Don't you go with that Laura! She's not right for you. She's not right for you. And you're married to a very good woman.'"

"There seems to be some transference going on between viewers and you," Couric said.

"Uh-huh!"

Online, audience reactions are even more pointed. The New York Times quoted a man in Paris saying, "I'm totally infatuated with him. I wanna watch his every move." Another fan said, "I could lick Gabriel Byrne all over." And on an HBO message board, another said, "I love, love, love when he licks his lips … So, o-o-o, sexy."

"I'm gettin' menopausal here, listenin' to this," Byrne laughed. "I'm gettin' hot flushes. Or hot flashes, or whatever they call them."

The flush of fame hardly seemed likely for young Gabriel Byrne. Born in Dublin in 1950, he's the eldest of six children. His father was a laborer, his mother a nurse.

"Growing up at that time in Dublin, it wasn't 'Angela's Ashes,' it wasn't a time of plenty."

Byrne studied to be a priest but became a high school teacher instead. Acting was a hobby.

"I decided to join an amateur drama group, just for something to do at nighttime. I was asked to go into this theater group. And I said, I'll give it a year and see how it goes."

Byrne landed a role in a popular Irish television soap opera, "The Riordans." He made his film debut in 1981 as King Arthur's father in the British film, "Excalibur."

But acting in America wasn't part of the plan ... nor was how he got from Dublin to New York.

"The wild card of love was thrown down on the table," he said. "I had to pick it up. That's how I got here. It was the first time I'd been in America. And while I was here, somebody said, 'Well, you should have a read in this script.'"

The script was for "Miller's Crossing," a film by the Coen brothers (at left, with Marcia Gay Harden). And his performance as Tom Reagan won Byrne rave reviews.

Byrne married actress Ellen Barkin in 1988 after they met on the set of the movie "Siesta." They have 2 children from their 11-year marriage.

He's gone on to appear in 35 films, often inhabiting the darker side of life, from a grifter in "The Usual Suspects" to Satan himself in "End of Days."

The adjective most often used to describe his performances is one Byrne says he likes least:

"You hate the word 'brooding.'" Couric said. "How come? So clichéd?"

"No, it's just what it conjures up. Any time I'd get reviewed for anything, it would say, 'And playing the part of the vicar is the brooding Gabriel,' you know. And I thought, 'What does that mean, brooding?' People used to always say to me, when I was a kid at parties, they'd say, 'Cheer up!' It'll never happen."

But happen it has for Gabriel Byrne. And it's mostly been good.

Still, after 30 years of acting, Byrne says he studies his craft with the same introspection he's known for on the screen.

"There's a very famous actress, whose name I won't mention, who, as the credits rolled on her film, slapped her friend on the thigh and said, "Can I f------ act or what?' I'd like to have that kind of confidence.

"I remain pretty much the same as I've always been, unsure of who I am and what I do. But hoping that one day I will get it right."

[dkilheen]

Oh my gosh, I missed this interview. I love Gabriel Byrne! I''ve been watching "In Treatment" faithfully and have just about every movie that Mr. Byrne has acted in or been affiliated with. I am utterly mesmerized by him and I must admit I have posted a few "love" messages on the HBO message board : ) Please, please re-air his interview soon or let me know how I can get the video.

[johnrm3]

KC can''t get through an interview without making it about her. Note her opening for this sit down with a great actor. It is to bad that she can''t find a position similar to her old job on the air. It was, generally, superficial and it fit her style well. She does not belong on a top-notch show like CBS Sunday Morning. I don''t watch the show to see cute.

[judithindy]

I am absolutely hooked on "In Treatment"...by far the best series on TV. The acting is Superb, all of the characters do a wonderful job. The prime person, Dr. Paul Weston, is of course the therapist that we all would love to see! I do hope that HBO does the right thing and brings him back for a second season. I did not feel that Katie''s interview was lacking, given the setting and the time of the show. I was just pleased to see that this wonderful show and fantastic actor were given the recognition they deserve!

[mrl220]

Couric did a really poor job of interviewing Byrne. She obviously has no idea what In Treatment is all about. I noted the negative comments. Its too bad people are so suspicious of therapy. I think the show really reveals how helpful therapy can be. The people are NOT indulgent as another person suggested. They have their problems and are tring to deal with them in a real way. I know this is just TV but the message is clear. I also have to say that the acting on this show is wonderful. Byrne and Weist are amazing. I also thought the girl who played Sophie, Byrne''s wife, Alex and his father were just wonderful. I have rarely seen such in-depth acting on TV before. I hope there will be an In Treatment part two. Maybe new patients?

One other thought. I also feel that some comment should have been made about the show it is based on. It seems to be based on a show seen in Isreal but Couric did not bother to explore that. I would like to knnow more about the show''s origins.

[Prelda1]

Had two problems with Katie Couric%u2019s interview with Gabriel Byrne about the excellent %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series on CBS Sunday Morning today:
1. Thought the lighting on Mr. Byrne during the interview was much too harsh, certainly not anywhere as complimentary as the lighting on him in the %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series, nor the flattering lighting on Ms. Couric.
2. Thought it was odd that Ms. Couric never once mentioned the Israeli TV roots, the Israeli production plot or the Israeli production script used by this very successful HBO program.

[Prelda1]

Had two problems with Katie Couric%u2019s interview with Gabriel Byrne about the excellent %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series on CBS Sunday Morning today:
1. Thought the lighting on Mr. Byrne during the interview was much too harsh, certainly not anywhere as complimentary as the lighting on him in the %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series, nor the flattering lighting on Ms. Couric.
2. Thought it was odd that Ms. Couric never once mentioned the Israeli TV roots, the Israeli production plot or the Israeli production script used by this very successful HBO program.

[Prelda1]

Had two problems with Katie Couric%u2019s interview with Gabriel Byrne about the excellent %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series on CBS Sunday Morning today:
1. Thought the lighting on Mr. Byrne during the interview was much too harsh, certainly not anywhere as complimentary as the lighting on him in the %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series, nor the flattering lighting on Ms. Couric.
2. Thought it was odd that Ms. Couric never once mentioned the Israeli TV roots, the Israeli production plot or the Israeli production script used by this very successful HBO program.

[Prelda1]

Had two problems with Katie Couric%u2019s interview with Gabriel Byrne about the excellent %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series on CBS Sunday Morning today:
1. Thought the lighting on Mr. Byrne during the interview was much too harsh, certainly not anywhere as complimentary as the lighting on him in the %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series, nor the flattering lighting on Ms. Couric.
2. Thought it was odd that Ms. Couric never once mentioned the Israeli TV roots, the Israeli production plot or the Israeli production script used by this very successful HBO program.

[Prelda1]

Had two problems with Katie Couric%u2019s interview with Gabriel Byrne about the excellent %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series on CBS Sunday Morning today:
1. Thought the lighting on Mr. Byrne during the interview was much too harsh, certainly not anywhere as complimentary as the lighting on him in the %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series, nor the flattering lighting on Ms. Couric.
2. Thought it was odd that Ms. Couric never once mentioned the Israeli TV roots, the Israeli production plot or the Israeli production script used by this very successful HBO program.

[Prelda1]

Had two problems with Katie Couric%u2019s interview with Gabriel Byrne about the excellent %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series on CBS Sunday Morning today:
1. Thought the lighting on Mr. Byrne during the interview was much too harsh, certainly not anywhere as complimentary as the lighting on him in the %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series, nor the flattering lighting on Ms. Couric.
2. Thought it was odd that Ms. Couric never once mentioned the Israeli TV roots, the Israeli production plot or the Israeli production script used by this very successful HBO program.

[Prelda1]

Had two problems with Katie Couric%u2019s interview with Gabriel Byrne about the excellent %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series on CBS Sunday Morning today:
1. Thought the lighting on Mr. Byrne during the interview was much too harsh, certainly not anywhere as complimentary as the lighting on him in the %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series, nor the flattering lighting on Ms. Couric.
2. Thought it was odd that Ms. Couric never once mentioned the Israeli TV roots, the Israeli production plot or the Israeli production script used by this very successful HBO program.

[Prelda1]

Had two problems with Katie Couric%u2019s interview with Gabriel Byrne about the excellent %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series on CBS Sunday Morning today:
1. Thought the lighting on Mr. Byrne during the interview was much too harsh, certainly not anywhere as complimentary as the lighting on him in the %u201CIn Treatment%u201D series, nor the flattering lighting on Ms. Couric.
2. Thought it was odd that Ms. Couric never once mentioned the Israeli TV roots, the Israeli production plot or the Israeli production script used by this very successful HBO program.

[btr2oz]

I love "In Treatment" and I just couldn''t leave that negative posting on top. I could watch Gabriel Byrne act 24/7. I have not seen all his work - I cannot imagine watching him play Satan, but as Professor Baer in Little Women and his role in Muskateers & Excaliber (wonderful!) If you read this Mr. Byrne, I never think of you as brooding. Serious, yes; in every way, and I think that''s what fans love about you. I must say that I too pray your character does not go with Laura - and I was shocked when we found out Alex died. I though he was going to come out of the closet - but not die. The acting is superb - Dianne Weist? Is that right? She''s great and the man who played Alex''s dad - wonderful acting. You all make it look quite real! Your own life is the one I think most of us married folk can relate to most. No marriage survives without going over many bumps in the road. I must confess two things, 1. I watch all five episodes on Monday night because I can I on HBO On Demand - so I don''t have to wait. 2. I am going to miss the show terribly and hope it comes back [ugh] next year (sounds so far away). For those reading who haven''t seen In Treatment - you can watch it all and then some on HBO On Demand. Way to go HBO!

[tascosa806]

I watched the beginning of this series with interest, but later gave up in disgust. What an arrogant pretentious insincere group of self-centered/obsessed people. Are these clients (patients) typical of people in therapy? Good thing I didn''t choose this as a profession.

[julialily]

It is said that everyone is bi to some degree. Not sure about this. But I also heard about the same from the site BiLoves, which is exclusively for bisexuals and bicurious. Also heard many famous ppl say so. Maybe it depends on how to define it.

[hawkeye4421]

Please do not let Katie Couric''s snickering keep you from watching the program in Treatment. I feel it is very important for people to be able to observe the difficulty of a therapist trying to help their patients. I know it has helped someone close to me feel more comfortable seeking the help they need. To say the least I am very disappointed in Ms Couric''s obvious feeling that it was amazing people could watch something so silly as a therapy session.