Mariska Hargitay has long been a pillar of Law & Order: SVU, but her role extends beyond the screen. Alongside her iconic portrayal of Olivia Benson, Hargitay took on the formidable challenge of directing, a task that has left her emotionally drained and profoundly introspective each time she steps behind the camera.
In 2014, Hargitay made her directorial debut with the episode “Criminal Stories.” Since then, she has directed eight more episodes, each time bringing a blend of intense preparation and raw emotion to the role. On the Squadroom podcast, she opened up about the stress of balancing her acting and directing duties. “Directing is incredibly challenging, and the night before I start, I’m overwhelmed. I cry and ask myself, ‘What have I done? When will it be enough?’” she confessed. Yet, despite the pre-shoot anxiety, Hargitay’s passion for storytelling ignites once the cameras roll. “By the second scene, I’m completely in love with it. I find joy in directing, in crafting the visual language and the magic on set.”
Hargitay’s directorial journey has also been a profound learning experience. Reflecting on her growth, she recounted how directing the episode “Padre Sandunguera” revealed a newfound calmness compared to her earlier efforts. “The first time, I was almost over-prepared,” she said. “But the second time, I was more relaxed, allowing myself to be present in a new way, contributing creatively behind the camera.” This evolution not only enhanced her directorial skills but also deepened her appreciation for the crew’s artistry. “As a director, you rely on the team in a different way. It forged a new creative relationship and I gained even more respect for their brilliance.”
Hargitay’s latest directorial achievement, the season 25 episode “Children of Wolves,” centered on a harrowing case involving an unconscious girl and explored Olivia Benson’s bond with her adopted son Noah. The episode was met with acclaim, with co-star Ryan Buggle praising Hargitay’s direction on social media. “Having @therealmariskahargitay direct you is a gift. Always trying to soak her wisdom up like a sponge,” Buggle posted.
Given Hargitay’s unwavering dedication and evolving prowess behind the camera, fans can eagerly anticipate more of her directorial contributions in the future.
