The opening credits of Dexter have captivated audiences with their eerie yet compelling depiction of everyday routines intertwined with something sinister. Actress Julie Benz, known for her role as Rita Bennett in the acclaimed series, wholeheartedly agrees. In a candid interview, she lauded the opening sequence as “brilliant,” perfectly encapsulating the show’s creepy and cool essence. This meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the opening to the overall visual aesthetic of Dexter, thanks to the efforts of director of photography Romeo Tirone and a team of directors who maintained a consistent and unique look throughout the series.
Some actors express concerns about high-definition filming, fearing its unforgiving clarity. However, Benz takes a different stance, even when portraying Rita, a character deliberately styled with a less glamorous appearance. Ironically, she jokes that she still appears “way too pretty” on screen. Recalling a scene from Season 1 where Rita waters a lemon tree, Benz playfully acknowledges the camera and lighting departments for capturing her in such a flattering light. She reveals a deliberate production choice to infuse “warmth” into Rita’s scenes through lighting adjustments, contributing to the show’s overall visual appeal.
When questioned about scenes exemplifying this “visual warmth” in Season 2, Benz directly points to “any of the love scenes, the nude scenes.” She playfully admits that these scenes often make her look “amazing” and “beautiful,” highlighting the carefully crafted visual presentation. This comfort with her on-screen appearance allows for genuine emotional expression, free from the constraints of excessive cosmetic enhancements. Benz appreciates the opportunity to portray Rita with raw vulnerability, acknowledging that viewers see everything, including the effects of sleepless nights. She contrasts this with her experiences on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, where, despite larger budgets, on-screen “death” scenes often involved glamorous makeup. In Dexter, however, the approach is more realistic and stripped down, aiming for authentic portrayal. This rawness, while liberating for an actor, occasionally draws comments from viewers who forget the distinction between character and actress, sometimes remarking on her appearance as “terrible” or “old.” Yet, Benz embraces portraying Rita as a real woman, complete with wrinkles and age, emphasizing authenticity over vanity. She sees Rita as representing her own vulnerable side, drawing parallels between the character’s insecurities and her own understanding of vulnerability, even without sharing Rita’s abusive background. Benz feels a deep connection with Rita, finding the role emotionally resonant and requiring her to simply be open and relaxed on set.
Reflecting on other visually striking moments in Season 2, Benz highlights scenes between Dexter and Lyla, particularly in the finale, and the intense depiction of fires set by Lyla. She praises the show’s ability to convey the Miami atmosphere, emphasizing the “sweat,” “heat,” and “weight of the air” captured on film.
Regarding DVD commentaries, Benz finds writer and creator commentaries more insightful than actor-focused ones, which she feels can devolve into jokes. She cites Sly Stallone’s commentary on Rocky Balboa as a prime example of an engaging commentary, praising Stallone’s articulate and specific insights into his creative process as a director and filmmaker.
Addressing the evolving relationship between Rita and Dexter in Season 2, Benz believes Rita remains largely unaware of Dexter’s dark secret. Even if confronted with undeniable proof of his serial killer identity, Benz imagines Rita would remain in disbelief, blinded by her perception of the good in him. This dynamic, where Rita sees and elicits Dexter’s positive qualities, is central to their relationship. Despite Dexter’s claims of emotional detachment, his connection with Rita and her children, particularly Cody, is undeniable. A scene of Dexter playfully swinging Cody like an airplane in Season 1 exemplifies this unexpected bond.
When asked about future developments for Rita, Benz playfully expresses a desire for Rita to move to a cleaner house, acknowledging Rita’s less-than-stellar housekeeping skills. She jokingly recalls a “badass” moment from Season 1 where Rita dealt with a noisy neighbor’s dog, highlighting this as the extent of Rita’s criminal behavior.
Looking ahead to Season 3, Benz expresses excitement about Jimmy Smits joining the cast and hints at significant plot developments, promising a thrilling season. She reiterates her hope for Rita and Dexter’s enduring relationship, envisioning a “happily ever after” where Dexter maintains his forensics career but takes up a normal hobby like golf or fishing. Benz imagines them settling into a quiet life in a peaceful neighborhood, with Rita focusing on motherhood and potentially expanding their family. Ultimately, Benz believes both Rita and Dexter yearn for normalcy after experiencing considerable turmoil and violence, suggesting that a simple, ordinary life would be their ultimate happiness.
