Four Favorites: The National’s Bryce Dessner and Carin Besser on romance and musicals

To sign off Mr November, two of The National’s creative minds, lyricist Carin Besser and musician Bryce Dessner, dive deep into their four favorite films: The Green Ray and Singin’ in the Rain for Carin, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Harold and Maude for Bryce. Plus! Bryce shares all about three new films landing this holiday season with his musical stamp on them: Mike Mills’ C’mon C’mon, Clint Bentley’s Jockey, and Joe Wright’s take on the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, with lyrics by Carin and her husband, Matt Berninger. And there’s more! Romance! Peter Dinklage thirst! MGM musicals! Debbie Reynolds, badass! The joy and pain of touring, and the joy and pain of not touring.

Links:
The Letterboxd list of films mentioned in this episode; Reviews of Cyrano by David Ehrlich, Eternal Sunshine by katie and juulindonkeyboy; Letterboxd lists mentioned: Typically comedic actors play dramatic roles and smash the f—king shit out of them; Movies where the Romantic Moment™ features profound chasteness instead of making out; Feel-good films to watch when you’re depressed, lonely, or have a general feeling of worthlessness.

Credits:
This episode was recorded in France, Los Angeles, Pennsylvania and Auckland, and edited by Slim. Facts by Jack. Booker: Linda Moulton. Transcript by Sophie Shin. Theme: ‘Vampiros Dancoteque’ by Moniker.