Actor and director Tony Goldwyn shares his family's Hollywood legacy and his journey into the industry, including the making of his new movie 'Ezra' with insights from Bill Burr and Robert DeNiro. They discuss balancing work and personal life, parenting in the entertainment industry, and the challenges of transitioning from acting to directing. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration, authenticity in character portrayal, and the evolution of filmmaking.
Directing allowed Tony Goldwyn to carve his own path in the entertainment industry and explore new creative territories.
Goldwyn values mentorship and collaboration in his directing projects, learning from experienced professionals and adapting to on-set challenges.
Authenticity and representation in filmmaking, especially in portraying individuals with autism, are crucial for creating impactful and respectful storytelling.
Deep dives
Tony Goldwyn's Directing Career and Family Background
Tony Goldwyn, known for his acting roles in movies like 'Ghost' and TV series like 'Scandal,' delved into directing with the film 'Ezra.' Coming from a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment business, with his father a producer and his grandfather a movie mogul, Goldwyn explored the intricacies of directing and producing as a way to chart his own path in the industry.
Collaboration and Guidance from Seasoned Professionals
Goldwyn's approach to directing involved seeking mentorship from experienced professionals like DP Tony Richmond, who advised him to let actors guide camera placement and stay present in scenes. By assembling a team of experts and valuing their input, Goldwyn navigated the challenges of directing his first feature film, 'A Walk on the Moon,' learning on the job and adapting to the fluidity of on-set dynamics.
Balancing Acting and Directing Endeavors
Despite his foray into directing, Goldwyn continued to take on acting projects alongside his directing pursuits. With roles like Sam Sylvia in 'GLOW,' he explored characters with energies different from his own, leveraging the craft of acting to dial certain aspects up or down to authentically embody diverse roles.
Approach to Script Interpretation and Character Transformation
Goldwyn's preparation for acting roles entails a deep dive into script analysis and character work. Honing in on removing or amplifying aspects of himself to suit a character, Goldwyn finds intrigue in muting certain characteristics to delve into varied personas effectively, ensuring a dynamic portrayal through self-awareness and character immersion.
Exploring Character Development in Acting
Acting involves delving into different aspects of oneself and exploring unfamiliar territories. By immersing in characters through scripts, individuals can tap into hidden emotions and experiences. The podcast discusses how actors like Robert De Niro bring authenticity and depth to their roles, enhancing performances through personal contributions to character development. De Niro's attention to detail in embodying characters, such as a former boxer in a scene from 'Joker,' showcases the value of collaboration and dedication to exploring character nuances.
Navigating Representation and Authenticity in Filmmaking
The podcast touches on the importance of authenticity and representation in filmmaking, particularly when portraying individuals with autism. The discussion highlights the significance of involving the autism community in the creative process to ensure accurate and respectful representation. By casting an actor with autism in a pivotal role, the film 'Ezra' prioritizes authenticity and shares personal experiences from individuals within the community. Through collaborative efforts and genuine storytelling, the film resonates with audiences by presenting a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of characters facing real-life challenges.
Despite a family name that goes back to the dawn of Hollywood, Tony Goldwyn’s father did not want him to get into the family business. It took Tony achieving his own success and landing a lead role in the movie Ghost for his father to accept this career path. Tony tells Marc the hardscrabble immigrant story of his grandfather, the man who became Samuel Goldwyn, before sharing his own ups and downs in the business and why he moved from acting into directing. They also talk about his new movie Ezra and how both Bill Burr and Robert DeNiro helped in the evolution of the film.
