215 | Patton Oswalt: Embracing Risk as a Writer, Stand Up Comic, and Actor
Sep 26, 2024
auto_awesome
In this engaging conversation, celebrated stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Patton Oswalt shares his journey through comedy and film. He discusses his litmus test for choosing roles, the importance of risk in creative endeavors, and the dynamic between writers and actors. Oswalt highlights how classic cinema influences modern storytelling and emphasizes the significance of specificity in writing. With a blend of humor and authenticity, he reflects on embracing grief in comedy and the joys and challenges of the writing process.
Patton Oswalt shares that taking artistic risks is essential for growth, often gauging success by audience disbelief in the final product.
The importance of hearing written work read aloud allows writers to gain insights into engagement and clarity, enhancing the revision process.
Oswalt highlights the influence of personal experiences on storytelling, emphasizing the need for authenticity and emotional depth in character development.
Deep dives
Patton Oswalt's Diverse Career
Patton Oswalt's extensive career spans three decades, encompassing roles as a stand-up comedian, actor, producer, and writer. He has participated in nearly 250 projects, showcasing his versatility through performances in well-known television series such as 'The King of Queens' and acclaimed films like 'Young Adult', where he starred alongside Charlize Theron. Oswalt is also recognized for his voice work as Remy in Pixar's 'Ratatouille', a role that garnered him significant praise. Furthermore, his contributions to the stand-up comedy scene include the release of ten specials, solidifying his status as one of stand-up’s most respected voices.
The Importance of Listening to Readings
The hosts emphasize the value of hearing written work read aloud to gain insights into its effectiveness. One host shared her experience participating in a reading of her play, which allowed her to witness audience engagement, helping her identify parts that needed cutting or improving. This feedback process resulted in greater clarity around narrative drive and character motivations, leading her to apply the same lessons to an upcoming feature she is working on. The act of listening to actors' reactions provided a powerful perspective on the strength of the material, enhancing the revision process.
Navigating Failure in Performance and Writing
Oswalt reflects on the inevitable challenges of performing and writing, including the risk of bombing on stage. Despite experiencing failures, he emphasizes that the experience is often not as catastrophic as it feels in the moment, as audiences tend to forget soon after. He encourages writers and performers to keep pushing forward despite setbacks, reminding them that their worth isn't diminished by a less than perfect performance. The idea of resilience and learning from failures is vital in both the comedic and writing processes.
The Role of Influence in Creatives
The discussion highlights the significance of influence among creators in the film and television industry. Oswalt and the hosts point out that many iconic films are products of their influences, often taking inspiration from earlier works. He cites his admiration for Quentin Tarantino's approach of openly acknowledging his sources of inspiration, which allows audiences to appreciate the layers of creativity involved. The conversation underscores the idea that understanding one’s influences can enhance creative expressions and storytelling, rather than limiting them.
Personal Experiences Shaping Creativity
Oswalt articulates how personal experiences, including the complexity of relationships and parenting, influence storytelling and character development. He discusses how a character's depth is derived from authentic emotions and experiences, emphasizing the necessity of tapping into one's own life for material. Furthermore, the conversation reveals the balance between being vulnerable in storytelling while maintaining boundaries regarding personal lives in creative works. This aspect of writing that resonates with audiences often emerges from a place of genuine emotion and reflection.
When Patton Oswalt considers a part, he has a simple litmus test: "When the movie is finished it's either gotta be, 'I can't believe they pulled this off, or this movie should not have been made.'" Risk has always been an important part of Patton's life as an artist in every medium: writing, acting, performing, and stand-up. Enjoy this incredible conversation with one of our best working stand-ups.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode