Julia Roberts (!) and Sam Esmail on ‘Leave the World Behind.’ Plus: Golden Globes Snubs, Surprises, and WTFs.
Dec 11, 2023
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Julia Roberts and Sam Esmail discuss 'Leave the World Behind' and Golden Globe nominations, including controversy and changes in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. They delve into the challenges of adapting the book into a movie, their desire to bring back disaster films, and reflections on the current state of the world. They also share their thoughts on frustrating the audience, filming experiences, and their obsession with TV shows. Plus, they talk about working with Netflix, the state of movies, and their excitement for upcoming films.
Julia Roberts embraces challenging roles and appreciates Sam Esmail's directorial guidance.
Sam Esmail infuses new elements into book adaptations to enhance cinematic experience.
The podcast addresses societal fears, storytelling, and the impact of technology on human connection.
The speaker discusses the challenges of creating suspenseful movies and their preference for controlled filming environments.
Deep dives
Julia Roberts and Sam Esmail's Collaboration
Julia Roberts and Sam Esmail have collaborated on multiple projects because of Sam's unique perspective and their shared love for filmmaking. They have a strong bond and approach their work with excitement and a desire to push boundaries.
The Challenges of 'Leave the World Behind'
Julia Roberts found the book 'Leave the World Behind' initially scary, but was drawn to the challenge of portraying a complex character. She appreciated Sam Esmail's ability to bring out her best performances and their shared joy in their work.
Writing Style and Inspirations
Sam Esmail explains that he always aims to bring his past experiences and interests into his current projects, pushing himself to create the best work possible. He discusses how he envisions the movie adaptation while reading the book, and how he strives to recontextualize the material to fit the cinematic medium.
Specific Scenes and Changes in the Adaptation
Sam Esmail talks about infusing new elements into the adaptation, such as the ship running aground and the standoff with the deer. These scenes were not in the book, but Sam felt they added to the visual depth and emotional impact of the story. He also explains his approach to preserving the ambiguity and suspense of the book while making necessary changes to suit the film medium.
The Thrilling and Thought-Provoking Themes Explored in the Podcast Episode
In this podcast episode, the speaker delves into the fear and concern about the future of the world and the next generation. They discuss the divisive nature of humanity during times of crisis and the importance of storytelling to address anxieties and provoke conversation. The speaker also touches on the role of technology and how it can both connect and disconnect people. The ending of the podcast episode offers a unique perspective on the power of nostalgia and the influence of media in shaping our perception of reality.
The Tension and Suspense in the Movie-making Process
The podcast episode delves into the challenges and decision-making involved in creating a suspenseful movie. The speaker highlights the importance of information withholding and the delicate balance of providing enough details to engage the audience without giving away everything. They also discuss the role of production design in conveying subtext and enhancing the storytelling. The speaker shares their personal preferences for filming on sound stages instead of on location for better control over lighting and camera angles.
The Influence of Technology and the Power of Silence
The podcast episode explores the impact of technology on society and the disconnect it can create despite its purpose of connecting people. The speaker reflects on the double-edged sword of relying on technology and the consequences of losing access to it. They delve into the theme of silence in movies and the potential for provocation and introspection. The discussion also touches on the exploration of memory, media, and escapism through storytelling, as well as the discomfort of not knowing in the context of the film's ending.
The Challenges and Uncertainties of Theatrical Releases
The speaker expresses concerns about the theatrical experience and the changing landscape of film distribution. They discuss the current state of television and predict a contraction in serialized storytelling. The speaker expresses a preference for making movies over situational television dramas. They also reflect on the importance of watching movies in theaters and the need for audience engagement to support the success of films. The speaker references the box office performance of certain movies and the impact of length and audience expectations on viewership.
Sean and Amanda instantly react to the Golden Globes nominations and what it portends for the Oscars (1:00). Then, they are (somehow) joined by Julia Roberts (28:00) and friend of the show Sam Esmail to discuss ‘Leave the World Behind,’ Esmail’s adaptation of the Rumaan Alam novel. Esmail sticks around for an in-depth conversation about adaptation, set design, costuming, casting, working for Netflix, what’s coming next, and everything in between (48:00).
