The Moynihan Report

Borat director on pulling no punches in his new memoir

36 snips
Aug 22, 2025
Larry Charles, an Emmy and Golden Globe winning director known for his work on Borat and Seinfeld, shares insights from his memoir, Comedy Samurai. He discusses the complex dynamics of friendship and loss within Hollywood, revealing how personal experiences shape storytelling. The conversation touches on collaborating with legends like Bob Dylan and the balance between comedy and politics. Charles also explores the art of editing and the evolving nature of comedy, highlighting the interplay between vulnerability and humor in his career.
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ANECDOTE

Pulled Larry David Documentary

  • Larry Charles recounts finishing a Larry David documentary only for David to pull it days before airing.
  • The pull happened after negotiations and threats from Larry David's agent pressured HBO to protect Curb Your Enthusiasm.
INSIGHT

Accepting Drift And Loss

  • Charles accepts that friendships fade with age and unresolved conflicts are inevitable.
  • He frames loss as part of life rather than something to be excessively mourned.
ANECDOTE

Larry David's Formative Influence

  • Larry Charles describes his deep, formative friendship with Larry David starting at age 22.
  • He credits David with teaching him life lessons beyond creative advice, including integrity in the business.
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