Join acclaimed director Marielle Heller, known for her films like Can You Ever Forgive Me?, as she dives into intriguing narratives about wealth and its impact on storytelling. She discusses the comedic and ethical challenges of dating celebrities, shares her experiences adapting personal stories like her new film Nightbitch, and reflects on the complexities of training animals for film. Heller also explores the rollercoaster life of inventor Palmer Luckey and highlights the need for creative storytelling in biopics, all while providing insights into the film festival experience.
The podcast discusses the intriguing concept of movie narratives centered on characters grappling with the psychological impacts of excessive wealth.
It highlights the significant challenges screenwriters face in Hollywood, particularly the struggle of getting unique scripts produced amidst franchise dominance.
Marielle Heller shares her insights into adapting 'Night Bitch', focusing on emotional authenticity and the complexity of motherhood through innovative storytelling techniques.
Deep dives
Economic Hardship vs. Excessive Wealth
Protagonists in film and television often face economic difficulties, but exploring stories where the hero grapples with too much money presents a new narrative angle. The discussion highlights three real-world cases of excessive fame and fortune, questioning how they could translate into compelling movie plots. This inversion of conventional hero struggles opens up avenues for examining the psychological impacts of wealth, societal expectations, and the moral quandaries that accompany affluence. Analyzing these scenarios offers insight into how films can tackle the complexities of prosperity rather than adversity.
Development Challenges in Hollywood
A study reveals that only about 10% of new films produced by major studios originate from internal development processes, raising concerns among screenwriters about the viability of their creative efforts. Many writers find themselves engaged in development hell, where numerous scripts never move beyond the writing stage despite being commissioned or purchased. The conversation underscores the difficulties of getting unique stories produced in today's Hollywood landscape dominated by established franchises and IP. This has led many creators to pivot towards television, where their work can see the light of day and reach audiences more readily.
The Creative Process Behind 'Night Bitch'
Mari Heller's latest project, 'Night Bitch', stems from a novel that captivated her with its portrayal of motherhood and identity struggles. Initially approached by producers who recognized her potential to adapt the book, Heller had the creative freedom to shape the narrative in a way that resonated with her personal experiences as a new mother. The film's central theme challenges the protagonist's reflections on her life choices, particularly concerning motherhood, and serves as an exploration of personal evolution through the lens of societal expectations. Heller's adaptation focuses on emotional authenticity, seeking to bridge the gap between the protagonist's chaotic inner world and her outward reality.
Challenges of Working with Young Actors
Casting very young actors for 'Night Bitch' presented unique challenges, as Heller sought to authentically portray the chaotic experiences of parenting through their performances. She emphasized the importance of selecting children who were genuinely playful and could interact naturally with actress Amy Adams, allowing for spontaneous and organic moments on screen. Their techniques included creating engaging games to distract the children while capturing the necessary dialogue, emphasizing fun over structured acting. This method not only elicited authentic performances from the toddlers but also enriched the film's emotional depth.
Tonal Balance in 'Night Bitch'
The film 'Night Bitch' navigates a complex tonal landscape, balancing elements of comedy, drama, and faint horror to effectively convey the protagonist's internal struggles. Heller aims to create an experience that reflects both the uplifting and haunting aspects of motherhood, ensuring the transformation narrative feels euphoric rather than terrifying. Utilizing horror-inspired visual techniques and sound design enhances the psychological depth without fully crossing into the horror genre. This innovative approach fosters a unique viewing experience, allowing audiences to engage with the multifaceted nature of a mother's journey.
John welcomes back Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood) to look at three stories of real people with too much money and ask, How Would This Be a Movie? Stories include strategies for dating Leonardo DiCaprio, the rise-fall-rise of inventor Palmer Luckey, and a council built to give away a fortune.
We also go feral over Marielle’s new movie Nightbitch, as she shares the joys of adapting something that feels personal and her tricks to directing dogs and children. But first, we take a look at a new study on which movies studios are developing, and share exciting news for those joining us at the Austin Film Festival.
In our bonus segment for premium members, Marielle and John remember the terror, nerves and euphoria of premiering your movie at film festivals.