Larry Charles, comedy writer and filmmaker known for his work on Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Borat, Bruno, and Dicks: The Musical, talks with Marc Maron about comedy's role in the world, their mutual admiration for John Waters, Larry's filmmaking experience with Bob Dylan, and the defiance and appeal of his latest film Dicks: The Musical.
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Quick takeaways
Comedy, as showcased in Dix, plays a crucial role in maintaining humanity, especially in the face of daunting challenges.
The current comedy landscape is in transition and faces the risk of becoming a breeding ground for mediocrity and division.
Dix, the Musical, represents a defiance of societal norms and celebrates the power of humanity in the face of adversity.
From starting as a writer on TV shows to transitioning into directing, the speaker discusses their journey in the film industry.
Deep dives
Dix, the Musical: A Provocative and Filthy Film
Dix, the Musical is a daring and controversial film that pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms. The movie follows identical twins who, after discovering their long-lost parents, set out on a mission to reunite them. With a cast of talented actors, including Nathan Lane and Bowen Yang, the film combines the artificiality of the musical genre with outrageous humor and provocative themes. It addresses LGBTQ issues and uses camp and comedy to explore social and cultural commentary. While the film may not be for everyone, its filth and shock value are purposeful, commenting on the state of society and celebrating the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The Power of Comedy in Challenging Times
Comedy, as showcased in Dix, plays a crucial role in maintaining humanity, especially in the face of daunting challenges. The film defies the growing threat of authoritarianism and supports marginalized communities, primarily the LGBTQ community. It combines defiance with vulnerability, creating a powerful and provocative narrative. Despite concerns about certain audiences misinterpreting the film's message, the filmmaker believes that comedy can have a broad appeal, even bridging political and cultural divides. By balancing humor, music, and social commentary, Dix provides a unique outlet for self-expression and challenges societal norms.
The Transition of Comedy and the Danger of Hacks
The current comedy landscape is in transition and faces the risk of becoming a breeding ground for mediocrity and division. While comedy has the potential to challenge the status quo and spark change, the rise of pseudo-libertarian voices and the tribalization of comedy poses a threat. Some comedians now exploit controversial tropes and engage in cheap humor, often catering to specific ideologies or trends. This undermines the true power and potential of comedy, as it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and hinder social progress. However, unique and daring works like Dix continue to push the boundaries and aim to provide thought-provoking entertainment.
Defiance, Humanity, and the Power of Filth
Dix, the Musical, represents a defiance of societal norms and celebrates the power of humanity in the face of adversity. The film's blending of filth and humor, reminiscent of films by John Waters, creates a unique and mind-blowing experience. It balances provocativeness with a deep appreciation for the musical genre, featuring talented actors and catchy songs. The film's message resonates with various audiences, regardless of political backgrounds, as it confronts discomfort and challenges preconceived notions. Ultimately, Dix serves as a powerful and liberating artistic expression in a world grappling with social, political, and economic complexities.
The Evolution of a Director
From starting as a writer on TV shows to transitioning into directing, the speaker discusses their journey in the film industry. They express gratitude for the opportunities and the lessons learned from working on various projects. The speaker also highlights the importance of collaboration and allowing talented individuals to do their job, while still inserting their own creative input.
Exploring Provocation in Comedy
The speaker delves into their love for pushing boundaries in comedy and finding humor in topics that are not typically considered funny. They draw inspiration from comedians like Lenny Bruce and John Waters, who fearlessly tackled taboo subjects. The speaker also acknowledges that comedy's ability to provoke can sometimes lead to discomfort, but believes that it is a crucial component of pushing societal norms and offering a fresh perspective.
The Art of Riffing and Improvisation
The speaker emphasizes the importance of improvisation and riffing in their creative process. They share experiences working with comedians like Sacha Baron Cohen and Larry David, who have a talent for spontaneous and unscripted moments. The speaker appreciates the ability to think on their feet and invites collaboration with like-minded individuals who can contribute unique ideas and perspectives.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The speaker reflects on their past projects and the pivotal moments that shaped their career. They discuss the challenges faced, such as handling big-budget films and the effect of success on creative collaborations. Despite setbacks and failures, the speaker remains determined to pursue projects that align with their personal vision and allow for self-expression. They emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry.
Larry Charles always knew he liked comedy but he also knew he liked being a button-pusher. Those preferences are on display in his writing for Seinfeld, his work on Curb Your Enthusiasm, and his direction of movies like Borat, Bruno, and his latest film Dicks: The Musical. Larry and Marc talk about comedy’s role in the world as a display of defiant humanity, their shared appreciation of John Waters, and Larry’s filmmaking experience with Bob Dylan.
