Bill Hader, a talented actor, director, and former SNL star, shares his passion for film and insights on directing his acclaimed series, Barry. He discusses his cinematic heroes, including Kubrick and the Coen brothers, revealing how their work influenced his own creative journey. Hader delves into the art of screenwriting, emphasizing emotional honesty, and reflects on memorable movie moments that shaped his love for cinema. Expect a few hilarious impressions along the way, showcasing his unique comedic flair!
Bill Hader's admiration for iconic directors like Stanley Kubrick and Akira Kurosawa has profoundly influenced his filmmaking approach and narrative understanding.
In creating 'Barry', Hader emphasizes the necessity of a compelling screenplay that balances logic and emotional honesty, while engaging the audience effectively.
Deep dives
Bill Hader's Passion for Filmmaking
Bill Hader expresses a lifelong fascination with filmmaking, particularly with iconic directors like Stanley Kubrick. He recounts how watching Kubrick's film 'The Shining' profoundly impacted him as a child, igniting his passion for cinema. This early exposure led him to focus more on directing rather than acting, which he found particularly fascinating. Hader emphasizes that his admiration for Kubrick stemmed from the director's unique storytelling and visual style, leaving a lasting impression on his career aspirations.
The Creative Journey of 'Barry'
Hader discusses the creation of his HBO series 'Barry', where he not only stars but also co-created and directed multiple episodes. The show explores the complexities of a hitman's desire to become an actor, and Hader reveals the collaborative environment of the writer's room, which pushes him out of his comfort zone. He emphasizes the importance of a compelling screenplay, highlighting the balance between logic and emotional honesty in writing. Hader notes that the process involved constant self-evaluation to ensure authenticity and depth in storytelling.
Influence of Japanese Cinema
The conversation touches on Hader's admiration for Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, whose films such as 'Seven Samurai' and 'Rashomon' have influenced his understanding of narrative truth. Hader specifies that Kurosawa's storytelling emphasizes emotional honesty, a principle he integrates into his own work. He highlights the significance of causality in screenwriting, stressing that each scene should lead naturally to the next while keeping the audience engaged. This reflective approach to storytelling has shaped Hader's creative process, particularly in 'Barry.'
Personal Experiences Shaping Creativity
Hader candidly shares experiences from his youth that shaped his path in filmmaking, including a memorable incident of walking out of the SATs because of his lack of interest. He reflects on his early love for movies, using 'Evil Dead' as inspiration for creating short films with his sisters, which showcased his emerging passion for storytelling. Hader recognizes that moments of failure and uncertainty have played a vital role in his creative development, ultimately fueling his desire to explore deeper narratives. Such life experiences have bolstered his confidence as an artist, allowing him to embrace challenges in his career.
Director, actor, Saturday Night Live veteran, and cinephile Bill Hader joins host Ben Mankiewicz to talk about his heroes (Stanley Kubrick, Joel and Ethan Coen), about writing and directing his HBO show Barry, and if you’re hoping for a few of his expert impressions, you won’t be disappointed. Hader also ventures into his movie-watching past by answering our Super 8 questionnaire.
Films Mentioned:
Top Gun (1986)
Superbad
Trainwreck*
Inside Out
Barry*
The Shining
2001: A Space Odyssey*
Dr. Strangelove*
A Clockwork Orange*
The Natural
Oliver!
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Paths of Glory
Mars Attacks!
Evil Dead
Rashomon*
Seven Samurai*
Ikiru*
It’s A Wonderful Life
Bad News Bears
Shawshank Redemption
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
Barton Fink
A Serious Man*
Inside Llewyn Davis
Intolerable Cruelty
Hail, Caesar!
Burn After Reading
Trouble in Paradise
The Apartment
Five Graves to Cairo
Double Indemnity
One, Two, Three
Sunset Boulevard
Kes
To Kill A Mockingbird
From Here to Eternity
Von Ryan’s Express
Dreams (1990)
The Last Detail
The Great Muppet Caper
Midnight Run
The Black Hole (1979)
*Available on Max as of 3/19 (Availability of titles subject to change)