Cameron Crowe shares insights on casting in Fast Times at Ridgemont High; discussions on music influences, poetic lyrics by Elvis Costello, youngest writer at Rolling Stone; mutual love for Eddie Vedder; why lyrics don't matter in some songs; Salman Rushdie's writing advice; accruing a body of work over time.
Sean Penn's audition insight shaped his iconic role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Securing Peter Gabriel's 'In Your Eyes' for Say Anything required a convincing film scene.
Bill Murray's down-to-earth demeanor left a lasting positive impact on fans at a basketball game.
Deep dives
Shaun's Character in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'
Shaun's character in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' was inspired by a surfer from San Diego, and upon auditioning, he confidently claimed to know the character inside out. His portrayal of the character, including the iconic line 'you dick,' won over the filmmakers and fans alike.
Peter Gabriel's Song 'In Your Eyes'
Obtaining Peter Gabriel's hit song 'In Your Eyes' for the movie 'Say Anything' posed a challenge as Gabriel initially hesitated due to the personal nature of the song. A last-minute call clarified the issue, and Gabriel agreed after watching the film, believing the scene was worth the song.
Bill's Interaction with Fans
Bill Murray was observed at a basketball game interacting warmly with fans, displaying a down-to-earth persona and engaging with admirers in a personal manner. Despite being approached by various individuals, Bill made each interaction meaningful and genuine, leaving a positive impression on those he engaged with.
Exploring Memory through Music
The podcast delves into how music can trigger memories, with the host reminiscing about personal experiences from the late 60s. They discuss how songs from that era evoke specific recollections, touching on the significance of music in shaping nostalgic moments. The conversation transitions to the impact of playlists curated across decades, highlighting the joy of creating personalized mixes that bridge various musical eras.
Reflections on Growing Up in an Innocent Era
The podcast hosts reflect on their childhoods, emphasizing the simplicity and innocence of growing up during a time without prevalent societal issues. They share anecdotes about the idyllic nature of their formative years, discussing the educational structure and societal dynamics of that era. The conversation touches on the value of innocence in childhood and the contrast with current challenges faced by younger generations in today's world.
The brilliant Cameron Crowe reveals how Sean Penn got cast in Fast Times at Ridgemont High; Bill and Cameron on Bill’s love for Billy Joel, the artists that influenced them both, the most poetic lyric by Elvis Costello, what it was like being the youngest writer ever at Rolling Stone, Bill and Cameron’s mutual love for Eddie Vedder, why lyrics are unimportant in some songs, what Salman Rushdie told Bill about writing, as an artist what it means to accrue a body of work over time, and at this point, you could have watched about three minutes and decided for yourself.