Fresh Air Dir. Craig Brewer Is Chasing ‘Purple Rain’ Magic
Dec 22, 2025
Craig Brewer, a filmmaker known for his character-driven narratives, discusses his latest project, Song Sung Blue, a heartfelt tale about a Milwaukee couple who found fame as a Neil Diamond tribute act. He shares insights on how he discovered their story and relates it to his own creative journey. Brewer highlights the emotional tone of the film and the positive portrayal of masculinity, reflecting on his upbringing and influences, while revealing unforgettable moments, like the significance of the song 'Sweet Caroline' in the film's climax.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dreamers Reveal Universal Longing
- Craig Brewer is fascinated by dreamers who chase ambitions that others dismiss as too big.
- He sees those dreams as revealing something universal and aspirational about family and identity.
Recording In Memphis First
- Brewer pre-recorded all the music in Memphis with collaborator Scott Bomar before shooting.
- He leaned on Memphis studio talent and Stax-era musicians to shape the film's sound.
Chemistry Found On A Couch
- Brewer put Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson side-by-side on a couch to record and found their chemistry immediately.
- The crew recognized them as a believable couple during a camera test when they sang together.