SmartLess "RE-RELEASE: Paul Thomas Anderson"
Oct 9, 2025
Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, known for masterworks like Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood, shares insights from his illustrious career. He reveals how early TV experiences influenced his work and discusses his first script, The Dirk Diggler Story. Paul reflects on navigating storytelling in film versus streaming, emphasizing concise narratives. He dives into collaborations, notably with Johnny Greenwood, and expounds on the significance of film preservation. Plus, he opens up about balancing his creative life with fatherhood.
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Shooting On The Tonight Show Stage
- Paul recalls visiting NBC's Tonight Show stage for Magnolia and negotiating around local news anchor Paul Moyer's set position.
- He remembers being struck by the anchor's flashy car and territorial stance even on a Sunday.
Let Themes Emerge Organically
- Focus on the facts of the story instead of forcing a theme from the start to avoid preachy films.
- Let themes emerge during writing, shooting, and editing and embrace unexpected developments.
Design Tricks From Jack Fisk
- Paul recounts collaborating with production designer Jack Fisk on There Will Be Blood and using simple research like children's books to visualize sets.
- He also values filming where locations are close together to allow reshoots and creative freedom.
