Griffin Dunne, an accomplished actor, director, and author of 'The Friday Afternoon Club,' shares intimate stories about his literary family. He reflects on the tragic loss of his sister Dominique, whose life was cut short by violence, and discusses his father's role in chronicling celebrity true-crime. Dunne also celebrates his own acting highs, from 'After Hours' to a memorable cameo in 'Succession.' The conversation delves into personal loss, media's impact on justice, and the enduring legacy of his aunt, the iconic Joan Didion.
Griffin Dunne's memoir, 'The Friday Afternoon Club,' explores the profound impact of his sister Dominique's tragic murder on his family's dynamics and legacy.
The podcast discusses the transformation of Dominick Dunne from Hollywood producer to celebrated true-crime writer, advocating for victims' rights after personal tragedy.
Griffin reflects on how his family's literary heritage, especially Joan Didion's influence, shaped his narrative style and approach to storytelling.
Deep dives
The Complex Legacy of a Family
The podcast delves into the intricate family dynamics experienced by Griffin Dunn, particularly shaped by his late sister Dominique's tragic murder and the subsequent impact it had on their family. Griffin reflects on how his father's life changed dramatically following Dominique’s death, as Dominic Dunn shifted from being a Hollywood producer to a respected writer focusing on crime, ultimately advocating for victims' rights. Griffin’s memoir, 'The Friday Afternoon Club,' serves as both an homage to his family and an exploration of the themes of loss, love, and forgiveness that resonate broadly across familial experiences. The conversation emphasizes the delicate balance of humor and sorrow that permeates Griffin’s recollections, highlighting the ways families navigate profound grief.
The Influential Roots of Writing
Griffin reveals that his desire to write was cultivated by the extraordinary literary and journalistic legacies left by his family, specifically Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunn. He discusses how his perspective as a writer has been shaped by witnessing the powerful stories related to victims of crime, inspired by his father’s articles. The conversation touches upon Griffin’s initial belief that his memoir would be lighter and anecdotal but evolved into a deeper narrative that confronts themes of tragedy and resilience. He aims to capture the multifaceted nature of his family's journey, intertwining moments of joy with undercurrents of heartache.
Reflections on Fame and Identity
The podcast explores Griffin’s ambivalence toward fame, especially in contrast to his father's desire for celebrity status. Griffin acknowledges the struggle of navigating public perception while grappling with the complexities of his family history and identity as an actor and writer. He recounts how his childhood experiences and witnessing his father’s challenges have influenced his career choices, leading him to pursue meaningful projects rather than seek out the limelight. This introspection reveals a profound understanding that personal fulfillment often transcends conventional definitions of success.
The Weight of Loss and Artistic Expression
The profound impact of loss on Griffin is a persistent theme, particularly in relation to his father’s transformation after Dominique's murder. He discusses the emotional toll of writing about difficult subjects, such as familial grief, and how it served as a means of processing tragedy. The podcast notes that while Griffin has crafted a narrative that is candid and at times painful, it is also infused with moments of humor that reflect the resilience of the human spirit. His ability to navigate this complexity in storytelling speaks to his artistic integrity and commitment to representing authentic experiences.
Joan Didion's Enduring Influence
Griffin shares insights about his relationship with Joan Didion and the significant influence she had on his understanding of narrative and journalism. He recounts the experience of creating a documentary about her life, which allowed him to bridge personal connections with broader cultural conversations about grief and resilience. The discussion highlights Didion’s unflinching honesty about the human condition, contrasting it with her seemingly dark reputation, yet revealing her sense of humor and warmth. This duality in her character undoubtedly influenced Griffin, motivating him to approach his own writing with a blend of seriousness and levity.
John is joined by the actor, director, writer, and producer Griffin Dunne to discuss The Friday Afternoon Club, his recent memoir about his famous literary family. Dunne offers intimate portraits of his sister Dominique, an actress on the rise four decades ago (having starred in Steven Spielberg's Poltergeist in 1982) who was strangled to death by her ex-boyfriend; his father, Dominick, whose coverage of Dominique’s murder trial in Vanity Fair turned him into the marquee chronicler of celebrity true-crime cases of the Eighties and Nineties, from O.J. Simpson to Claus von Bulow to the Menendez brothers; and his aunt, the legendary Joan Didion, about whom Griffin made an acclaimed Netflix documentary. Dunne also discusses the highlights of own acting career, from playing the lead in the Martin Scorsese cult classic After Hours to his memorable cameo in the first season of Succession.
