Topics discussed include Galen's Hollywood mystique, the narrator's emotional turmoil, uncovering controversial subjects, navigating the inner conflict of telling a family story, and searching for a grave and attending Galen's premiere.
39:48
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Quick takeaways
Galen's unique voice and laughter led the podcast team to cast an actor to portray him in the movie 'Rescue Dawn' alongside Christian Bale and Steve Zahn, highlighting his significant role in the POWs in Vietnam War film.
Despite facing health struggles and renal failure sepsis, Galen managed to achieve the emaciated look required for his role in 'Rescue Dawn' through weight loss, showcasing his dedication to his craft and the challenges faced while filming in rugged conditions.
Deep dives
Galen's Hollywood Career: A Personal Reflection
The podcast episode delves into Galen's career in Hollywood as an actor. The episode discusses how Galen's unique voice and laughter couldn't be captured in any acting clips, leading the podcast team to cast an actor to portray Galen. The discovery of Galen's role in the movie 'Rescue Dawn' alongside Christian Bale and Steve Zahn becomes a moment of significance. The movie was about POWs in Vietnam War and was directed by Werner Herzog. Galen's role as a smuggler from Hong Kong mirrored his lighthearted personality and ties to his own experiences in smuggling and Hong Kong.
Galen's Battle with Health Issues and Role in 'Rescue Dawn'
This part of the podcast explores Galen's health struggles during the filming of 'Rescue Dawn'. It discusses how Galen, despite facing renal failure sepsis and being on IVs a week before shooting, managed to lose weight and achieve the emaciated look required for his role. The episode highlights the challenges faced by Galen and the other actors while filming in the rugged conditions of Thailand's jungles. It also sheds light on how Galen's physical appearance, including some missing torso shots, resulted from his battle with cancer since infancy and the removal of a kidney.
Revealing Galen's Life through Screenplays and Family Dynamics
In this section, the podcast explores the impact of Galen's screenplays on his family and how they provide insights into his life. It reveals Galen's relationship with his mother, Papa, and his longing for her approval. The podcast discusses how Galen's writings reflect a fraught mother-child relationship and the desire for love and validation. It also touches upon Galen's involvement in gang life and his experiences as a pimp, which were surprising and difficult for the family to reckon with. The episode explores the complexities of family dynamics and the shared journey of uncovering and understanding Galen's past.