Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso Actor and Director Benny Safdie Does It All
Nov 26, 2023
Director and actor Benny Safdie discusses his collaboration with comedian Nathan Fielder, their satirical black comedy series The Curse, and Safdie's history of capturing real-life personalities on film. He also talks about his early connection to the movie Kramer v Kramer, his encounters with photographer Robert Frank, and how directors Robert Bresson and Frederick Wiseman inspired him. Safdie dives into his co-directing work with his brother, their debut feature Daddy Longlegs, and projects like Good Time and Uncut Gems. He shares why he worked as a boom operator while directing and his recent pivot to acting. Safdie also discusses playing an astrophysicist in Oppenheimer.
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Early Fielder Fandom
- Benny Safdie admired Nathan Fielder's realism in "Nathan For You", specifically the "Smokers Allowed" episode. He connected with Fielder's approach to realism, a shared interest.
The Curse's Genesis
- Safdie and Fielder's collaboration on "The Curse" began with casual conversations in LA. They initially dismissed the idea but gradually realized its potential through texting and further discussions.
The Curse's Premise
- "The Curse" follows a couple, the Seagulls, making an HGTV show about eco-conscious housing in Española, New Mexico. Safdie plays the show's producer, Dougie, who instigates conflict.