Benny Safdie

Benny Safdie, the talented writer and director of 'The Smashing Machine,' shares insights into his creative journey, focusing on capturing the authentic experience of MMA fighters. He discusses collaborations with Dwayne Johnson and realistic cinematography choices to elevate the story's emotional depth. Comedic correspondent Michael Kosta adds humor with his segment, offering quirky money-saving tips amidst economic challenges, like adults opting for kids' meals and the tooth fairy's diminishing payouts. It's a lively blend of film artistry and comedic commentary!

This week, cultural commentator Van Lathan joins writer-director Benny Safdie to discuss 'The Smashing Machine.' Benny shares insights into working with Dwayne Johnson, revealing how The Rock's performance transcends his usual persona and adds emotional depth. They delve into the film's unique blend of realism and documentary style, as well as tackle critiques of Emily Blunt’s underwhelming role. Additionally, Sean and Amanda kick off new Best Picture power rankings following the fall festival season, sparking a lively debate about this year’s contenders.

Filmmaker and actor Benny Safdie, known for his work on The Smashing Machine, shares insights on blending reality with fiction. He discusses the emotional depth required to portray vulnerability in characters and the unique challenge of casting first-time actors and real athletes. Benny describes his creative process, including the innovative staging of scenes to evoke immersive emotions. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration with composers and his approach to editing while shooting, all while balancing his personal life with his artistic endeavors.

Benny Safdie, acclaimed director and writer known for 'Good Time' and 'Uncut Gems,' shares insights about his new film 'The Smashing Machine,' portraying MMA icon Mark Kerr. He delves into the film's themes of vulnerability and empathy, reflecting on personal parallels with addiction and recovery. Benny discusses his creative process, the impact of collaborators like Nathan Fielder, and the importance of street casting. He also shares memorable experiences working with Dwayne Johnson and his evolution from directing to acting in major films like 'Oppenheimer.'

Benny Safdie, a talented film director and actor, discusses his biographical drama The Smashing Machine, exploring the life and struggles of MMA fighter Mark Kerr. He shares his innovative approach to fight sequences and the emotional depth behind his characters, including the physical commitment of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Critics Natalie Jamieson and Boyd Hilton provide insights on the film's authenticity and discuss a Lee Miller exhibition, while also analyzing Ben Elton's revealing autobiography filled with anecdotes and reflections on the evolving landscape of comedy.

Filmmaker Benny Safdie curses out Lovett, McKenzie Goodwin, and Rachel Scanlon take a lesbian look back at 2023. Zainab Johnson talks about having twelve siblings. Rant Wheel spins over tell-all books, swimsuits, and gift guides for the sapphic set.

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.

Benny Safdie, known for his work in Oppenheimer and Uncut Gems, talks about his intense and unsettling show, The Curse. They discuss the challenges of acting in scenes where the characters don't know where anyone is and delve into the complexities of the character Whitney portrayed by Emma Stone. Benny Safdie also reflects on his father's unique filming style and discusses the influence, collaboration, and storytelling process in creating art that makes people uncomfortable.

Join Benny Safdie, acclaimed director of films like Uncut Gems, as he shares insights into his solo debut, The Smashing Machine, in a captivating conversation with Christopher Nolan. They dive into the challenges of directing Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, crafting a jazz score that echoes the film’s emotional depth, and the innovative cinematography choices that reveal characters' inner lives. Safdie also discusses gaining trust from real-life inspiration Mark Kerr and the cathartic moment of screening the film at Venice.

Benny Safdie, a filmmaker and actor known for his work with his brother in the Safdie brothers duo, discusses his solo directing venture, The Smashing Machine. He shares the serendipitous moment when Dwayne Johnson approached him about portraying UFC fighter Mark Kerr, a story that reflects his interest in flawed characters. Benny elaborates on lessons learned from directing giants like Paul Thomas Anderson and Christopher Nolan and dives into the evolution of the UFC from its bare-knuckle roots to a mainstream spectacle while also touching on his creative split with his brother.