Mary Bronstein

Mary Bronstein, a writer-director and actor, discusses her latest film, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. She reflects on the influence of classic films like Bonnie and Clyde and The Blair Witch Project on her artistic vision. Mary dives into the complexities of audience reactions to challenging narratives and shares insights on casting choices, including Conan O'Brien and A$AP Rocky. Additionally, she highlights iconic performances from Elizabeth Taylor in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Natalie Wood in Gypsy, revealing how these films shaped her approach to storytelling.

Mary Bronstein, the talented writer-director behind If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You, shares her journey from suburban fandom to filmmaking. She hilariously recalls faxing Conan as a teen for a school project. The conversation dives into Conan's acting debut, casting Rose Byrne, and the creative challenges of directing. Mary reveals her hands-on approach, balancing dark comedy with emotional depth, and even discusses Muppet inspirations for the film's title. It’s a blend of laughter, behind-the-scenes insights, and creative inspiration!

Chris Ryan, a music writer and podcaster, joins Yasi Salek, host of Bandsplain, and Mary Bronstein, writer-director of 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.' They dive into Scott Cooper's 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,' discussing its lack of dramatic stakes and cinematic story. Chris and Yasi express their views on the potential and pitfalls of music biopics, while Mary shares her deeply personal journey in filmmaking and navigating audience empathy. Insights into casting choices and the challenges of telling imperfect stories make for a captivating conversation.