R.J. Cutler

R.J. Cutler, an Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker known for his work on Martha Stewart and Elton John, joins to discuss the craft of documentary filmmaking. He shares insights about capturing authentic narratives and navigating the landscape of modern media. The conversation also touches on Biden’s clemency moves, the dynamics of Rupert Murdoch's family trust, and the challenges faced by GM in the autonomous vehicle space. Additionally, Scott and Kara dive into the internet's fascination with Luigi Mangione and the implications of shareholder value on society.

R.J. Cutler, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker known for his work with icons like Billie Eilish and Martha Stewart, dives into the changing landscape of documentary filmmaking. He explores how streaming has turned documentaries into mainstream entertainment, reshaping viewer preferences. Cutler shares insights on the emotional depth behind his projects, the complexities of editing narratives from raw footage, and the ethical dilemmas in balancing creative integrity with financial pressures, all while hinting at his desire to document the New York Mets.

R.J. Cutler, an Academy Award-nominated director, shares insights from his documentary on Martha Stewart, revealing the complexities behind her rise to fame and her struggles, including a prison sentence. He discusses a candid dinner that uncovered unexpected aspects of her life and the unique challenges faced by powerful women. The conversation also touches on Martha's enduring legacy and her resilience through adversity, as well as the profound connections she fosters, particularly between mothers and daughters.

In a fascinating discussion with R.J. Cutler, an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for his insightful works, they delve into Martha Stewart’s mixed feelings about her documentary. R.J. shares the delicate balance of creative control and collaboration with celebrity subjects, highlighting trust as a crucial element. They explore the emotional nuances in portraying public figures and the challenges of gaining consent in documentary filmmaking. Matt also offers predictions for the upcoming holiday film 'Red One,' pondering its marketing strategy.

R.J. Cutler, director of 'The War Room' and 'Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry', discusses his new documentary series 'Big Vape' which explores the tragic story of Juul. Cutler explores how Juul's addictive nature parallels that of social media. The podcast also delves into the influence of Stanford's design school on Silicon Valley, the history of vaporizers in the tobacco industry, lifestyle marketing tactics used by Juul, the complexities of decision-making in the face of money versus doing good, and reflections on documentary filmmaking.