Rian Johnson

Rian Johnson, writer and director of Knives Out, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Looper, discusses various topics in this podcast. He talks about attending a screenwriting seminar with his father, the father-son story in Looper, differences in crew cultures, creative partnerships with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Steve Yedlin, the design of the throne room in The Last Jedi, and building extensive and grounded sets. Johnson also reflects on his abilities as a filmmaker and the beauty of emotionally correct scenes in a story.

Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director behind films like Brick and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, dives into the profound influence of Wagner's Das Rheingold on his creative journey. He recalls the overture's powerful opening chord and how it disrupted his writing process, forcing him to prioritize emotional depth over cleverness. Reflecting on his solitary experience at the opera in Paris, Rian connects these themes to his work on The Last Jedi and his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man, highlighting how opera shapes his storytelling.

Rian Johnson, acclaimed writer-director of the Knives Out franchise, delves into his latest film and its rich theological themes. He explores the intersection of mystery and faith, discussing how narratives can mirror liturgical structures. Rian reflects on his evangelical roots, highlighting the complexities of grace, power, and community dynamics within the church. He also shares insights on the symbolic meaning of Eve's apple in the film and the internal voices of the characters, revealing a profound narrative depth that challenges the 'us vs them' mentality.

Rian Johnson revived the mystery genre with his movie Knives Out and now he’s seeing what other places he can take it, both with the sequel Glass Onion and his new detective series Poker Face. But that’s the kind of filmmaker Rian is. As he tells Marc, Rian enjoys hopping genres, whether it’s a noir takeoff like Brick, a time travel riff like Looper, or the metatextual Star Wars mythology he explored in The Last Jedi. They also talk about Rian’s direction of two classic Breaking Bad episodes.Click here to Ask Marc Anything and Marc might answer your question in WTF+ bonus content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rian Johnson, an acclaimed filmmaker known for the Benoit Blanc mysteries, discusses his latest project, ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.’ He shares insights into his storytelling process, highlighting the parallels between murder mysteries and themes of faith and moral restoration. Johnson reveals his evolving relationship with religion and why he was captivated by Josh O’Connor’s performance. The conversation touches on his collaborative filmmaking approach and the importance of engaging protagonists in crafting compelling mysteries.

Director Rian Johnson and fellow director Phil Lord discuss the process of creating 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery', including their inspiration from Agatha Christie novels and 70s/80s movies, the challenge of creating a narrative twist, and the importance of preparation and collaboration in filmmaking.

Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director behind Knives Out and Glass Onion, chats with fellow filmmaker Jon Watts about his new film, Wake Up Dead Man. They dive into Johnson's personal themes, particularly the role of faith in storytelling, and how it shaped the narrative. The conversation also explores casting choices, notably Josh O'Connor, and Johnson’s unique approach to merging drama with mystery. Insights into on-set dynamics, lighting as a storytelling tool, and respectful representations of faith add depth to their engaging discussion.

Join filmmaker Rian Johnson, known for his work on the Benoit Blanc series, as he shares insights on the films that shaped his new mystery, *Wake Up Dead Man*. He reminisces about Alec Guinness’s *Father Brown*, highlighting its character depth and tone. Discover how *Green for Danger* and *And Then There Were None* influenced his narrative structure. Rian also examines the class themes in *Sleuth* and the game-like elements from *The Last of Sheila*. With a gothic touch inspired by *Ladies in Retirement*, this conversation is a treasure for mystery fans!

Rian Johnson, the visionary writer and director behind the Knives Out series, dives into his background growing up in an evangelical youth group in Orange County. He discusses how this unique upbringing informs his exploration of faith in his new film, Wake Up, Dead Man, set within a Catholic church. Rian shares his love for genre structures as a way to tackle deeper themes, the challenges of low-budget filmmaking, and the emotional significance of collaborating with friends. He reflects on the fluidity of artistry on set and the importance of creating a filmmaking community.

Rian Johnson, a celebrated writer-director known for his work on Brick, Looper, and the Knives Out series, shares his filmmaking journey. He discusses creating over 100 short films as a teenager and the challenges he faced in financing his first feature. Rian explains the importance of long-term collaborators and crafting unique character traits. He dives into the nuances of directing for both film and TV, the magic of practical effects, and the significance of endings that feel both surprising and inevitable. A fascinating look into the mind of a modern filmmaking maestro!