Happy Sad Confused

Ben Stiller makes his "Happy Sad Confused" debut to talk about directing the new limited series, "Escape at Dannemora", his various films from "The Cable Guy" to "Tropic Thunder" and his love of "Star Trek".   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Reitman just can't stop giving us to this year with not one but two exceptional films! The Academy Award nominated director of "Juno" and "Up in the Air" joins Josh on this episode of "Happy Sad Confused" to discuss re-teaming with Charlize Theron and Diablo Cody for "Tully" and directing Hugh Jackman for the first time in the political drama "The Front Runner". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard E. Grant joins Josh to talk about his illustrious career, from "Withnail & I" to "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" and the upcoming new Star Wars film. He even puts up with Josh's obsession with "Hudson Hawk". A true gentleman.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The doctor is in! Sure "Happy Sad Confused" has welcomed "Doctor Who" veterans like Matt Smith and Karen Gillan in the past but here is a first--the current custodian of the iconic role themselves!  And if anyone is up to the challenge of this role it's certainly Jodie Whittaker who makes a delightful first appearance on the show in the middle of a hectic whirlwind New York Comic Con week. Josh and Jodie talk at length about the process of landing the famed role, the weight of being the first female to assume the mantle, and trace the actress' past, back to childhood and her first important roles in "Venus" and "Attack the Block".  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You'd be hard pressed to find a more impressive trio of films in a young filmmakers' career than Damien Chazelle's trifecta of "Whiplash", "La La Land", and his newest effort, "First Man". It's no wonder the 33 year-old stands as the youngest recipient of the best director Oscar in history (that would be for "La La Land").  In this return visit to "Happy Sad Confused", Josh and Damien delve deep into the appeal and challenges inherent in a space race film like "First Man", from the technical obstacles to the emotional underpinnings. Chazelle also candidly talks about the influence of Steven Spielberg (an executive producer on "First Man"), whether we'll ever see a genre or franchise film from him, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not just about the voice and the mustache but those two things certainly don't hurt. Sam Elliott is one of the last links to the old Hollywood system (he's quick to point out all the people from the early part of his career who are now dead). A former studio contract player, Elliott now finds himself at an unlikely point in his nearly 50 year career -- he might just be at his apex.  In this visit to "Happy Sad Confused", Elliott looks back at his beginnings -- his complex relationship with his father (get your tissues ready), his regrets over being too honest early in his career, how a role in "Robot Chicken" gave him a boost, and his recent career renaissance, from "Grandma" to "I'll See You in My Dreams" to "The Hero" and now a turn in "A Star is Born" that may just land him a ticket to the Oscars.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kathryn is a "Happy Sad Confused" original, her first visit coming on just the fifth episode! Yet somehow it's been four years since she's visited Josh's office so there's a lot to catch up on, from her work with Jill Soloway on "Transparent" to her must see performance in the Netflix film, "Private Life" from writer/director Tamara Jenkins.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Pullman may have been something of a late bloomer, never setting foot on a film set until his early 30s, but once his career was launched, there was no looking back. To look back at his career is to look at some of the great film highs of the 80s and 90s. And that's just what Bill and Josh do on this episode, going all the way back to "Ruthless People" and "Spaceballs" through his "nice guy who doesn't get the girl" period of work to his biggest hits like "While You Were Sleeping" and "Independence Day".  These days Bill is finding rich rewards in theater (he's set to star with Sally Field in Arthur Miller's "All My Sons" next year at the Old Vic) and television with the acclaimed series, "The Sinner", now concluding its second season on USA. You'd be hard pressed to find a nicer guy than Bill Pullman. Sit back and enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a special edition of "Happy Sad Confused" straight from the Toronto International Film Festival! With Josh running around the fest talking to dozens of actors and filmmakers, we present two conversations, one a familiar guest to podcast listeners, one a newbie! First up is Timothee Chalamet! Almost precisely a year to the day after they first met, Josh and Timothee talk about the young actor's eventful year, his new role as an addict in "Beautiful Boy", and the prospect of starring in Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of "Dune". Plus, Josh sits down with Elisabeth Moss! Best known for "Mad Men" and "The Handmaid's Tale", Moss hit Toronto with a bold performance as a punk rocker in "Her Smell". Moss talks about her musical theater ambitions and gives a sneak peek at her upcoming film with "Get Out" director Jordan Peele.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not only is Paul Feig the most dapper director to walk into the offices of "Happy Sad Confused" but he always brings the goods too. From "Freaks & Geeks" to "Bridesmaids", he's responsible for some of the most influential comedies of our times. And now Paul is mixing it up with a thriller, "A Simple Favor", starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively! Of course it's no surprise that his latest starts two amazing women since that is clearly the unifying thread of his film work. In this chat, Josh and Paul talk about Feig's journey from actor to writer and director, what drove him to make his latest film, and how he looks back on "Ghostbusters".  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices