Digest

In this episode of The Remasters podcast, David Marquesi interviews Eddie Murphy, reflecting on his remarkable career spanning nearly 50 years. Murphy discusses his early success, particularly with films like "Beverly Hills Cop" and "48 Hours," and how he took it for granted at the time. He shares anecdotes about his dinner with Marlon Brando and his early experiences with stand-up comedy. Murphy reveals that he doesn't consider himself a comedian but rather an artist, expressing his creativity through various mediums. He also discusses his reluctance to return to stand-up, comparing it to a soldier returning to the front lines after becoming a general. Murphy reveals his dream project, "Soul, Soul, Soul," a fake documentary about a legendary soul artist, and shares a trailer for the non-existent film. He also talks about his ideal day, which involves doing nothing, and his perspective on fame, drawing lessons from the tragic ends of other iconic figures. Murphy reflects on the challenges of being a black artist in Hollywood and the pressures of fame. He shares his experience with drugs and how he avoided the pitfalls that plagued others. Murphy also discusses his favorite performances, highlighting "The Nutty Professor" as his best acting work. He shares his thoughts on the challenges of comedy and his approach to working with other comedy legends like Steve Martin. Murphy concludes by discussing his return to the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise and the challenges of developing a successful sequel. He also reflects on the joy of making movies and the importance of recognizing the blessing of his career.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the topic of how objects from the past can inspire disruptive creativity in the future, using examples of fashion duo Uninverbal and stylist Allison Borenstein.

00:02:11

Eddie Murphy Interview

This Chapter features an interview with Eddie Murphy, where he discusses his career, his relationship with the audience, and his dream project, "Soul, Soul, Soul." Murphy reflects on his early success, his perspective on fame, and the challenges of being a black artist in Hollywood.

00:41:35

Second Part of the Interview

This Chapter continues the interview with Eddie Murphy, where he discusses his experiences with the press, his relationship with other comedians, and his thoughts on the future of his career. Murphy shares anecdotes about his early days in Hollywood and the challenges he faced as a young black artist.

00:58:23

Outro

This Chapter concludes the episode with credits and information about upcoming episodes.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did Eddie Murphy's early success impact his perspective on his career?

  Murphy initially took his success for granted, seeing it as a natural progression rather than a remarkable achievement. He realized the magnitude of his accomplishments only in retrospect.

• What is Eddie Murphy's dream project, and what makes it so unique?

  Murphy's dream project is "Soul, Soul, Soul," a fake documentary about a legendary soul artist. He has created a trailer for the film, which he describes as a self-indulgent project that he believes would be very funny but might not appeal to a wide audience.

• How does Eddie Murphy view his relationship with the audience?

  Murphy doesn't focus on audience needs or expectations. He believes that if he finds something funny, it will resonate with the audience. He prioritizes his own creative vision and trusts his instincts.

• What are some of the challenges Eddie Murphy has faced as a black artist in Hollywood?

  Murphy highlights the lack of support and guidance for black artists in Hollywood, particularly in the early days of his career. He emphasizes the pressure of being a trailblazer and the constant threat of failure.

• What are Eddie Murphy's thoughts on fame and its impact on individuals?

  Murphy sees the tragic ends of other iconic figures as cautionary tales. He believes that fame can be both a blessing and a curse, and it can exacerbate existing problems rather than solve them.

• How does Eddie Murphy approach the creative process, and what does he consider challenging?

  Murphy prefers to work on projects that he knows will be successful and funny. He doesn't gravitate towards challenges, believing that it's more important to create work that resonates with the audience. He considers the real challenge to be making a movie that is not good, as evidenced by his experience with "Pluto Nash."

• What is Eddie Murphy's perspective on the importance of making people laugh?

  Murphy believes that making people laugh is a true blessing. He sees it as a powerful gift that has brought him joy and success throughout his career. He recognizes that his accomplishments stem from his ability to connect with audiences and make them laugh.

• How has Eddie Murphy's relationship with Saturday Night Live evolved over time?

  Murphy's relationship with SNL has been marked by both highs and lows. He acknowledges that he took some cheap shots from cast members, particularly David Spade, which led to a long hiatus from the show. However, he has since returned to the show and reconciled with those involved.

• What is Eddie Murphy's perspective on the current political climate, particularly regarding Donald Trump?

  Murphy expresses surprise at Trump's conviction in the hush money case, stating that he didn't think it would happen. He also believes that Trump's conviction will not significantly impact the upcoming election.

• How does Eddie Murphy view the legacy he has left for other comedians?

  Murphy believes that he changed the way comedians are perceived in the entertainment industry. He paved the way for other comedians to become main attractions and to achieve success in mainstream Hollywood. He emphasizes that he didn't lay down a path for other comedians but rather opened up new possibilities for them.

Show Notes