'The Interview': The Darker Side of Julia Louis-Dreyfus
7Digest
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, known for her roles in Seinfeld, Veep, and The New Adventures of Old Christine, talks about her new film "Tuesday." The film is a surreal, dark fairy tale about a mother whose teenage daughter has a terminal illness. Louis-Dreyfus shares her experience with cancer and how it changed her relationship with her own mortality. She also discusses her podcast "Wiser Than Me," where she interviews older female celebrities, and how these conversations have helped her process loss and grief. Louis-Dreyfus reflects on the changing landscape of comedy and the importance of taking risks. She also discusses the consolidation of power in Hollywood and how it can stifle creativity. Louis-Dreyfus is a sharp and insightful interviewee, and her conversation with Lulu Garcia Navarro is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her new film "Tuesday." It also mentions her podcast "Wiser Than Me" and her recurring role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel Movie Experience
This Chapter delves into Julia Louis-Dreyfus's experience filming a Marvel movie. She describes the set as well-organized and methodical, with a focus on the human story. She also discusses the stunts she had to perform, which she enjoyed despite their brief nature.
Superhero Franchises and Independent Films
This Chapter explores Julia Louis-Dreyfus's perspective on the superhero franchise phenomenon and its impact on the film industry. She expresses gratitude for the opportunities these franchises provide but also acknowledges the consolidation of power and the challenges for independent films.
Exploring Themes in "Tuesday"
This Chapter focuses on Julia Louis-Dreyfus's experience making "Tuesday." She discusses the film's unusual premise, the themes of loss, grief, and motherhood, and her initial nervousness about taking on such a challenging role. She also shares her interpretation of the CGI parrot character as a death doula.
The Importance of Communication
This Chapter shifts the conversation to the importance of communication, particularly between mothers and daughters. Julia Louis-Dreyfus shares her experience going to therapy with her mother and encourages listeners to consider doing the same with their own mothers.
The Joy of Long-Running TV Series
This Chapter explores Julia Louis-Dreyfus's love for long-running TV series and the challenges of maintaining a high level of excellence over a long period of time. She also discusses the changing landscape of television and the difficulty of creating something truly different in today's entertainment industry.
Keywords
Tuesday
A 2023 surreal, dark fairy tale film directed by Dina Mousavi, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a mother whose teenage daughter has a terminal illness. The film features a CGI parrot who represents death and explores themes of loss, grief, and motherhood.
Wiser Than Me
A podcast hosted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus where she interviews older female celebrities. The podcast explores themes of aging, loss, and the wisdom gained through life experiences. The podcast has been praised for its insightful conversations and its exploration of the unique perspectives of older women.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
A shared fictional universe encompassing a series of superhero films and television series produced by Marvel Studios. The MCU is known for its interconnected storylines, its vast cast of characters, and its impressive visual effects. Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a recurring role in the MCU.
Political Correctness
A term used to describe the avoidance of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against. The concept of political correctness has been debated extensively, with some arguing that it is necessary to promote inclusivity and respect, while others argue that it stifles free speech and creativity.
Death Doula
A person who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and their families during the end-of-life process. Death doulas help individuals navigate the dying process, make informed decisions about their care, and create a peaceful and meaningful death experience.
Consolidation of Power
A process in which a small number of companies or organizations gain control over a large share of a particular industry or market. This can lead to reduced competition, higher prices, and less innovation. In the entertainment industry, the consolidation of power has been attributed to the rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional media outlets.
Jerry Seinfeld
An American comedian, actor, and writer. He is best known for his stand-up comedy and for creating and starring in the sitcom Seinfeld. Seinfeld is considered one of the most influential comedians of all time, and his work has had a significant impact on the development of stand-up comedy and television comedy.
Anti-hero
A central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic qualities and attributes, such as idealism, courage, and morality. Anti-heroes are often complex, flawed, and driven by selfish or unconventional motives. They challenge traditional notions of heroism and provide a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of human nature.
Sharp Edges
A term used to describe a person or character who is assertive, independent, and not afraid to express their opinions. People with sharp edges are often seen as strong-willed, opinionated, and sometimes even abrasive. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and stand up for what they believe in.
Slowness of Comedy
A technique in comedy that involves delaying the punchline or the comedic moment, building tension and anticipation. This can create a more subtle and nuanced form of humor, allowing the audience to appreciate the comedic timing and the build-up to the joke.
Q&A
What is Julia Louis-Dreyfus's new film "Tuesday" about?
"Tuesday" is a surreal, dark fairy tale about a mother whose teenage daughter has a terminal illness. The film features a CGI parrot who represents death and explores themes of loss, grief, and motherhood.
How did Julia Louis-Dreyfus's experience with cancer change her relationship with her own mortality?
Louis-Dreyfus says that she no longer has an arrogant sense of her immortality. She feels more present and grateful for life.
What is Julia Louis-Dreyfus's podcast "Wiser Than Me" about?
"Wiser Than Me" is a podcast where Louis-Dreyfus interviews older female celebrities. The podcast explores themes of aging, loss, and the wisdom gained through life experiences.
What are Julia Louis-Dreyfus's thoughts on political correctness and its impact on comedy?
Louis-Dreyfus believes that being aware of certain sensitivities is not a bad thing, but she also believes that the true threat to art is the consolidation of money and power in Hollywood.
Why does Julia Louis-Dreyfus enjoy playing characters with sharp edges?
Louis-Dreyfus enjoys playing characters who push back on the position that they're in and are not content with their place in the world. She believes that women are not content with the status quo and that her characters reflect this.
How has Julia Louis-Dreyfus's sense of humor changed over the years?
Louis-Dreyfus believes that her working sense of humor has gotten better over the years. She has learned from other comedians and has developed a greater understanding of physical comedy, nuance, and timing.
What is Julia Louis-Dreyfus's advice for people who are considering going to therapy with their mothers?
Louis-Dreyfus encourages people to consider going to therapy with their mothers, as it can be a valuable opportunity for communication and healing. She believes that it is important to seize opportunities for connection, as they may not be available in the future.
What is Julia Louis-Dreyfus's perspective on the changing landscape of comedy?
Louis-Dreyfus believes that the lens through which we create art today is different than it was in the past. She acknowledges that some classic films and comedies contain attitudes that would not be acceptable today. She believes that it is important to be vigilant and to keep working to make art better.
What is Julia Louis-Dreyfus's advice for aspiring comedians?
Louis-Dreyfus believes that in order to be very funny, you have to take huge risks. She acknowledges that failure is a part of the process, but she also emphasizes the joy and the tragedy of doing anything funny.
What is Julia Louis-Dreyfus's perspective on the consolidation of power in Hollywood?
Louis-Dreyfus believes that the consolidation of power in Hollywood is a threat to art and creativity. She believes that the siloing of studios, outlets, and streamers limits the creative voice and makes it harder for new and independent ideas to be heard.
Show Notes
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