Episode 1584 - Robert Zemeckis

Update: 2024-10-21

Digest

This podcast episode features a conversation with renowned film director Robert Zemeckis, exploring his career, filmmaking techniques, and thoughts on the future of the industry. The episode begins with an introduction and a sponsorship announcement for Squarespace, a website building platform. The hosts then discuss current events, touching on themes of worry, panic, and the potential for societal collapse. They introduce Robert Zemeckis, known for his work on films like Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, including the use of simple effects and the actors' ability to interact seamlessly with the cartoon characters. The hosts discuss actor preparation and the importance of live-action actors believing in the reality of the fictional elements they are interacting with. They explore Zemeckis's recurring theme of time travel in his films, noting the evolution of his approach from the literal time travel in Back to the Future to the more organic and seamless transitions through epochs in his new film, Here. The hosts discuss the potential impact of AI and technology on filmmaking, with Zemeckis expressing his belief that while technology can be misused, it is ultimately a powerful tool that can be used to enhance storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of the human element in filmmaking and the need for actors and musicians to remain central to the creative process. The hosts speculate on the future of filmmaking, considering the possibility of AI-generated content and the potential for a shift in the way movies are made and consumed. They discuss the potential for a future where filmmakers can create entire movies from their basements using AI, and the potential impact this could have on the traditional film industry. Zemeckis reflects on his lifelong passion for filmmaking and his understanding of the entertainment industry. He shares a personal anecdote about a screening of his films in his hometown, highlighting the power of movies to connect with audiences and create shared experiences. Zemeckis discusses his early influences and the movies that inspired him to pursue filmmaking. He shares his first cinematic experience with the film The Blob, and how the film Bonnie and Clyde sparked his interest in the power of storytelling and the emotional impact of movies. Zemeckis discusses his working-class family background and the challenges he faced in pursuing a career in filmmaking. He shares the story of how he discovered the USC School of Cinema and the pivotal role that Jerry Lewis played in his decision to attend the school. Zemeckis recounts his early filmmaking experiences, including his work on industrial films and his submission of a short film to USC. He shares the story of how he learned about the USC School of Cinema through a chance encounter with Jerry Lewis on The Tonight Show. Zemeckis describes his move to Los Angeles and his first day at USC, where he was immediately impressed by the high bar set by George Lucas's student film, THX. He discusses the impact of this experience on his understanding of the potential for filmmaking. The hosts discuss Zemeckis's influences, including the film Touch of Evil, and the importance of storytelling in his work. They explore the use of long tracking shots in his films, including the opening shot of Back to the Future, and the way he uses visual storytelling to convey character and plot. The hosts discuss Zemeckis's relationship with Steven Spielberg, tracing their collaboration back to their time at USC. They discuss the early days of their partnership, including Spielberg's early films and Zemeckis's first meeting with him. Zemeckis discusses his early successes, including his first hit movie, Romancing the Stone, and the development of the film 1941. He shares the story of how Spielberg helped him get the film made and how their collaboration led to the creation of Back to the Future. Zemeckis discusses his experiences with box office flops, including the film Used Cars, and the importance of marketing in the success of a film. He shares a story about the marketing of Used Cars and how the studio's lack of support contributed to its failure. Zemeckis discusses his collaboration with Steven Spielberg on the Back to the Future franchise, highlighting Spielberg's crucial role in getting the film made and his commitment to the project. He also discusses his decision to protect the franchise from unnecessary sequels and spin-offs. The hosts discuss Zemeckis's casting choices, particularly his decision to reunite Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in his new film, Here. They explore the significance of this pairing and the potential for a sense memory to emerge from their previous collaborations on Forrest Gump. The hosts discuss Zemeckis's approach to technology in filmmaking, noting his willingness to embrace new tools while remaining focused on storytelling. They discuss the use of special effects in his films, including Back to the Future and Roger Rabbit, and his commitment to presenting stories in innovative ways. Zemeckis discusses the challenges he faced during the production of Forrest Gump, including studio pressure and budget overruns. He shares a story about the filming of the Monument Valley scene and how he and Tom Hanks had to personally guarantee the weather insurance. Zemeckis discusses his long-standing collaboration with Tom Hanks, praising his talent and his understanding of the filmmaking process. He highlights Hanks's generosity and his willingness to collaborate with other actors and crew members. Zemeckis discusses his embrace of digital technology in filmmaking, particularly his work on performance capture films. He highlights the benefits of digital filmmaking, including the ability to control the environment and eliminate the risks associated with traditional production methods. The hosts discuss Zemeckis's work with the Roberts and Mecha Center for Digital Arts, a center dedicated to the advancement of digital filmmaking. They discuss the center's facilities and Zemeckis's involvement in teaching and mentoring aspiring filmmakers. Robert Zemeckis discusses his return to live-action filmmaking after a period of working primarily in animation. He talks about his experience teaching a screenwriting class and how he insisted on combining directing and writing, believing in the importance of the writer and director working closely together. He also shares his thoughts on the unique qualities of Denzel Washington as an actor and how he approaches his roles. Zemeckis reveals the inspiration behind his film "Flight," which was based on a real-life air Alaska flight incident. He explains the science behind the plane's malfunction and how he was able to make the technical aspects of the film accurate. He also discusses the challenges of making a film about a pilot who makes a heroic but controversial decision. Zemeckis talks about the two "Pinocchio" films that were released around the same time, his own and Guillermo del Toro's. He explains that his film is a more traditional adaptation of the Disney version, while del Toro's film takes a darker and more artistic approach. He also discusses the differences between the original book and the Disney adaptation. Zemeckis expresses his concerns about the current state of the film industry, particularly the impact of streaming and social media. He believes that the lack of a traditional box office has created a situation where there is less incentive to make original and ambitious films. He worries that the industry is becoming too focused on algorithms and churning out content that is safe and predictable.

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