Star Trek, Gladiator, Skyfall - The Stories Behind the Names with John Logan
Star Trek, Gladiator, Skyfall - The Stories Behind the Names with John LoganDigest
This podcast offers a deep dive into the world of filmmaking and acting, featuring conversations with industry professionals. Topics range from the practicalities of Blundstone boots and the appeal of Star Trek characters like Data, to the art of napping on set and the nuances of screenwriting. The discussion highlights the careers of notable figures like John Logan, William Friedkin, and Ridley Scott, exploring their directorial styles, creative processes, and the challenges of filmmaking. Anecdotes about working with legendary actors such as Patrick Stewart, Christopher Lee, and Angela Lansbury are shared, alongside reflections on iconic films like \"Star Trek Nemesis,\" \"Hugo,\" and \"Skyfall.\" The podcast also touches upon the importance of artistic resilience, the unpredictable nature of theater, and the evolving landscape of franchises like Star Trek, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and audience engagement. The conversation concludes with insights into the business of show business, the power of creative control, and the invaluable lessons learned from mentors and challenging experiences in Hollywood.
Outlines
Introduction, Star Trek, and Blundstone Boots
The podcast opens with casual banter, touching on current events before diving into discussions about Star Trek characters, particularly Data, and the popularity of Blundstone boots, humorously suggesting them as a sponsor.
The Actor's Life: Napping and On-Set Dynamics
Hosts share personal anecdotes about napping, its benefits for actors, and humorous stories about on-set experiences, including a tale about Brent Spiner's offer for a crew nap.
Screenwriting Masters: John Logan and Character Fates
The focus shifts to screenwriter John Logan and his acclaimed filmography. The discussion also revisits \"Star Trek Nemesis,\" debating the fate of the character Data and comparing it to the death of M in \"Skyfall.\"
Directing and the Star Trek Franchise
The hosts discuss the experience of directing fellow cast members and specifically \"Star Trek: First Contact.\" They also touch upon Rick Berman's legacy and the current state and future of the Star Trek franchise, including the \"Starfleet Academy\" series and the use of volume technology.
Maintaining Franchise Relevance and Creative Boldness
The conversation explores the risk of franchises becoming ephemeral and the importance of new content for sustained relevance. The hosts praise \"Strange New Worlds\" for its creative risks and discuss the power of surprise in storytelling, referencing \"Next Generation's\" bold choices.
The Actor's Drive and Star Trek's Career Impact
The discussion highlights the actor's desire for great roles and reflects on how Star Trek has significantly impacted careers, opening doors to diverse roles and collaborations, including early experiences with notable figures.
Intimidating Encounters and Archiving Film History
Hosts share stories of meeting intimidating Hollywood figures like Mike Nichols, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Christopher Lee, recounting nerve-wracking yet ultimately positive encounters. The importance of archiving film history, especially genre films, is also discussed.
Artistic Giants and the \"Dragon\" Within
The podcast touches on memorable gatherings with artistic luminaries like Stephen Sondheim and Harold Pinter, reflecting on their unique qualities. The concept of an inherent drive, or "dragon," within great artists like Scorsese and Spielberg is explored, emphasizing the necessity of ambition.
Career Launchpads and Creative Endeavors
The discussion covers Joan Crawford's work ethic, the inspiring passion of actors, and how \"Star Trek Nemesis\" served as a launchpad for Tom Hardy. The hosts also discuss their involvement in the \"Penny Dreadful\" franchise.
Sondheim, Lansbury, and Honoring Creators
A memorable lunch with Stephen Sondheim is recounted, along with hosting a star-studded dinner. The incredible experience of hosting Angela Lansbury is shared, highlighting her illustrious career and the desire to honor Broadway show creators.
Working with Scorsese and \"The Aviator\"
The approach to meeting influential figures like Martin Scorsese is discussed, emphasizing specific praise. The host recounts their involvement with \"The Aviator,\" detailing Michael Mann's meticulous approach, Leonardo DiCaprio's role, and Scorsese's directing style.
\"The Aviator\" and the Pantheon of Filmmakers
Thelma Schoonmaker's editing brilliance on \"The Aviator\" is praised, with the film considered a career highlight. The discussion then shifts to a documentary on Scorsese and a debate about the greatest filmmakers, including Ridley Scott, Billy Wilder, Jack Lemmon, and Walter Matthau.
Navigating Difficult Actors and Professional Relationships
The hosts delve into the challenges of working with difficult actors, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect. They acknowledge that while unpleasant colleagues are rare, navigating professional relationships sometimes requires compromise.
Challenging Rewrites and Actor Reputations
An experience with a challenging superhero rewrite is shared, followed by a discussion on navigating collaborations with actors like Russell Crowe. The reputation of unpleasant actors is acknowledged, but their talent is also recognized.
Unexpected Kindness and Memorable Table Reads
The host recounts being warned about Sir Ben Kingsley's difficult nature but finding him to be kind and collaborative. The infamous \"Gladiator\" table read and the mischievous nature of Oliver Reed are also discussed.
\"Hugo\" and Sam Mendes' Collaboration
\"Hugo\" is hailed as a visually stunning masterpiece, with discussion on the technical challenges of directing in 3D and adding dogs to the film. The host's connection with director Sam Mendes, stemming from a shared theater background, and their collaboration on \"Skyfall\" are highlighted.
Resilience in the Face of Unsuccessful Projects
The host reflects on the inevitability of unsuccessful projects in the film industry and the importance of resilience. The intense process of cracking the Hannibal script and the reality of unproduced works for writers are discussed.
Lessons from Theater and the Business of Show
The valuable lessons learned from theater, particularly the experience of failure, are emphasized for building resilience. The unpredictable nature of theater success and the necessity of funding in show business are discussed, alongside the writer's unfettered power in the creative process.
Mentorship and Early Screenwriting Projects
The host credits Oliver Stone and Ridley Scott for teaching them screenwriting, sharing a memorable experience with Oliver Stone's Oscars. Early screenwriting projects, including \"Any Given Sunday\" and a project for Ridley Scott, are mentioned.
Masterpieces and Independent Animation
William Friedkin's \"Sorcerer\" is discussed as a masterpiece. The conversation then shifts to the animated film \"Rango,\" highlighting its independent production during a writer's strike and its unique, successful outcome.
Friendship, Career Philosophy, and Show's End
The speaker reflects on their friendship with Johnny Depp and their shared philosophy of benevolence over competition. The discussion touches on the show's theme song, the guest's positive experience, and concludes with gratitude to the audience.
Keywords
Blundstone Boots
Durable and comfortable Australian footwear with elastic side panels, suitable for various climates and activities.
Star Trek Characters
Fictional individuals within the Star Trek universe, with Data being a popular favorite mentioned in the podcast.
Napping for Actors
Short sleep breaks taken by actors on set to maintain energy and focus during demanding filming schedules.
Screenwriting
The craft of writing scripts for film and television, involving story development, character creation, and dialogue.
John Logan
Acclaimed screenwriter known for films like "Gladiator," "The Aviator," and "Skyfall."
Star Trek Nemesis
A Star Trek film exploring themes of diplomacy and betrayal, focusing on the fate of characters like Data.
Character Death in Fiction
A narrative device used to raise stakes or evoke emotion, exemplified by the perceived death of Data in "Star Trek Nemesis."
Film Directing
The role of overseeing the artistic and dramatic aspects of film production, guiding cast and crew.
Hollywood History
The evolution of the American film industry, including key figures, studios, and cultural impact.
Filmmaking Technology
Innovations in cameras, sound, special effects, and editing that shape cinematic possibilities.
Franchise Expansion
Extending successful media properties into new forms like sequels and spin-offs to reach broader audiences.
Creative Risk-Taking
Pursuing innovative or unconventional ideas in art to push creative boundaries and produce groundbreaking work.
Audience Engagement
Connecting with and involving an audience to foster community around content, often through compelling narratives.
Screenwriting Craft
The specific skills and techniques required for effective screenplay writing, including structure, dialogue, and visual storytelling.
Artistic Collaboration
Multiple artists working together, combining talents and perspectives, essential in filmmaking and theater.
Legendary Actors
Acclaimed performers who have made significant contributions to film, television, or theater, leaving a lasting impact.
Directorial Vision
A director's unique artistic perspective that guides all aspects of a film's production.
Screenwriter's Process
The stages a screenwriter follows, from concept to revision, involving research, character exploration, and iterative writing.
Film Production Challenges
Difficulties encountered during movie making, including logistics, budget, technical issues, and interpersonal dynamics.
The Art of Storytelling
Conveying narratives through various mediums, crafting compelling plots, and engaging audiences emotionally and intellectually.
Hollywood Legends
Iconic figures who have shaped the film industry's history and culture through their lasting contributions.
Theatrical Collaboration
Cooperative effort in producing stage plays, requiring strong communication and shared artistic goals.
Screenwriting Techniques
Methods used by screenwriters, such as dialogue writing, scene construction, and subtext, to craft effective scripts.
The Business of Film
The commercial aspects of the motion picture industry, including financing, distribution, and marketing.
Artistic Resilience
The ability of artists to persevere through setbacks and failures, maintaining their creative drive.
Theatrical Failure
Productions in theater that do not meet critical or commercial expectations, offering learning opportunities.
Show Business Realities
The practical challenges of the entertainment industry, including financial considerations and industry politics.
Creative Control
The degree of autonomy an artist has over their work, influenced by external factors.
Screenwriting Mentorship
Guidance and support provided by experienced screenwriters to emerging talent.
Film History
The study of cinema's evolution, including technological advancements, artistic movements, and cultural impact.
Sorcerer (film)
William Friedkin's 1977 thriller, considered his masterpiece and a remake of "The Wages of Fear."
Rango (film)
A 2011 animated Western comedy film produced independently, known for its unique style and Oscar win.
William Friedkin
Influential director known for "The French Connection," "The Exorcist," and "Sorcerer," characterized by gritty realism.
Gore Verbinski
Director of "Pirates of the Caribbean" films and the animated "Rango," known for distinctive visual style.
Independent Film Production
Creating films outside the major studio system, allowing for greater creative freedom and experimentation.
Q&A
What are Blundstone boots known for?
Blundstone boots are recognized for their Australian origin, durability, comfort, and distinctive elastic side panels. They are versatile footwear suitable for various activities and climates.
Who is a popular favorite character among Star Trek fans mentioned in the podcast?
Data, the android character from Star Trek: The Next Generation, is mentioned as a favorite character by multiple guests on the podcast.
What is the significance of napping for actors, according to the podcast?
Napping is highlighted as a valuable practice for actors to maintain energy and focus during long filming days. It's also humorously linked to the actor's life, where waiting is often paid for more than acting itself.
What makes William Friedkin's "Sorcerer" stand out?
"Sorcerer" is considered William Friedkin's masterpiece, surpassing even "The Wages of Fear" in its intensity and impact. Its independent production allowed for a unique and uncompromised artistic vision.
How did the independent production of "Rango" contribute to its success?
"Rango" was made independently during a writer's strike, allowing for creative freedom without studio interference. This led to its unique, "gnarly," and successful outcome, even winning an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
What is the speaker's philosophy on success and career longevity?
The speaker believes in benevolence, stating, "I don't want people to fail." They are happy for others' successes, even when they themselves have lost awards, indicating that their motivation is not solely for accolades.
Why is "Rango" considered unique and different from typical animated films?
"Rango" was produced independently, free from studio notes and constraints. This allowed for darker, more mature themes, such as a character contemplating suicide, which wouldn't typically be found in mainstream animated films like those from Pixar or Disney.
Show Notes
In this episode, John Logan sits down to reflect on a career shaped by bold choices and stories that have defined modern film, television, and theater... from Gladiator and Skyfall to Star Trek, Broadway, and beyond.
It’s a candid, wide-ranging look at the moments and relationships that shaped his path as a writer, dramatist, and creative force. We talk about storytelling at scale, protecting the soul of a franchise, collaborating with iconic performers and directors, and what it means to create work that lasts.
Dropping Names ...and other things, is a podcast featuring Brent Spiner and Jonathan Frakes stepping away from the spotlight to share the real stories... the fans, the friendships, the near-misses, the unexpected moments, and the names you never thought they’d drop.
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