Digest

Trevor Noah and Julia Louis-Dreyfus delve into the profound themes of death, grief, and the meaning of life in her new film, "Tuesday." They explore the film's unique blend of drama and comedy, with Noah noting the film's ability to evoke both laughter and tears. Louis-Dreyfus shares her personal experiences with loss and how she draws upon those experiences in her acting. The conversation also touches on the evolution of comedy and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of societal expectations. Noah and Louis-Dreyfus discuss the challenges and rewards of their respective careers, with Louis-Dreyfus emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts and embracing the unknown. The episode concludes with a discussion of Louis-Dreyfus's podcast, "Wiser Than Me," and her desire to create a museum dedicated to her work and impact.

Outlines

00:00:00

Action, And Action

This Chapter begins with Trevor Noah and Julia Louis-Dreyfus discussing the use of "Action" and "And Action" as cues for starting a scene. They debate whether the director's energy influences the scene's tone and whether a more intimate scene would be disrupted by a forceful "Action!".

00:01:40

Julia Louis-Dreyfus: A Conversation About Evolution

This Chapter introduces Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the guest on "What Now." Trevor Noah highlights her diverse career, from her iconic role as Elaine in "Seinfeld" to her acclaimed performance in "Veep." He also mentions her work in film and her recent foray into the podcast space. The conversation begins with Noah asking Louis-Dreyfus how she stays ahead of the curve and keeps her finger on the pulse of what's to come.

00:13:22

Exploring the Themes of 'Tuesday'

This Chapter delves into the themes and story of "Tuesday." Trevor Noah shares his initial impressions of the film, describing it as a unique blend of fantasy, fairy tale, and magical realism. He expresses his surprise at the film's depth and the unexpected emotional journey it takes the viewer on. Noah then asks Louis-Dreyfus about her experience working on the film and what drew her to the project.

00:19:40

Physical Comedy and the Absurdity of Life

This Chapter focuses on physical comedy and its role in "Tuesday." Trevor Noah expresses his fascination with physical comedy and its ability to be both the lowest and highest form of humor. He asks Louis-Dreyfus about her approach to physical comedy in a film that deals with such serious themes. They discuss the scene where Louis-Dreyfus's character grows to the size of the room and how it evokes both humor and a sense of the absurd.

00:24:42

Loss, Grief, and the Shift in Relationships

This Chapter explores the themes of loss and grief in "Tuesday." Trevor Noah asks Louis-Dreyfus about her personal experiences with loss and how they influenced her performance in the film. They discuss the universality of grief and how it can manifest in different ways. Louis-Dreyfus shares her perspective on how relationships with loved ones shift after death, but the connection remains.

00:30:17

The Power of Curiosity and 'Wiser Than Me'

This Chapter focuses on Julia Louis-Dreyfus's podcast, "Wiser Than Me." Trevor Noah asks her about the inspiration behind the podcast and what drives her to create it. Louis-Dreyfus explains that she was motivated by a desire to give a voice to older women and to explore their experiences and wisdom. She discusses the challenges and rewards of creating a podcast and how it allows her to connect with people on a deeper level.

00:37:06

Finding Balance and the Importance of Evolution

This Chapter delves into the balance between caring about audience reception and creating art for oneself. Trevor Noah asks Louis-Dreyfus how she navigates this delicate balance. They discuss the importance of staying true to oneself and not being paralyzed by the fear of judgment. The conversation then shifts to the evolution of comedy and society's changing views on humor. Louis-Dreyfus emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the evolution of comedy while also recognizing the value of past comedic traditions.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key themes explored in Julia Louis-Dreyfus's new film, "Tuesday"?

  The film explores themes of death, grief, loss, and the meaning of life. It follows a mother and daughter who are grappling with the death of a loved one and the complex emotions that come with it.

• How does Julia Louis-Dreyfus approach physical comedy in a film that deals with such serious themes?

  Louis-Dreyfus believes that physical comedy can be used to enhance a joke, create a sense of the absurd, and evoke both laughter and tears. She uses physical comedy in "Tuesday" to highlight the absurdity of life and death, and to create moments of humor that are both unexpected and poignant.

• What inspired Julia Louis-Dreyfus to create her podcast, "Wiser Than Me"?

  Louis-Dreyfus was inspired by a documentary about Jane Fonda that made her realize how many older women have fascinating stories to tell. She wanted to create a platform where these women could share their experiences and wisdom with a wider audience.

• How does Julia Louis-Dreyfus navigate the balance between caring about audience reception and creating art for herself?

  Louis-Dreyfus believes that it's important to stay true to oneself and not be paralyzed by the fear of judgment. She emphasizes the importance of creating art that is authentic and meaningful to her, even if it doesn't resonate with everyone.

• What is Julia Louis-Dreyfus's perspective on the evolution of comedy?

  Louis-Dreyfus believes that comedy is constantly evolving to reflect the changing social and cultural landscape. She acknowledges that society's views on what is funny have shifted over time, but she also recognizes the value of past comedic traditions.

• What advice would Julia Louis-Dreyfus give to her younger self?

  Louis-Dreyfus would tell her younger self to trust her instincts and to be more self-assured. She believes that experience has taught her to be more confident in her abilities and to embrace the unknown.

• What is Julia Louis-Dreyfus's "what now" for the future?

  Louis-Dreyfus feels like she is just starting and has a lot more to accomplish in life. She expresses a desire to do a musical on film and to continue exploring new creative avenues.

• How does Trevor Noah view the relationship between comedy and politics?

  Noah believes that comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary and political satire. He also believes that it's important for comedians to be aware of the impact their jokes have on others and to use their platform responsibly.

• What is Trevor Noah's perspective on the importance of finding common ground in a divided world?

  Noah believes that it's important to acknowledge that we are all moving in the same direction, even if we have different perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of respect and understanding in a world that is increasingly polarized.

• What is the significance of the Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan's story about watching "Veep" with Justice Scalia?

  Noah finds it significant that two individuals with vastly different political views could find common ground and laughter in a television show. He believes that this story highlights the power of comedy to bridge divides and to remind us of our shared humanity.

Show Notes