WEBVTT 00:01.433 --> 00:02.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [NARRATOR] Funding for Overheard With Evan Smith 00:02.933 --> 00:05.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% is provided in part by HillCo Partners, 00:05.966 --> 00:08.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% a Texas government affairs consultancy, 00:08.800 --> 00:11.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, 00:11.433 --> 00:13.466 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Claire and Carl Stuart, 00:13.466 --> 00:15.300 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% and by Entergy. 00:16.500 --> 00:17.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [EVAN SMITH] I'm Evan Smith. 00:17.700 --> 00:19.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He's an Academy Award Nominated Director 00:19.466 --> 00:22.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% whose credits include "Juno," "Up in the Air," 00:22.266 --> 00:23.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and "Thank You for Smoking." 00:23.666 --> 00:25.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% His latest film about the Gary Hart, 00:25.933 --> 00:28.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Donna Rice affair is "The Front Runner." 00:28.666 --> 00:30.300 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% He's Jason Reitman. 00:30.300 --> 00:31.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% This is Overheard. 00:32.600 --> 00:33.900 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Let's be honest. 00:33.900 --> 00:35.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Is this about the ability to learn, 00:35.766 --> 00:37.300 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% or is this about the experience 00:37.300 --> 00:38.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% of not having been taught properly? 00:38.766 --> 00:41.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% How have you avoided what has befallen 00:41.100 --> 00:42.333 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% other nations in Africa and 00:42.333 --> 00:44.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% You could say that he'd made his own bed, 00:44.366 --> 00:45.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% but you caused him to sleep in it. 00:45.900 --> 00:49.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% You know, you saw a problem, and over time, took it on. 00:49.366 --> 00:52.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Let's start with the sizzle before we get to the steak. 00:52.366 --> 00:53.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Are you gonna run for President? 00:53.666 --> 00:55.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I think I just got an F from you, actually. 00:56.133 --> 00:57.533 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% This is Overheard. 00:57.533 --> 01:00.966 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience applauds) 01:00.966 --> 01:02.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] Jason Reitman, welcome. 01:02.566 --> 01:03.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [JASON REITMAN] Thank you. 01:03.800 --> 01:04.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Thank you very much for being here. 01:04.966 --> 01:06.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Congratulations on your latest great film. 01:06.666 --> 01:08.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] Thank you very much. 01:08.166 --> 01:10.700 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% [SMITH] Why is Gary Hart of interest to an audience today? 01:10.700 --> 01:14.033 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% This is 30 years since the Gary Hart, Donna Rice story 01:14.033 --> 01:15.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% played out in front of all of us. 01:15.533 --> 01:18.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% You're 41, so you were 01:18.233 --> 01:19.766 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [REITMAN] I was 10. 01:19.766 --> 01:21.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Look, when this happened, I was much more interested 01:21.233 --> 01:22.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% in the trajectory of the "Back to the Future" trilogy 01:22.500 --> 01:24.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% than I was in American politics. 01:24.033 --> 01:27.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] I can cop to having been a nerd at that time. 01:27.066 --> 01:28.733 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I remember this story. 01:28.733 --> 01:30.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I'm fascinated, I'm your audience. 01:30.566 --> 01:32.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Why is it of interest to the broad audience? 01:32.833 --> 01:34.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Well, this, you know, really my journey 01:34.633 --> 01:36.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% on this film started three years ago 01:36.166 --> 01:38.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% when I listened to a Radio Lab piece about Gary Hart, 01:38.233 --> 01:40.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% based on Matt Bai's book of the same subject. 01:40.133 --> 01:42.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] Right, "All the Truth is Out" was the Matt Bai book. 01:42.300 --> 01:43.766 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% New York Times Magazine writer, 01:43.766 --> 01:45.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and other publications, great, great book. 01:45.700 --> 01:47.866 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% [REITMAN] Great book, and I just couldn't believe 01:47.866 --> 01:50.000 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% that there was this moment in our recent history 01:50.000 --> 01:51.966 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% when the presumed next President of the United States 01:51.966 --> 01:54.500 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% wound up in his alleyway in the middle of the night 01:54.500 --> 01:55.466 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% with these journalists. 01:55.466 --> 01:56.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] Pursued by reporters. 01:56.966 --> 01:57.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] No one knew what to do because no one 01:57.933 --> 02:00.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% had been in their shoes before. 02:00.533 --> 02:03.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Within a week, he had left politics forever. 02:03.133 --> 02:05.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% So, this idea, this thriller of a guy 02:05.133 --> 02:07.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% going from next president to leaving politics 02:07.066 --> 02:08.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% in less than a week. 02:08.800 --> 02:10.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It had all this connective tissue 02:10.300 --> 02:13.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% with all the things that we're talking about today, 02:13.033 --> 02:16.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% gender politics, what defines a public life 02:16.466 --> 02:18.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% versus a private life, the relationship 02:18.100 --> 02:19.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% between politicians and journalists. 02:19.766 --> 02:22.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It had all of that in this tight packed story. 02:22.433 --> 02:25.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Yeah, let's say that just 30 years ago, 02:25.000 --> 02:26.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% someone was forced out of a presidential race, 02:26.933 --> 02:29.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% or got himself out, because he had an affair 02:29.500 --> 02:31.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% with a woman, and was found out by the press, 02:31.133 --> 02:33.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and today we have the President of the United States 02:33.300 --> 02:36.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% who had his lawyer pay off a porn star 02:36.166 --> 02:38.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% who he had an affair with, 02:38.033 --> 02:40.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and everybody goes, "Eh.' 02:40.433 --> 02:41.700 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [REITMAN] Right. 02:41.700 --> 02:43.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Yeah, and it raises the real question... 02:43.400 --> 02:44.600 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] How far we've come. 02:44.600 --> 02:47.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] ...of what is our interest. 02:48.466 --> 02:49.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] You mean the public interest. 02:49.733 --> 02:52.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Yeah, look I'm like anyone here. 02:52.266 --> 02:54.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I wonder how the hell did we get here. 02:54.066 --> 02:58.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And I wake up, and the first thing I do is I open my phone, 02:58.133 --> 03:00.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and I check the news, and I go, oh no! 03:00.366 --> 03:03.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% And, generally there is a story. 03:04.800 --> 03:06.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% There'll be one story about, I don't know, 03:06.633 --> 03:08.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% the midterms, Kavanaugh hearings, whatever, 03:08.433 --> 03:12.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and then right next to it, from the same source, 03:12.200 --> 03:13.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% will be a story about Ariana Grande 03:13.966 --> 03:15.466 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and Pete Davidson breaking up. 03:17.133 --> 03:18.133 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% And it's confusing. 03:19.433 --> 03:21.766 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Which one's entertainment and which one is 03:21.766 --> 03:22.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] Which one is serious? 03:22.666 --> 03:24.200 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [REITMAN] Is politics. 03:24.200 --> 03:25.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] I could argue both sides of that, by the way. 03:25.433 --> 03:27.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Yeah, but we talk about politics now 03:27.866 --> 03:30.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% as though we're talking about last night's episode 03:30.100 --> 03:31.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% of "Sopranos" or "Game of Thrones." 03:31.833 --> 03:33.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] It's reality show stuff. 03:33.933 --> 03:35.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I mean that's it. 03:35.233 --> 03:36.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% That's the transformation of politics. 03:36.666 --> 03:37.600 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] So when I started talking to people 03:37.600 --> 03:39.066 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% about the Gary Hart scandal, 03:39.066 --> 03:40.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% people would inevitably say the same thing. 03:40.866 --> 03:44.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% They would go, Monkey Business. It's the name of this boat. 03:44.500 --> 03:46.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] The name of the boat that he and Donna Rice were on. 03:46.233 --> 03:48.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] And they would go, what was her name? 03:48.266 --> 03:49.766 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% What was that blonde's name? 03:49.766 --> 03:51.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% They would talk about her like she was an object, 03:51.300 --> 03:52.833 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% not a human being. 03:52.833 --> 03:55.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And I found that this story basically had become a meme, 03:55.533 --> 03:58.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% a joke, three ideas, a photograph. 03:59.866 --> 04:02.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And not something real, something that happened, 04:02.633 --> 04:04.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% something in which the ground shifted, 04:04.866 --> 04:09.466 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and our relationship with all these ideas changed. 04:09.466 --> 04:11.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] It was an extraordinary moment. 04:11.066 --> 04:12.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% People don't remember, if they don't remember, 04:12.533 --> 04:14.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% it was an extraordinary moment in American politics. 04:14.666 --> 04:16.100 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% So, the context is 04:16.100 --> 04:17.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Gary Hart's the United States Senator from Colorado. 04:17.733 --> 04:19.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% He runs for president in 1984. 04:19.966 --> 04:22.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Walter Mondale, the former vice president, 04:22.200 --> 04:24.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% is the presumed front runner in that race. 04:24.033 --> 04:25.066 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Hart comes on the scene. 04:25.066 --> 04:25.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% He's a fresh face. 04:25.900 --> 04:27.200 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% He has new ideas. 04:27.200 --> 04:28.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Mondale mocks him at the time 04:28.933 --> 04:31.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% for having these new ideas with nothing behind them, 04:31.533 --> 04:34.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% by calling out the old Wendy's ad campaign, 04:34.000 --> 04:35.500 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% "Where's the beef?' 04:35.500 --> 04:37.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% In fact, that's one of the earliest things in the movie 04:37.033 --> 04:38.533 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% is that clip of... 04:38.533 --> 04:40.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Yeah, it's one of the first things you see. 04:40.033 --> 04:41.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] Mondale saying to Hart, I think about that ad, 04:41.300 --> 04:42.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% "Where's the beef?' 04:42.700 --> 04:44.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Hart drops out, Mondale becomes the nominee, 04:44.466 --> 04:48.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% is crushed, as Hart suggests in the movie he will be, 04:48.133 --> 04:49.333 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% by Reagan. 04:49.333 --> 04:51.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Hart comes back around in '88, runs, 04:51.300 --> 04:53.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Yeah there's that famous electoral map 04:53.066 --> 04:54.433 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% where there's one state. 04:54.433 --> 04:56.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] One state, Minnesota, where Mondale wins. 04:56.833 --> 04:58.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And then Hart comes back four years later, 04:58.433 --> 05:02.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% runs again, and is the presumed front runner himself. 05:02.066 --> 05:04.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And so, this all plays out really, 05:04.066 --> 05:07.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% the '88 presidential campaign, Democratic primary. 05:07.666 --> 05:09.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% All this stuff plays out. 05:09.866 --> 05:12.333 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Hugh Jackman plays Gary Hart. 05:12.333 --> 05:13.600 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [REITMAN] Yes. 05:13.600 --> 05:15.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Hugh Jackman is a terrific actor. 05:15.533 --> 05:18.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I wouldn't have imagined Hugh Jackman as Gary Hart, 05:18.166 --> 05:19.533 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% in all the world. 05:19.533 --> 05:21.266 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Well, he's Australian. 05:21.266 --> 05:22.733 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% And he's Wolverine. 05:22.733 --> 05:25.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] That's the problem is he's Wolverine! 05:25.333 --> 05:27.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Wolverine had an affair with Donna Rice. 05:27.766 --> 05:29.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] The press go after Wolverine, 05:29.133 --> 05:30.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and Wolverine's just like ssshhhh. 05:30.800 --> 05:33.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Ahhhh, Washington Post, ahhhh. 05:33.300 --> 05:35.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Right, no but I'm really thinking about 05:35.200 --> 05:37.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] I like your Wolverine impersonation. 05:37.733 --> 05:38.733 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] You only get one. 05:39.933 --> 05:41.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I'm actually thinking about, 05:41.366 --> 05:42.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% the whole time I'm watching this, 05:42.633 --> 05:44.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% he disappeared into that character. 05:44.866 --> 05:45.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% You know what it made me think of? 05:45.866 --> 05:47.800 align:left position:30%,start line:83% size:60% It made me think of another movie 05:47.800 --> 05:49.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% with Ben Bradlee portrayed by somebody. 05:49.433 --> 05:50.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% It made me think of "The Post" 05:50.933 --> 05:53.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and Meryl Streep playing Katharine Graham. 05:53.066 --> 05:55.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% After a while, I forgot it was Meryl Streep. 05:55.466 --> 05:57.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And after a while, I forgot it was Hugh Jackman. 05:58.933 --> 06:00.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Hugh Jackman, beyond being 06:00.733 --> 06:02.733 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% one of the most decent actors 06:02.733 --> 06:05.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I've ever met, is easily the hardest working. 06:05.333 --> 06:06.166 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] Works hard. 06:06.166 --> 06:07.400 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [REITMAN] Oh my God. 06:07.400 --> 06:08.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I remember one day I saw him he had 06:08.600 --> 06:11.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% a notebook this thick, all on Gary Hart, 06:11.433 --> 06:12.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and I said, "Did you read that whole thing?' 06:12.666 --> 06:15.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And he said, 'That's book one of five." 06:15.433 --> 06:17.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It was a stack this high of research. 06:17.300 --> 06:18.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] He prepared. 06:18.800 --> 06:20.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] He knew speeches that were not in the movie. 06:20.266 --> 06:21.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% He knew talking points that weren't in the movie. 06:21.633 --> 06:22.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% There's this press conference at the end of it, 06:22.900 --> 06:24.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% a really important press conference, 06:24.033 --> 06:26.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and the whole direction was 06:26.033 --> 06:27.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% look there's an X on the ground out there. 06:27.866 --> 06:29.133 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Go stand on it. 06:29.133 --> 06:30.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% People are gonna start asking you questions. 06:30.133 --> 06:31.600 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMTIH] And he just did it. 06:31.600 --> 06:32.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] He didn't know where they were gonna come from. 06:32.866 --> 06:35.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He became this role, he took it very seriously, 06:35.266 --> 06:36.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and it's a very tricky part. 06:36.933 --> 06:38.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% If you think about Hugh Jackman, 06:38.266 --> 06:40.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% what you think about is this actor who, 06:40.600 --> 06:43.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% whether he's P.T. Barnum, or in Les Mis, or even Logan, 06:43.700 --> 06:46.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% he's an actor who kinda reaches out from the screen, 06:46.066 --> 06:47.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and grabs the audience by the ribs, 06:47.500 --> 06:48.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and pulls them into the movie. 06:48.900 --> 06:50.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% This is a very different role. 06:50.366 --> 06:52.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% This is Hugh Jackman like you've never seen him before, 06:52.200 --> 06:55.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% 'cause he plays an enigma, which is a very tricky thing. 06:55.066 --> 06:57.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] And sometimes empathetic in the movie, 06:57.066 --> 06:59.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% or sometimes you feel empathy or sympathy for him, 06:59.733 --> 07:03.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% but often he is both beleaguered and contemptuous 07:03.033 --> 07:05.466 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% in this character, as Gary Hart himself actually was. 07:05.466 --> 07:07.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Right, and we're trying to understand him. 07:07.300 --> 07:09.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% We're trying to understand his decisions, 07:09.900 --> 07:12.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and he brings us like within an inch, 07:12.066 --> 07:13.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% but never completely lets us in. 07:13.533 --> 07:15.966 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Right, so J.K. Simmons plays the campaign manager, 07:15.966 --> 07:17.200 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Bill Dixon in this film. 07:17.200 --> 07:18.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Yeah, it's my ninth movie with him. 07:18.566 --> 07:21.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] I remembered that you produced, 07:21.566 --> 07:23.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% executive producer of "Whiplash," right? 07:23.266 --> 07:25.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% But you've done other things with him, right? 07:25.366 --> 07:27.066 align:left position:20%,start line:77% size:70% [REITMAN] "Thank You for Smoking," "Juno," "Up in the Air." 07:27.066 --> 07:29.400 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] What an extraordinary, he was the dad in Juno. 07:29.400 --> 07:31.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% He is an extraordinary actor. 07:31.566 --> 07:32.800 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [REITMAN] Yes. 07:32.800 --> 07:35.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And is just great, and he's very J.K. Simmons, 07:35.033 --> 07:37.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% let me just say it that way, in this movie. 07:37.300 --> 07:38.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Alfred Molina plays Ben Bradlee. 07:38.700 --> 07:39.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] First time working with Molina. 07:39.633 --> 07:41.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I mean, that's a life goal. 07:41.433 --> 07:44.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] And Vera Farmiga is Lee Hart. 07:44.633 --> 07:46.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And you had worked with her before. 07:46.333 --> 07:49.866 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% One of my favorite scenes in "Up in the Air," a great film, 07:49.866 --> 07:50.700 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% [REITMAN] Thank you. 07:50.700 --> 07:52.200 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% [SMITH] A great film, 07:52.200 --> 07:54.533 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% was when George Clooney goes to Chicago, finally to say 07:54.533 --> 07:56.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Are you about to ruin it? 07:56.233 --> 07:57.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughs) 07:57.233 --> 07:58.533 align:left position:30%,start line:83% size:60% You are about to spoil the movie. 07:58.533 --> 07:59.766 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [SMITH] I could. 07:59.766 --> 08:01.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It's an old movie. Can you spoil an old movie? 08:01.333 --> 08:02.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] You what scene I love in "Citizen Kane?" 08:02.700 --> 08:04.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% It's when they finally... [SMITH] Rosebud! 08:04.033 --> 08:06.700 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (laughing) 08:06.700 --> 08:08.100 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [SMITH] Hold it. 08:08.100 --> 08:10.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Isn't there a statute of limitations on ruining a movie? 08:10.366 --> 08:11.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Let me tell you about the "Usual Suspects." 08:11.633 --> 08:12.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Juno gets pregnant. Spoiler. 08:12.900 --> 08:15.300 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (Jason laughing) 08:15.300 --> 08:18.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Well, I'm just gonna say, fill in your own blank. 08:18.233 --> 08:19.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% But she's a great actress, 08:19.500 --> 08:21.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and I remember seeing her in "The Departed," 08:21.433 --> 08:23.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% right, in which she was absolutely fantastic, 08:23.833 --> 08:26.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and you have found two great roles for her. 08:26.400 --> 08:28.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% So, I think the casting of this is amazing. 08:28.033 --> 08:30.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And as I said to you before we came on stage, 08:30.000 --> 08:32.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% these big name actors are supported by 08:32.700 --> 08:36.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% an actor from every HBO series, in a supporting role. 08:36.033 --> 08:38.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Paul from the "The Deuce," Big Head from "Silicon Valley," 08:38.800 --> 08:42.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Ray from "Girls" are all in minor parts in this. 08:42.133 --> 08:44.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It's such a wonderful collection of people, 08:44.966 --> 08:46.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and you're always so good with actors. 08:46.266 --> 08:47.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] That's very kind. 08:47.500 --> 08:48.933 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% Look, this is a movie with 20 main characters. 08:48.933 --> 08:50.133 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% [SMITH] Yeah, it really is. 08:50.133 --> 08:51.366 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% [REITMAN] And it's easy to get lost into 08:51.366 --> 08:52.566 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% the Gary Hart of it all. 08:52.566 --> 08:54.300 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% But it's actually almost not about him, 08:54.300 --> 08:56.133 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% as much as it is about the rest of us. 08:56.133 --> 08:58.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% What's interesting about the Gary Hart scandal 08:58.033 --> 08:59.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% is what it says about the rest of us. 08:59.800 --> 09:01.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] So what is the message 09:01.100 --> 09:02.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that we're supposed to take away from this. 09:02.300 --> 09:04.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Because I think the point you made earlier, 09:04.033 --> 09:06.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% how far we've come and how far we haven't, 09:06.500 --> 09:08.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% the fact that what was then considered to be 09:08.533 --> 09:11.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% this extraordinary scandal wouldn't even really rate today, 09:11.666 --> 09:13.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% given the politics of the moment, right? 09:13.233 --> 09:15.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I mean having an affair is so quaint. 09:15.100 --> 09:16.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] I think that was your point. 09:16.300 --> 09:17.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] But you don't think that's true? 09:19.266 --> 09:20.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% It seems undeniable to me. 09:20.433 --> 09:22.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] I think sex matters. 09:22.100 --> 09:23.333 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [SMITH] Still. 09:23.333 --> 09:25.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Well, it's this white hot topic, 09:25.933 --> 09:27.766 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and when we talk about sex, 09:27.766 --> 09:29.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% we don't talk about anything else, 09:29.200 --> 09:30.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% so we just have to be very judicious 09:30.966 --> 09:32.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% about when we talk about it and how we talk about it. 09:32.733 --> 09:34.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Would it be a disqualifier today? 09:34.166 --> 09:35.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Somebody comes on the scene. 09:35.433 --> 09:36.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% We're about to have a presidential campaign 09:36.666 --> 09:38.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% with 150 Democrats running, apparently. 09:38.700 --> 09:41.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% If one of them is found to have had an affair, 09:41.466 --> 09:43.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% would that be a disqualifier in the way that it was then? 09:43.433 --> 09:45.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Here's the interesting question. 09:45.700 --> 09:46.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% We live in a moment, where, 09:46.966 --> 09:49.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% if you're someone who experiences shame, 09:49.833 --> 09:51.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% you step out of the race, and you walk away. 09:51.900 --> 09:53.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% If you're someone who doesn't experience shame... 09:53.866 --> 09:54.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] The absence of shame. 09:56.066 --> 09:57.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] ...you stay in and you thrive. 09:57.533 --> 10:00.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% So, we have a system that somehow favors the shameless. 10:00.800 --> 10:02.300 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughs) 10:02.300 --> 10:04.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] You just depressed me to an extraordinary degree. 10:04.300 --> 10:05.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] Nice to meet y'all. 10:06.366 --> 10:07.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% (Jason and audience laugh) 10:07.533 --> 10:09.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] An upbeat moment in this interview. 10:09.200 --> 10:11.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Before we kinda broaden from this film, 10:11.733 --> 10:13.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I wanna talk about two things in this film 10:13.100 --> 10:14.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% that really I loved. 10:14.700 --> 10:17.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% There is a pivotal scene in the alley, 10:17.133 --> 10:19.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% you talked about this, where the reporters confront, 10:19.200 --> 10:20.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and again not spoiling anything, 10:20.933 --> 10:22.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% people know the Gary Hart story. 10:22.500 --> 10:23.733 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% There's a pivotal scene. 10:23.733 --> 10:24.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] He doesn't become president. 10:24.533 --> 10:25.333 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] By the way. 10:25.333 --> 10:26.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughs) 10:26.800 --> 10:27.966 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% In the end. There's a pivotal scene in the alley 10:27.966 --> 10:29.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% where the Washington Post reporter, 10:29.266 --> 10:30.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I mean the Miami Herald reporters, pardon me, 10:30.733 --> 10:32.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% have been stalking Gary Hart. 10:32.266 --> 10:33.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% They've been staking him out, 10:33.666 --> 10:35.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and they finally confront Hart in the alley, 10:35.666 --> 10:37.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and they have kind of, what I would describe as, 10:37.200 --> 10:39.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% an argument about why they're there. 10:39.733 --> 10:42.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And at one point, after the reporter for the Herald, 10:42.300 --> 10:44.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Tom Fiedler, or the character playing Tom Fiedler, 10:44.100 --> 10:45.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% asked questions of Hart, what is he doing 10:45.933 --> 10:47.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and the relationship with the woman, 10:47.433 --> 10:51.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Hart, Hugh Jackman says to him, "I know my responsibility." 10:51.900 --> 10:53.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% He's basically saying isn't it 10:53.166 --> 10:54.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% your responsibility to answer these questions. 10:54.133 --> 10:55.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% "I know my responsibility, 10:55.366 --> 10:56.833 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% do you know yours?" 10:56.833 --> 10:59.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And I thought, what a great encapsulation 10:59.000 --> 11:01.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% of the relationship between the politics and the press. 11:01.433 --> 11:03.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% What side of the line you're on. 11:03.500 --> 11:06.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% In that respect nothing has changed. 11:06.633 --> 11:08.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He may as well have said fake news. 11:09.533 --> 11:10.600 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] I mean, I suppose so. 11:10.600 --> 11:12.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% It's not even as much fake news, 11:12.533 --> 11:15.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% in my opinion, as much as what is relevant? 11:15.866 --> 11:17.100 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% And that is the question 11:17.100 --> 11:18.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that the movie is asking all the time. 11:18.800 --> 11:20.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] Well, didn't we have, and again I go back 11:20.233 --> 11:22.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% to the current president, then candidate, 11:22.133 --> 11:25.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and when the Access Hollywood tape came out. 11:25.166 --> 11:28.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Wasn't the argument by the Trump folks, 11:28.033 --> 11:31.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and maybe Trump even himself, why does this matter 11:31.233 --> 11:32.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% or this shouldn't matter? 11:32.666 --> 11:33.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] He made so many different arguments. 11:33.633 --> 11:35.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% At first he was making arguments 11:35.166 --> 11:37.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% about it not even being true. 11:37.100 --> 11:38.333 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] It wasn't me. 11:38.333 --> 11:39.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yeah, it wasn't me and then didn't matter 11:39.900 --> 11:41.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% or it's locker room talk. 11:43.133 --> 11:44.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] But the locker room talk argument basically 11:44.566 --> 11:48.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% is another way of saying, is this relevant? 11:48.100 --> 11:53.000 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Right. So, this is why the Gary Hart scandal 11:53.000 --> 11:55.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% is such an interesting litmus test. 11:55.500 --> 11:57.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It's really hard to talk about Trump. 11:57.033 --> 11:58.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He's such an indecent human being 11:58.533 --> 12:01.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% that I just can't find the worthy conversation, frankly. 12:01.833 --> 12:06.000 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% But with Gary Hart, you have a guy, who was prescient 12:06.000 --> 12:07.600 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% beyond all imagination. 12:07.600 --> 12:09.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He was a guy who, in the mid '80s, was saying 12:09.533 --> 12:10.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% this country is addicted to oil. 12:10.966 --> 12:12.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% That addiction will take us into the Middle East 12:12.700 --> 12:14.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% where we will encounter Islamic terrorism 12:14.600 --> 12:16.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and not know how to fight it, 12:16.100 --> 12:17.766 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% 'cause we have a military that primarily bombs people. 12:17.766 --> 12:19.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] He was basically talking about climate 12:19.166 --> 12:20.600 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% before climate was a thing. 12:20.600 --> 12:21.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Before climate, he talked about it. 12:21.833 --> 12:23.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% In '81 he met Steve Jobs in the garage 12:23.766 --> 12:25.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and came back to the Senate and said, 12:25.266 --> 12:27.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "The economic difference in the future will be 12:27.066 --> 12:29.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% those who know how to use computers and those who don't, 12:29.733 --> 12:32.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and we need to put a computer in every classroom." 12:32.566 --> 12:34.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% In '99 he went to George Bush and said, 12:34.633 --> 12:36.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "We're gonna be attacked by planes." 12:36.100 --> 12:39.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% This is a guy who has been able to see around every corner, 12:39.233 --> 12:42.100 align:left position:20%,start line:77% size:70% who was charismatic, Kennedyesque, was a great candidate. 12:42.100 --> 12:44.766 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Also, a human being. [SMITH] Flawed, like the rest of us. 12:44.766 --> 12:46.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Flawed and makes mistakes, 12:46.533 --> 12:48.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and makes mistakes that we can understand, 12:48.866 --> 12:50.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% not ones like the Access Hollywood tape 12:50.333 --> 12:51.833 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% that literally boggle the mind, 12:51.833 --> 12:54.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% but real mistakes that happen to real marriages. 12:54.266 --> 12:58.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% So, now the question is, what of it matters? 12:58.466 --> 13:00.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Now we can have this conversation, 13:00.100 --> 13:01.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% particularly thirty years later, 13:01.500 --> 13:03.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% not at a 12, the way it happens on Twitter, 13:03.566 --> 13:05.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% but in this movie where it's at a six. 13:05.833 --> 13:07.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] And I love the fact, because it does 13:07.366 --> 13:09.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% cause us all to have that, I totally agree with you, 13:09.366 --> 13:12.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that it occasions that conversation. 13:12.166 --> 13:13.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Quickly, the second thing in the movie 13:13.433 --> 13:14.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that I wanna call out specifically. 13:14.966 --> 13:18.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% There's a scene with Alex Karpovsky and J.K. Simmons 13:18.200 --> 13:22.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% talking about Warren Beatty and Gary Hart 13:22.533 --> 13:24.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% who are famously friends. 13:24.500 --> 13:27.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And J.K. Simmons is recounting the conversation 13:27.166 --> 13:29.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% that Hart had told him that he and Warren Beatty had had, 13:29.033 --> 13:31.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and Beatty is saying basically, 13:31.500 --> 13:34.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% "There's no privacy anymore, cameras are everywhere.' 13:34.366 --> 13:37.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And Hart says, "Well, that's just Hollywood. 13:37.300 --> 13:38.566 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% That's not politics. 13:38.566 --> 13:40.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% That's the paparazzi." And Beatty's reaction, 13:40.566 --> 13:41.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and J.K. Simmons' reaction is. 13:41.700 --> 13:43.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "No, that's basically everything." 13:43.333 --> 13:47.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% We are now in an era where everything is filmed, streamed. 13:47.733 --> 13:48.866 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Nothing is private. 13:48.866 --> 13:50.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The E in email stands for everybody. 13:50.833 --> 13:54.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% You can't really expect any privacy at any moment, 13:54.633 --> 13:56.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and especially if you're in public life, 13:56.200 --> 13:57.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% if you're running for president. 13:57.666 --> 14:01.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% You are the public's property, 100% of the time, right? 14:01.166 --> 14:03.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I think that's an amazing realization, 14:03.466 --> 14:05.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and the fact that it was a shock to anybody, 14:05.033 --> 14:08.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Gary Hart or anybody else ever seems so weird. 14:08.566 --> 14:10.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Right, and so it raises this question 14:10.700 --> 14:13.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% of who is not running for politics because of that. 14:13.300 --> 14:14.733 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [SMITH] Right. 14:14.733 --> 14:15.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Gary Hart steps away from this race. 14:15.900 --> 14:17.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Gary Hart isn't kicked out of politics. 14:17.433 --> 14:18.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Gary Hart walks away from politics. 14:18.866 --> 14:21.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] He makes a conscious decision to walk away. 14:21.133 --> 14:23.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - The interesting thing about Hart is that, 14:23.900 --> 14:26.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% this word that always come up with Hart is character. 14:26.233 --> 14:27.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% What does it say about his character? 14:27.700 --> 14:29.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Well, one thing that it says about his character is 14:29.933 --> 14:31.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% he wasn't willing to say whatever we wanted, 14:31.833 --> 14:34.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% he wasn't willing to lie, he didn't come back and say, 14:34.633 --> 14:35.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% "I'll do whatever you need. 14:35.866 --> 14:37.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% What do you need me to do to be the president?" 14:37.366 --> 14:38.733 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% He didn't walk away for a year 14:38.733 --> 14:41.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and then get a job at MSNBC and be like, 14:41.133 --> 14:43.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% oh I'll be a pundit, and then I'll find my way back in. 14:43.100 --> 14:44.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] He didn't make excuses. 14:44.800 --> 14:46.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] He walked away and he stayed away. 14:46.733 --> 14:49.166 align:left position:30%,start line:83% size:60% Wrote books, but lived in Denver. 14:49.166 --> 14:52.233 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% So, how many other Gary Harts are there? 14:52.233 --> 14:54.533 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% How many other people who are not running 14:54.533 --> 14:56.166 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% because they look at these debates, 14:56.166 --> 14:58.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and they look at our president, and go, 14:58.433 --> 14:59.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "That's the conversation you wanna have?' 14:59.566 --> 15:01.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] I don't wanna do that. 15:01.033 --> 15:02.233 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] "No, thank you." 15:02.233 --> 15:03.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Have you shown the film to Hart? 15:03.400 --> 15:04.633 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [REITMAN] Oh, yeah. 15:04.633 --> 15:06.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Talk about the scariest screening of my life. 15:06.733 --> 15:07.566 align:left position:30%,start line:83% size:60% [SMITH] Alright, talk about that. 15:07.566 --> 15:09.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [REITMAN] Uh, I mean... 15:09.900 --> 15:10.833 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMTIH] Cause he's still alive. 15:10.833 --> 15:12.300 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% He's still out in the world. 15:12.300 --> 15:13.833 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - He's alive. 15:13.833 --> 15:15.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% They are married. They've been married for 60 years, 15:15.033 --> 15:16.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% just celebrated their 60th anniversary. 15:16.533 --> 15:17.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] 60th anniversary. 15:17.700 --> 15:18.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] Yeah, it's incredible. 15:18.933 --> 15:20.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - A marriage made of titanium, 15:20.366 --> 15:21.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% given everything they went through. 15:21.833 --> 15:23.966 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] And that's the thing, is marriage is complicated. 15:23.966 --> 15:25.566 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Marriage is tough. 15:25.566 --> 15:26.400 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I've been married. 15:26.400 --> 15:27.466 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I'm also divorced. 15:27.466 --> 15:28.300 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Look, I get it. 15:28.300 --> 15:29.133 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% It is tough. 15:29.133 --> 15:31.966 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% And I respect them, 15:31.966 --> 15:34.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and I also kind of want to afford them some privacy. 15:34.633 --> 15:37.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% But look, I went to Denver with the movie. 15:37.100 --> 15:38.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I've also shown it to Donna Rice. 15:38.533 --> 15:40.000 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] You have? 15:40.000 --> 15:42.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Yeah, she was actually the first person to see it. 15:42.500 --> 15:45.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% But I go to Denver, and Gary and Lee watched the film. 15:45.333 --> 15:48.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I was just pacing outside the theater for the entire time. 15:48.066 --> 15:49.233 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% And they came out, and we went 15:49.233 --> 15:51.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% for hot chocolates together, their choice. 15:51.233 --> 15:54.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And the first thing that Gary said was, 15:54.833 --> 15:56.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% "Do I really talk like that?" 15:56.500 --> 15:59.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And his wife Lee said, "Yes, Darling. 15:59.066 --> 16:01.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% "That's exactly how you speak." 16:01.533 --> 16:02.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] Good note. 16:02.700 --> 16:03.933 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% That's very funny. 16:03.933 --> 16:05.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Yeah, and it's interesting. 16:05.100 --> 16:06.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Well of course, he'd seen the book 16:06.166 --> 16:07.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% that it was based on. 16:07.900 --> 16:08.833 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] He knows the story. 16:08.833 --> 16:10.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] They know the story. 16:10.366 --> 16:12.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Again, no spoilers for them, either. 16:12.500 --> 16:14.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Honestly it was almost more complicated 16:14.333 --> 16:15.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% when I showed his daughter the movie, 16:15.633 --> 16:17.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% who is a character in the film as well, 16:17.333 --> 16:19.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and who I got to know well. 16:19.033 --> 16:20.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% His daughter and I have something in common, 16:20.766 --> 16:23.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% in that we both carry a legacy for a living. 16:23.200 --> 16:26.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% We were both born the children of famous people. 16:26.300 --> 16:29.000 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% And so, I told her that. 16:29.000 --> 16:31.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The first time, I said, "I know what it's like. 16:31.366 --> 16:33.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I know what it's like to carry that legacy." 16:33.400 --> 16:35.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It's a strange thing to be born into that. 16:35.333 --> 16:38.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And I said, "I'm making that movie with this in mind." 16:38.933 --> 16:40.500 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% [SMITH] Let me say a word about your dad, 16:40.500 --> 16:42.000 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% since you brought up 16:42.000 --> 16:42.933 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% the fact that you're the child of a famous person. 16:42.933 --> 16:44.133 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% You're dad, Ivan Reitman, 16:44.133 --> 16:46.200 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% is one of the all time great directors. 16:46.200 --> 16:49.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% In my lifetime, I think about three things that he did. 16:49.633 --> 16:51.366 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I think about "Stripes." 16:51.366 --> 16:52.833 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I think about "Ghostbusters." 16:52.833 --> 16:54.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I think about "Meatballs." 16:54.866 --> 16:57.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% This is a director who figured out 16:57.166 --> 16:59.466 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% what to do with Bill Murray, 16:59.466 --> 17:03.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% before Wes Anderson, before anybody else. 17:03.466 --> 17:05.300 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% I mean, amazing. 17:05.300 --> 17:06.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% What did you learn? 17:06.233 --> 17:08.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% You were on those sets, right? 17:08.966 --> 17:11.466 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] I was also on the set of "Animal House." 17:11.466 --> 17:12.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] He was a producer of "Animal House," right? 17:12.866 --> 17:15.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Yeah, imagine the impact. 17:15.233 --> 17:16.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] And you know what? 17:16.633 --> 17:17.533 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I've seen that movie. 17:17.533 --> 17:19.000 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% It still holds up. 17:19.000 --> 17:21.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Well, in fact all those movies hold up that I named. 17:21.500 --> 17:23.300 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [REITMAN] Yeah. 17:24.333 --> 17:25.600 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% "Animal House" has a lot of fans 17:25.600 --> 17:28.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% including Supreme Court justices now. 17:28.033 --> 17:31.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Amazing, again, how far we've come. 17:31.200 --> 17:34.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] But, everything I know about storytelling 17:34.833 --> 17:37.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I learned from my father, and.. 17:37.166 --> 17:39.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] Is it stuff that you observed and took in 17:39.633 --> 17:41.066 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% or is it stuff that he told you? 17:41.066 --> 17:42.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Did he sit down and say, these are the lessons? 17:42.033 --> 17:43.533 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [REITMAN] It's the same. 17:43.533 --> 17:45.600 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I grew up on these sets and grew up watching film sets 17:45.600 --> 17:50.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and being a part of the kind of circus that is that life, 17:50.233 --> 17:54.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It's things like, the day my father said, 17:54.166 --> 17:56.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "You gotta come over and watch '24.'" 17:56.100 --> 17:57.600 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% And I said, "What?" 17:57.600 --> 17:59.000 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And he said, "You gotta come over and watch '24.'" 17:59.000 --> 18:00.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I said, "The Kiefer Sutherland show?" 18:00.966 --> 18:02.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% He said, "Yes, come on over." 18:02.800 --> 18:04.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% So I went over to my dad's house. 18:04.366 --> 18:05.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He has a movie theater in his house. 18:05.500 --> 18:06.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% We sat down, and we watched 18:06.700 --> 18:08.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% four episodes, four hours, of "24." 18:08.733 --> 18:12.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And I said, "God, why is this show so good? 18:12.166 --> 18:14.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Aren't there like a billion shows about terrorism?" 18:14.033 --> 18:17.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And he said, "This isn't a show about terrorism. 18:17.533 --> 18:20.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% This is a show about a guy 18:20.100 --> 18:22.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% trying to keep his family together." 18:22.333 --> 18:23.600 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] He got it. 18:23.600 --> 18:25.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] He said, the location is terrorism. 18:25.333 --> 18:28.466 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% He said, "Never mistake your location for your story." 18:28.466 --> 18:29.300 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% It's like pfffff. 18:29.300 --> 18:30.733 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] He got it. 18:30.733 --> 18:32.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] And then I go, "Oh that's right." 18:32.166 --> 18:33.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Juno's not about teen pregnancy. 18:33.800 --> 18:36.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Teen pregnancy is a location. 18:36.633 --> 18:38.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "Juno" is a movie about innocence 18:38.833 --> 18:40.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and the moment you decide to become an adult, 18:40.700 --> 18:42.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% whether it's too early or too late. 18:42.600 --> 18:44.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% And so it's lessons like that. 18:44.933 --> 18:47.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Don't confuse your location for your story. 18:47.366 --> 18:49.733 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% The amount of ideas like that, 18:49.733 --> 18:52.200 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% that my father has given to me, 18:52.200 --> 18:54.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% is the greatest film school any person could ever have. 18:54.733 --> 18:57.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - "Thank You for Smoking" is based on a Chris Buckley book. 18:57.433 --> 18:59.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "Up in the Air" is based on a Walter Kirn book. 18:59.800 --> 19:01.333 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% In the case of "Juno," 19:01.333 --> 19:02.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I know that it's... [REITMAN] I have no original ideas. 19:02.533 --> 19:05.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] It's the Diablo Cody script, right? 19:05.066 --> 19:06.533 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [REITMAN] Yeah. 19:06.533 --> 19:08.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] But I want to come back to the casting. 19:08.100 --> 19:10.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% You seem to be a particularly excellent director, 19:10.300 --> 19:13.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% as it relates to finding actors who are the right actors. 19:13.366 --> 19:14.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I think about "Up in the Air," 19:14.566 --> 19:15.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and I think about "Juno," the challenge. 19:15.766 --> 19:18.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% You have George Clooney, who is literally 19:18.266 --> 19:19.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, 19:19.800 --> 19:21.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% a matinee idol, has done so much, 19:21.833 --> 19:24.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and then you have Ellen Page, on the other hand. 19:24.733 --> 19:27.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% If this is not Ellen Page's first major project, 19:27.733 --> 19:29.933 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% it's nearly her entrance 19:29.933 --> 19:33.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% into this level of Hollywood success. 19:33.533 --> 19:35.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% The difference that you must, 19:35.900 --> 19:37.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% understanding who they are, and how they fit, 19:37.800 --> 19:40.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and how you direct them, I wish you wold reflect on that. 19:40.700 --> 19:42.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I am a director who has benefited 19:42.266 --> 19:44.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% from the luck of people saying yes. 19:44.466 --> 19:45.433 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% George said yes. 19:45.433 --> 19:46.266 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Ellen said yes. 19:46.266 --> 19:47.666 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Charlize said yes. 19:47.666 --> 19:49.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% These are the reason these movies are great. 19:49.866 --> 19:51.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% It's easy to think, you know who'd be a good idea? 19:51.900 --> 19:53.400 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% George Clooney. 19:53.400 --> 19:56.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% It's that idea that he said yes that was way more important. 19:56.200 --> 19:57.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] You know, if you're lucky in that case, 19:57.566 --> 19:59.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% you get Jon Hamm, if you're lucky. 19:59.200 --> 20:00.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% You don't get George Clooney. 20:00.433 --> 20:01.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] I'd love to work with Jon Hamm. 20:01.933 --> 20:04.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% But look, Ellen Page is an extraordinary young actress. 20:04.900 --> 20:06.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I had seen a movie called "Hard Candy" 20:06.200 --> 20:07.466 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% that she was phenomenal in. 20:07.466 --> 20:08.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I knew that she was right for the role. 20:08.666 --> 20:09.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] But she really was not long 20:09.733 --> 20:11.200 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% in the business at that point. 20:11.200 --> 20:12.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] She was not well known, but I knew who she was, 20:12.700 --> 20:15.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and the people who had tracked her knew how gifted she was. 20:15.066 --> 20:16.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Michael Cera I knew from 20:16.233 --> 20:17.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "Arrested Development" at that point. 20:17.900 --> 20:20.466 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Jen Garner and Jason Bateman I knew from other things. 20:20.466 --> 20:23.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] A little bit again, just talk about that. 20:23.900 --> 20:27.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Jen Garner, Jason Bateman, J.K. Simmons, Michael Cera. 20:27.233 --> 20:28.500 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Allison Janney. 20:28.500 --> 20:30.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Juno's parents both have Oscars now. 20:30.066 --> 20:31.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons. 20:31.500 --> 20:32.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] And J.K. Simmons, isn't that amazing? 20:32.533 --> 20:34.933 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [REITMAN] Yeah. So... 20:34.933 --> 20:38.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Look, my father once said to me, 20:38.666 --> 20:40.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "Don't worry about it being funny. 20:40.666 --> 20:42.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Your barometer for comedy will never be as strong 20:42.866 --> 20:44.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% as your barometer for truth. 20:44.366 --> 20:47.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Your job on set is to ask yourself, do you believe it?" 20:47.233 --> 20:49.733 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% And that's it. That's your job. 20:49.733 --> 20:51.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% How the conversation happens, when they sit down, 20:51.566 --> 20:54.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% stand up, whether someone gets elevated, 20:55.800 --> 20:57.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% whether a conversation should end sooner, 20:57.966 --> 20:59.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% their clothes, their hair, the room. 20:59.800 --> 21:01.233 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Ask yourself, do you believe it? 21:01.233 --> 21:05.000 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] But that's ultimately about execution. 21:05.000 --> 21:06.500 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [REITMAN] Uh huh. 21:06.500 --> 21:08.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - It's not about the choice of 21:08.433 --> 21:10.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% whether the story is worth telling to begin with. 21:10.833 --> 21:13.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I come back to the Gary Hart story. 21:13.100 --> 21:16.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I'd say, you had to see "Thank You for Smoking" 21:16.166 --> 21:18.133 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% in print to think, 21:18.133 --> 21:21.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I can turn this into a great film, or "Up in the Air." 21:21.433 --> 21:22.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% "Up in the Air," of those three, seems to me 21:22.933 --> 21:27.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% to be the least likely narrative to transform into, 21:27.533 --> 21:29.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% what I think is, an unbelievably compelling... 21:29.433 --> 21:31.233 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I happen to love that movie. 21:31.233 --> 21:33.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I think it's an amazing film, but I don't know 21:33.400 --> 21:35.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% that I would have read the book and thought it's a movie. 21:35.900 --> 21:37.600 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] Well, you tell stories 'cause you have to. 21:37.600 --> 21:38.900 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [SMITH] Yeah. 21:38.900 --> 21:41.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] They're too hard otherwise. 21:41.500 --> 21:43.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% They require too much sacrifice. 21:43.633 --> 21:48.000 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% You give up on friends and family to go make movies. 21:49.433 --> 21:51.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] How long did it take to make the Hart movie? 21:51.033 --> 21:52.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] I've been working on that for three years, 21:52.733 --> 21:54.000 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% but "Up in the Air," 21:54.000 --> 21:55.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I worked on that script alone for seven years. 21:55.900 --> 21:57.733 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] Seven years. 21:57.733 --> 21:59.000 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% [REITMAN] Yeah. 21:59.000 --> 21:59.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMTIH] And there's no guarantee that 21:59.966 --> 22:01.466 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% at the end of those seven years 22:01.466 --> 22:02.966 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% you're gonna have a movie you'd wanna make or could make. 22:02.966 --> 22:04.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] No, I've worked on scripts for just as long 22:04.333 --> 22:05.833 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% that have never been made. 22:05.833 --> 22:08.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% So, you dedicate yourself to something, because... 22:08.633 --> 22:10.766 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% usually when I read a book, or I read an article, 22:10.766 --> 22:12.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% or I read a script that I wanna tell, 22:12.133 --> 22:13.600 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% it's because there's a question 22:13.600 --> 22:16.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% that's been chewing away at me, and I don't have the answer. 22:16.233 --> 22:17.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And then I read a book like Walter Kirn's book, 22:17.600 --> 22:19.833 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and I go, oh, there it is. 22:19.833 --> 22:23.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And somehow between him and I, I think there's the answer. 22:23.533 --> 22:25.433 align:left position:30%,start line:83% size:60% And so, I try to follow up on it. 22:25.433 --> 22:27.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And, the process of making the movie 22:27.700 --> 22:31.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% is the process of me trying to answer my great questions. 22:32.300 --> 22:34.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] I think that's absolutely fascinating. 22:34.166 --> 22:37.400 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% We sit there and only see the last part. 22:37.400 --> 22:39.533 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% It's like the visible part of the iceberg. 22:39.533 --> 22:41.033 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% We don't see the submerged part. 22:41.033 --> 22:43.000 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% But there is this whole process that goes into it, 22:43.000 --> 22:44.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and, again, there's no guarantee 22:44.633 --> 22:47.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that any of this is going to work. 22:47.066 --> 22:50.733 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% - Well, "Up in the Air" was a movie that, on its face value, 22:50.733 --> 22:52.233 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% is about a guy collecting air miles 22:52.233 --> 22:53.766 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% and firing people for a living. 22:55.133 --> 22:57.800 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% But underneath, was this question. 22:57.800 --> 22:59.966 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Is it a given that we are supposed to find someone 22:59.966 --> 23:01.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and spend the rest of our life with them? 23:01.833 --> 23:03.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMTIH] Exactly, it's a movie about loneliness. 23:03.733 --> 23:04.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% That's really what it's about. 23:04.933 --> 23:05.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] And there's this given in life 23:05.866 --> 23:06.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% that we are gonna find something 23:06.966 --> 23:08.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% that will be a viable pursuit 23:08.433 --> 23:10.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that will make life worth living. 23:10.333 --> 23:12.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And in it, you have a main character 23:12.166 --> 23:13.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% who's presenting the argument, 23:13.266 --> 23:14.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% no, life is better lived alone, 23:14.966 --> 23:16.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and the most worthy goal in life 23:16.533 --> 23:18.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% is to collect billions of air miles, 23:18.233 --> 23:20.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and that should be your pursuit. 23:20.033 --> 23:22.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Collecting something meaningless, ephemera. 23:22.466 --> 23:24.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And he presents that argument really well. 23:24.333 --> 23:27.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% So much so that his heart is broken. 23:27.000 --> 23:29.866 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% And that was the idea. 23:29.866 --> 23:32.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I've thought myself about that. 23:32.033 --> 23:33.200 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] You made it into a 23:33.200 --> 23:34.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% much more compelling story though, 23:34.733 --> 23:36.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% than I would submit, than it was there on the page. 23:36.566 --> 23:38.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% You basically created Anna Kendrick. 23:38.766 --> 23:40.166 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% It feels like to me. 23:40.166 --> 23:44.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - I would argue that the Kendricks created Anna Kendrick. 23:44.700 --> 23:46.600 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] Fact check, true. 23:46.600 --> 23:48.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% In a literal sense I would agree with you. 23:48.533 --> 23:50.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% But, again, it's the eye for acting, 23:50.466 --> 23:52.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and for seeing who would be right for a particular part. 23:52.433 --> 23:54.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I mean, that wasn't her first film. 23:54.433 --> 23:56.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] No, she was in a film called "Rocket Science," 23:56.200 --> 23:57.733 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% and it was spectacular, 23:57.733 --> 23:59.966 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% but I saw that and wrote the role for her because of that. 23:59.966 --> 24:02.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] So we just have a couple minutes left. What now? 24:02.033 --> 24:03.300 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% What are you doin'? 24:03.300 --> 24:04.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Come on, spill it out. 24:04.800 --> 24:06.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Well, this is my second movie in six months after "Tully," 24:06.633 --> 24:08.733 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% so sleep would sound nice. 24:10.500 --> 24:11.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMTIH] Are you looking for something to do? 24:11.900 --> 24:13.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Do you typically have things in the works? 24:13.333 --> 24:14.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] I'm always writing. 24:14.566 --> 24:16.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% There's a couple pilots I actually might make. 24:16.333 --> 24:18.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I might do something new with Diablo. 24:20.566 --> 24:22.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMITH] You've done some TV stuff before. 24:22.566 --> 24:24.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Yeah I made a show called "Casual" 24:24.833 --> 24:27.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% that was on Hulu for four seasons, and it's fantastic. 24:27.366 --> 24:29.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% If you haven't seen it, it's worth checking out. 24:29.533 --> 24:34.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] Is the TV is the new movies meme or rap now? 24:34.100 --> 24:35.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] This is why I disagree with that idea, 24:35.500 --> 24:37.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and this is why I prefer movies. 24:37.166 --> 24:38.466 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Movies have an ending. 24:38.466 --> 24:40.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And I think an ending is really important. 24:40.033 --> 24:42.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I think the whole point of a movie is the ending. 24:42.066 --> 24:44.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% The first thing I think of when I think of a movie 24:44.066 --> 24:44.900 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% is the ending. 24:44.900 --> 24:46.133 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMITH] Seriously? 24:46.133 --> 24:48.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yeah, because the whole point of a film 24:48.033 --> 24:50.400 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% is to go through experience, and then to be shoved 24:50.400 --> 24:52.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% out the door of the theater by the director 24:52.000 --> 24:53.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and to confront the rest of your life 24:53.700 --> 24:55.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% through the filter of the movie you just watched. 24:55.866 --> 24:57.100 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% TV has no ending. 24:57.100 --> 24:59.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The ending of a TV show is join us next week. 24:59.533 --> 25:01.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And then they start giving you the trailer for next week, 25:01.666 --> 25:02.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% and it never ends. 25:02.900 --> 25:05.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And it just kind of is this ongoing saga. 25:05.066 --> 25:06.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% TV is having coffee with friends. 25:06.933 --> 25:09.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% A film, it's like a Kubrick film. 25:09.066 --> 25:11.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMTIH] So, "Casual" wasn't a four season film 25:11.933 --> 25:13.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% in the way that you conceived it. 25:13.433 --> 25:15.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [REITMAN] No, and "Casual" was joyful, and it was fun, 25:15.833 --> 25:17.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and I loved the writers, and I loved the actors, 25:17.866 --> 25:19.300 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and I loved working on it, 25:19.300 --> 25:24.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% but my life pursuit is making movies. 25:24.300 --> 25:28.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMITH] I'm so happy to hear you still like to do this 25:28.100 --> 25:29.466 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% after this amount of time. 25:29.466 --> 25:31.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It's great. It's like you don't get bored. 25:31.133 --> 25:32.633 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% You don't get cynical. 25:32.633 --> 25:34.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% You just seem to still be enjoying making movies. 25:34.133 --> 25:35.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] I haven't been doing it that long. 25:35.100 --> 25:36.333 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Give me a little toe tap. 25:36.333 --> 25:38.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [SMITH] Ah, you know what? 25:38.633 --> 25:40.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% There are people who would be happy to stop 25:40.400 --> 25:43.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% after the great movies that you've made. 25:43.200 --> 25:44.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [REITMAN] Ah, that's kind of you. 25:44.200 --> 25:45.633 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% [SMTIH] Take the win. 25:45.633 --> 25:47.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Mr. Reitman, a great honor to be with you, sir. 25:47.033 --> 25:48.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% [REITMAN] Thank you very much. 25:48.266 --> 25:49.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% [SMTIH] Good to see you. Congratulations. 25:49.366 --> 25:52.366 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (audience claps) 25:53.833 --> 25:55.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% [SMTIH] We'd love to have you join us in the studio. 25:55.500 --> 25:59.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Visit our website at KLRU.org/overheard 25:59.566 --> 26:01.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% to find invitations to interviews, 26:01.766 --> 26:03.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Q and As with our audience and guests, 26:03.800 --> 26:06.766 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and an archive of past episodes. 26:06.766 --> 26:10.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% (relaxing pop rock music) 26:27.033 --> 26:31.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Funding for Overheard with Evan Smith is provided in part by 26:31.300 --> 26:35.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% HillCo Partners, a Texas government affairs consultancy, 26:35.366 --> 26:38.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, 26:38.033 --> 26:40.033 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Claire and Carl Stuart, 26:40.033 --> 26:41.900 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% and by Entergy.