Dive into the world of filmmaking and behind-the-scenes brilliance with the podcast "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade" featuring guest Steve Buscemi. In this engaging episode, listeners get an insider's look as Buscemi takes the director's seat with his new film "The Listener". The narrative, starring Tessa Thompson, is a deep dive into the emotional lives of helpline workers, told through a singular setting and performance. Buscemi's meticulous approach to storytelling emerges through his discussion of the challenges and unique experiences he faced while bringing this innovative and character-driven story to the screen.
Beyond the director's chair, Buscemi journeys down memory lane with anecdotes from his incredible career, including his cherished work with the Coen brothers on classics like "Fargo" and "The Big Lebowski." His humorous insights on playing memorable roles that have defined his place in cinema are as entertaining as they are revealing. Buscemi also shares the mix of nostalgia and humor from his hosting days on SNL, along with an unexpected foray into his high school wrestling achievements, showcasing a depth and versatility that extends well beyond his acting prowess. Together, David Spade and Dana Carvey facilitate a rich conversation that peels back the layers of Buscemi’s varied experiences in Hollywood.
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Steve Buscemi, taking on the director's role after a significant hiatus, leads the production of "The Listener," a narrative focusing on a helpline worker played by Tessa Thompson. The film is an intimate exploration of the connections formed over the phone. Buscemi delivers this story with great attention to detail, aiming to foster a deep connection between the audience and the character's emotional journey. Despite constraints of time and filming with just one actor in a single setting, he successfully crafts a cinematic experience, with the voices of unseen callers adding richness to the narrative.
Steve Buscemi shares vivid memories from his role in "Fargo" and his experience with Joel and Ethan Coen. Adhering strictly to the script, he once took a chance on improvisation, which fortunately met with the directors' approval. Buscemi acknowledges the professional milestones that arose post-"Fargo," including hosting SNL and the unexpected cult following of "The Big Lebowski." His ability to pick out fans of the latter demonstrates the enduring impact of his role and the film.
Reflecting on his positive work with the Coen brothers, Buscemi highlights the iconic roles they bestowed upon him. He delves into his niche of playing fast-talking and often cowardly characters entangled in crime, which has earned him a distinctive place in film history. His roles in "Reservoir Dogs" and "Con Air" are also mentioned, but his portrayal of Donny in "The Big Lebowski" stands out among these memorable characters.
Reminiscing about his time hosting SNL, Buscemi recounts the intimidation and surprises he encountered, such as spotting an old friend in the audience. He shares a notable moment in a sketch where the SNL cast, as character actors, humorously seeks advice from him on transitioning to lead roles, a comedic reflection of his own career trajectory.
Steve Buscemi casts a look back to his high school wrestling days, underscoring his competitive nature from an early age. Excelling at 105 lbs, his strength and skill, along with his signature move, the reverse cradle, made him a formidable opponent during team matches. He attributes his success in part to the solid foundation provided by his coach and the camaraderie with his teammate, Rich Hiro.
1-Page Summary
Steve Buscemi returns to the director's chair after a 15-year hiatus to helm "The Listener," a film that offers an intimate portrayal of a home helpline worker's connection with her callers, starring Tessa Thompson.
In "The Listener," Tessa Thompson takes on the role of a night shift worker handling calls from her home. The narrative takes a turn when Thompson's character veers from protocol and discloses her personal story to a caller in distress, aiming to offer salvation. Buscemi aims to craft an intimate atmosphere that resonates with the audience, inviting them to lean in and become part of the emotional journey.
Despite facing the daunting task of directing a film in just six days, Buscemi rose to the challenge, coordinating the tight schedule around Tessa Thompson's availability during her time on HBO's "Westworld."
"The Listener" marks Buscemi's first directorial project in a decade and a half, with prior attempts at other projects failing to take flight. He highlights the current difficult climate for filmmakers as a contributing factor to the challenges faced while launching this film.
Working with the constraints of a singl ...
Buscemi's new film "The Listener" as director
The critically acclaimed actor Steve Buscemi recalls his notable performance in "Fargo" and his memorable experiences working with Joel and Ethan Coen.
Buscemi explains that Joel and Ethan Coen have a particular way of working where the dialogue must be delivered precisely as it is written, without improvisation. Despite this strict guideline, Buscemi once ventured to improvise on the set of "Fargo". He was understandably nervous about it, but to his relief, it was well-received by the Coen brothers. On another occasion, during the filming of "Miller's Crossing," Buscemi felt the pressure of adhering to the Coen brothers' direction and discovered the intimidating challenge of matching their intensity and specific vision.
The role in "Fargo" earned Buscemi a significant amount of attention. It was after "Fargo" that Buscemi was invited to host Saturday Night Live (SNL) for the first time, which he recalls made him very anxious. He was surprised by the invitation and wondered if SNL was starting to target indie film actors as hosts.
"The Big Lebowski," another Coen brothers film that Buscemi was a part of, did not immedia ...
Buscemi's role in "Fargo" and memories working with the Coen brothers
Steve Buscemi reflects on his positive experiences working with the Coen brothers, highlighting some of his most iconic roles that have shaped his career in Hollywood.
Buscemi has become known for portraying characters who are often fast-talkers and frequently embroiled in criminal activities, displaying a certain cowardly charm that has become his trademark. His adeptness at playing these roles has made him a favorite in the industry, particularly in films that mix dark humor and crime.
One of Buscemi's most memorable roles is Mr. Pink in Quentin Tarantino’s "Reservoir Dogs," where he plays a criminal who is part of a heist that spirals out o ...
Buscemi talks about his positive experience working with the Coen brothers
Steve Buscemi takes a nostalgic look back at his experiences hosting Saturday Night Live, recounting moments that were both daunting and memorable.
Buscemi recalls his very first time hosting during the dress rehearsal for SNL. He states that he was particularly thrown off when he spotted an old high school friend in the audience. The unexpected sighting made him internally exclaim, "Hey, it's Eddie," and subsequently lose track of his next actions. Learning from this, he self-advised not to look at anyone in the crowd to sidestep a similar distraction during the actual show.
During his hosting stint, Buscemi was involved in a memorable sketch where SNL cast members, acting as character actors, approached him for advice on how to mak ...
Buscemi reminisces on hosting SNL
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Steve Buscemi, perhaps best known for his roles in Hollywood, has confirmed his competitive streak goes back to his high school days when he was a wrestler at 105 lbs until his senior year.
Buscemi recalls being wiry and strong for his weight class, which enabled him to perform well throughout the year in team matches. His high school wrestling endeavours were bolstered by the guidance of an excellent coach, Mr. Earl, and the companionship of a wrestling partner, Rich Hiro, who Buscemi remembers was the best on the team.
One of Buscemi's tactics in the ring was a secret move known as the reverse cradle, which gave him an edge over his ...
Buscemi being a competitive wrestler in high school at 105 lbs
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