Podcasts > Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade > Steve Buscemi | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Steve Buscemi | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

By Dana Carvey, David Spade

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 | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

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Steve Buscemi | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

1-Page Summary

Buscemi's new film "The Listener" as director

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.

Buscemi's role in "Fargo" and memories working with the Coen brothers

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.

Buscemi talks about his positive experience working with the Coen brothers

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.

Buscemi reminisces on hosting SNL

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.

Buscemi being a competitive wrestler in high school at 105 lbs

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

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Steve Buscemi's role in "Fargo" was a significant part of his career, where he worked with the acclaimed Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan. The Coen brothers are renowned filmmakers known for their unique storytelling style and dark humor. Buscemi's collaboration with them in "Fargo" showcased his talent as an actor and his ability to bring their vision to life on screen. This experience was pivotal in shaping Buscemi's career and solidifying his reputation as a versatile and skilled actor.
  • Steve Buscemi discusses his positive experiences working with the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen, renowned filmmakers known for their distinctive style and storytelling. Buscemi reflects on the iconic roles he portrayed in their films and how these collaborations have been significant in his career. The Coen brothers have a reputation for creating complex and memorable characters, and Buscemi's work with them has contributed to his unique place in the film industry. Working with the Coen brothers has allowed Buscemi to showcase his talent in portraying nuanced and often quirky characters in their critically acclaimed movies.
  • Steve Buscemi reminiscing on hosting SNL refers to his reflections on his experience as a host on the popular television show "Saturday Night Live." Hosting SNL is considered a significant milestone for many actors and comedians in their careers. Buscemi's recounting of this experience may include anecdotes about the challenges, surprises, and memorable moments he encountered while hosting the show.
  • Steve Buscemi was a competitive wrestler in high school, competing in the 105 lbs weight class. This means he wrestled in the weight category where participants could not exceed 105 pounds. Wrestling involves grappling techniques and physical strength, and different weight classes ensure fair competition based on the wrestlers' size and weight. Buscemi's success in wrestling at this weight class showcases his athleticism and competitive spirit during his high school years.

Counterarguments

  • While Buscemi's aim for a deep emotional connection is commendable, some audiences might find a film set in a single location with one on-screen actor to lack visual variety or dynamic action, which could affect their engagement with the story.
  • The concept of exploring connections over the phone, while intimate, is not entirely original and may draw comparisons to other films or plays with similar themes, potentially affecting the perceived novelty of "The Listener."
  • Buscemi's recollection of his role in "Fargo" and working with the Coen brothers, while positive, may not provide a complete picture of the challenges and complexities of such collaborations in the film industry.
  • The iconic roles given to Buscemi by the Coen brothers, while significant, could also typecast him, limiting his opportunities to explore a wider range of characters outside of the "fast-talking and often cowardly" niche.
  • Buscemi's reminiscence about hosting SNL and the memorable moments might not resonate with viewers who are not familiar with the show or its specific sketches, thus the anecdotes may lose their impact.
  • The mention of Buscemi's high school wrestling achievements, while illustrating his competitive nature, may not seem relevant to his career in the entertainment industry to some readers, who might prefer to hear more about his professional experiences and less about his personal history.

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Steve Buscemi | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Buscemi's new film "The Listener" as director

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.

The film stars Tessa Thompson as a home helpline worker who becomes deeply involved in some callers' lives

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.

Buscemi directed the film in 6 days due to Thompson's limited availability

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."

It's the first film Buscemi has directed in 15 years; he had difficulty getting it off the ground

"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.

He wanted to have it be cinematic despite being set in one location with one actor

Working with the constraints of a singl ...

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Buscemi's new film "The Listener" as director

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The challenges faced while launching the film due to the difficult climate for filmmakers could be related to factors like securing funding, finding distribution opportunities, facing competition from big-budget productions, and navigating the evolving landscape of the film industry.
  • In filmmaking, working with the constraints of a single location and one on-screen actor means that the entire story unfolds in one setting, and the focus is primarily on a single character throughout the film. This setup can present challenges in keeping the visuals engaging and the narrative dynamic, requiring creative solutions to maintain audience interest and cinematic quality. Directors often use techniques like creative camera angles, lighting, and sound design to enhance the storytelling within these limitations. The goal is to make the film feel visually rich and immersive despite the confined space and limited cast.
  • The cinematic fluidity achieved through choreographed on-screen movements in "The Listener" involves carefully planned and coordinated actions by the actor to create a seamless and visually engaging experience for the audience. By choreographing the movements, the director ensures that transitions between scenes and actions feel natural and enhance the storytelling. This technique hel ...

Counterarguments

  • The deep connection between Thompson's character and the callers might not be fully realized due to the inherent limitations of the film's format, which relies heavily on voice acting and one-sided visual storytelling.
  • Directing a film in just 6 days could lead to a rushed or underdeveloped product, as the limited time frame might not allow for the exploration of complex themes or character development.
  • While "The Listener" is Buscemi's first film in 15 years, the long hiatus could mean that his directorial skills might not be as sharp or that his style may not resonate with current audiences as much as it did in the past.
  • Achieving cinematic quality in a single location with one actor is challenging, and some viewers might ...

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Steve Buscemi | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Buscemi's role in "Fargo" and memories working with the Coen brothers

The critically acclaimed actor Steve Buscemi recalls his notable performance in "Fargo" and his memorable experiences working with Joel and Ethan Coen.

Working closely with the Coen brothers

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.

Career Milestones

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" Cult Phenomenon

"The Big Lebowski," another Coen brothers film that Buscemi was a part of, did not immedia ...

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Buscemi's role in "Fargo" and memories working with the Coen brothers

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen, are known for their precise approach to dialogue delivery on set, requiring actors to stick closely to the script without improvisation. This strict adherence to the written word is a hallmark of their directing style, emphasizing the importance of delivering lines as written. While this approach may seem rigid, it allows the Coen brothers to maintain control over the tone and pacing of their films, ensuring a specific vision is realized through the performances of the actors.
  • Steve Buscemi hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) after gaining attention for his role in "Fargo." This opportunity made him anxious as he was surprised by the invitation, wondering if SNL was targeting indie film actors as hosts. Hosting SNL is considered a significant milestone for actors in their careers, showcasing their versatili ...

Counterarguments

  • The Coen brothers' strict adherence to scripted dialogue could be seen as limiting to actors who thrive on improvisation and could potentially stifle creative contributions that might enhance a scene.
  • While Buscemi's improvisation was well-received, it's possible that not all deviations from the script are welcomed or beneficial, and could disrupt the directors' vision or the film's coherence.
  • The pressure Buscemi felt during "Miller's Crossing" might not be unique to working with the Coen brothers; many actors face similar challenges when working with directors who have a strong vision.
  • The attention Buscemi received from "Fargo" could be attributed to the overall success of the film and the ensemble cast, not solely to his individual performance.
  • Hosting SNL could be seen as a natural progression for an actor gaining popularity rather than a specific targeting of indie film actors by the show.
  • "The Big Lebowski's" initial reception by critics and audiences does not necessarily reflect the film's quality or the potential for it to bec ...

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Steve Buscemi | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Buscemi talks about his positive experience 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.

He's frequently played fast-talkers and characters mixed up in crime, often cowardly

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.

Memorable roles: Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs, Garland Greene in Con Air, Donny in The Big Lebowski

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 ...

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Buscemi talks about his positive experience working with the Coen brothers

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • In "Reservoir Dogs," Steve Buscemi played the character Mr. Pink, a member of a group of criminals involved in a heist. In "Con Air," he portrayed Garland Greene, a notorious and eccentric criminal. In "The Big Lebowski," Buscemi took on the role of Donny, a loyal but somewhat overlooked member of the main characters' bowling team.
  • Steve Buscemi has collaborated with the Coen brothers on multiple projects, showcasing his talent in their films. His work with the Coen brothers has often involved portraying unique and memorable characters in their distinct cinematic style. The partnership between Buscemi and the Coen brothers has resulted in iconic roles for the actor, contributing significantly to his career in Hollywood. This collaboration has been marked by a successful creative synergy, with Buscemi's performances adding depth to the Coen brothers' storytelling.
  • Dark humor in films often involves making light of serious, disturbing, or taboo subjects. It adds an element of irony and satire to the storytelling, creating a juxtaposition between the grim subject matter and comedic el ...

Counterarguments

  • While Buscemi has had positive experiences with the Coen brothers, it's possible that not all actors find their directing style to their liking, as different actors may prefer different approaches to filmmaking.
  • Although Buscemi is known for playing fast-talking, cowardly characters, this typecasting might overlook his range as an actor and the variety of roles he has played outside of these stereotypes.
  • The roles mentioned are memorable, but some may argue that other roles played by Buscemi are equally or more impactful, depending on personal t ...

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Steve Buscemi | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Buscemi reminisces on hosting SNL

Steve Buscemi takes a nostalgic look back at his experiences hosting Saturday Night Live, recounting moments that were both daunting and memorable.

His first time hosting was intimidating; he spotted a childhood friend which threw him off

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.

A sketch with SNL cast as character actors asking Buscemi for advice on becoming a lead

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 ...

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Buscemi reminisces on hosting SNL

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show. It features a mix of comedic sketches performed by a regular cast, special guest hosts, and musical performances. SNL has a long history of showcasing popular characters and recurring sketches, often featuring celebrity guest appearances. The show has been a launching pad for many comedians and actors, and it is known for its satirical take on current events and pop culture.
  • A dress rehearsal for SNL is a run-through of the entire show with the cast, crew, and host before the live broadcast. It allows everyone to practice the sketches, timing, and transitions to ensure everything runs smoothly. Changes can be made based on how the sketches perform during the dress rehearsal. It's a crucial step in the production process of Saturday Night Live.
  • A character actor is an actor who specializes in playing unique, distinctive, or eccentric roles in supporting positions rather than as the main lead. They often bring depth and complexity to the characters they portray, adding richness to the overall story. Character actors may be recognized for their versatility in portraying a wide range of roles or for consistently playing a specific type of character. Their contributions are crucial to enhancing ...

Counterarguments

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Steve Buscemi | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Buscemi being a competitive wrestler in high school at 105 lbs

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 ...

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Buscemi being a competitive wrestler in high school at 105 lbs

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A reverse cradle is a wrestling move where a wrestler locks their opponent's legs and head from the bottom position, aiming to secure a pin. It involves flipping the opponent onto their back, using leverage and technique to control the match. This move is considered a high-risk, high-reward technique due to its complexity and the potential for a quick victory. Wrestlers often use it as a surprise tactic to catch their opponents off guard and secure a win.
  • High school wrestling matches typically involve two competitors facing off on a mat. The goal is to pin the opponent's shoulders to the mat for a specific amount of time, known as a "fall." Points can also be scored through takedowns, escapes, reversals, and near falls. Matches are usually divided into three periods, each lasting a set amount of time, with wrestlers earning points based on their performance in each period.
  • In wrestling, weight classes are divisions based on competitors' weights. This ensures fair matches between athletes of similar sizes and strengths. Each weight class has a specific upper limit to prevent mismatches and promote competitive balance. Wrestlers must weigh ...

Counterarguments

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