Griffin Dunne | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
This episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade offers an insightful look into the eclectic career of actor Griffin Dunne. From his breakthrough roles in films like An American Werewolf in London and After Hours to his transition into producing and directing, the episode explores the many creative turns Dunne's professional path has taken.
Dunne's lifelong friendship with the late Carrie Fisher provides an intriguing glimpse into Dunne's early life in New York and the dynamics of their bond amidst Fisher's meteoric rise to fame after Star Wars. The hosts commend Dunne's versatility across genres, while he shares candid anecdotes from various film sets — including a humorous behind-the-scenes account about mountain lions and Donald Trump.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 12, 2024 episode of the Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
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1-Page Summary
Dunne's Early Acting Career and Breakthrough Roles
Dunne began acting with no prior experience but quickly gained accolades, according to David Spade and Dana Carvey. His career launched with the "classic" horror-comedy "An American Werewolf in London," where director John Landis "baptized [him] by fire" after a brief casting interaction. The physically transformative werewolf makeup challenged Dunne's comfort level, though Dana Carvey acknowledges its iconic impact.
Dunne then transitioned into quirky comedic roles like "After Hours," directed by Martin Scorsese. This showcased Dunne's versatility across genres from horror to physical comedy.
Dunne's Friendship with Carrie Fisher
Dunne and Fisher were teenage best friends in New York City, bonding over their theatrical antics and "bursting into spontaneous musical numbers." Dunne shares how Fisher introduced him to Hollywood before her stardom in "Star Wars," joking he would have turned down the script.
As Fisher's fame exploded post-"Star Wars" and their lives diverged, Dunne experienced both admiration for her humility and envy over her success. Over time, their relationship solidified as Dunne found his own acclaim.
Dunne's Transition to Producing and Directing
Though achieving acting success in films like "Heat," Dunne pursued an alternative path of producing and directing for greater creative control. He shares on-set memories like managing unpredictable mountain lions and Donald Trump's intrusive photographer.
Despite ups and downs, Dunne sees his diverse storytelling roles as advantageous in navigating Hollywood's shifting tides. Dana Carvey commends Dunne's versatility as a "jack of all trades" who "writes, produces, directs and acts."
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Dunne and Carrie Fisher were close friends in their teenage years in New York City, bonding over their shared love for theater and spontaneous musical performances. Their friendship evolved as Fisher's fame grew post-"Star Wars," with Dunne experiencing a mix of admiration for her success and envy. Despite their diverging paths, their bond remained strong, with Dunne eventually finding his own success in the entertainment industry.
- Dunne faced challenges like managing unpredictable mountain lions on set and dealing with an intrusive photographer hired by Donald Trump. Despite these hurdles, he found his diverse storytelling roles advantageous in navigating Hollywood's changes. Dana Carvey praised Dunne's versatility, noting his ability to write, produce, direct, and act.
- "An American Werewolf in London" is a horror-comedy film directed by John Landis. It is known for its groundbreaking special effects and a mix of horror and humor. "After Hours" is a dark comedy film directed by Martin Scorsese, showcasing a different side of Dunne's acting abilities. Both films played significant roles in Dunne's early acting career, highlighting his versatility across different genres.
Counterarguments
- Dunne's quick rise to accolades may not solely be due to innate talent; it could also be attributed to luck, timing, or networking within the industry.
- The term "baptized by fire" suggests a positive outcome, but some might argue that such an intense start without prior experience could also lead to undue stress or a skewed perspective of the industry.
- While the werewolf makeup was iconic, some might argue that it overshadowed Dunne's acting performance, potentially typecasting him in the eyes of audiences and industry professionals.
- Dunne's transition to quirky comedic roles might be seen not just as versatility but also as a necessity to avoid being pigeonholed into horror roles.
- The friendship with Carrie Fisher could be perceived as having potentially provided Dunne with opportunities that others without such connections might not have had.
- Dunne's envy of Fisher's success could be viewed as a natural human reaction, but also as a potential strain on their friendship that isn't fully explored in the text.
- While Dunne sought creative control through producing and directing, some might argue that acting can also offer substantial creative input and fulfillment.
- Managing unpredictable mountain lions on set is an unusual anecdote that might not directly relate to Dunne's overall success or abilities in the film industry.
- The assertion that Dunne's diverse roles help him navigate Hollywood's changes could be challenged by noting that diversification is not a guaranteed strategy for success and can sometimes dilute a professional's brand or focus.
- Dana Carvey's commendation of Dunne's versatility could be seen as subjective, and others might argue that being a "jack of all trades" can sometimes mean mastering none, potentially impacting the quality of work.
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Dunne's early acting career and breakthrough roles
Griffin Dunne, an actor whose career launched with no previous experience, rapidly gained accolades in the film industry through iconic and versatile roles.
Breakthrough with "An American Werewolf in London"
Dunne’s acting career was kickstarted by John Landis's decision to cast him in the "An American Werewolf in London," where he played a major role in this classic horror-comedy. David Spade and Dana Carvey reiterate the film’s stature as a "classic" and a "giant" within the industry. Surprisingly, Dunne describes his casting process as unconventional; Landis only spoke with him for about ten minutes and asked him a single question: whether he was claustrophobic. This brief encounter led to Dunne’s first major film role, which Dana Carvey refers to as Dunne being "baptized by fire" by the "genius" makeup artist Rick Baker.
Intensive, Physically Transformative Makeup Process
The role challenged Dunne’s comfort level, especially concerning the intensive and physically transformative makeup process designed by Rick Baker. Dunne was initially unsettled by the realistic, violent appearance created by the werewolf makeup and was concerned about his mother's reaction to it. Dana Carvey seems to acknowledge a specific and iconic scene that showcased the impressive makeup work that had transformed Dunne.
Transition ...
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Dunne's early acting career and breakthrough roles
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Griffin Dunne's early acting career began with no prior experience, and he quickly gained recognition for his diverse roles. His breakthrough came with the film "An American Werewolf in London," where he impressed audiences with his performance in this classic horror-comedy. The intense makeup process for his role challenged Dunne but also showcased his dedication to his craft. Following his success in horror-comedy, Dunne transitioned to comedic roles, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
- John Landis's casting process for Griffin Dunne was unconventional, as Landis only spoke with Dunne for about ten minutes before offering him a major role in "An American Werewolf in London." Landis's decision was based on a single question he asked Dunne about his claustrophobia. This brief encounter led to Dunne's breakthrough in the film industry with this iconic horror-comedy role.
- Rick Baker, a renowned makeup artist, designed an intensive and physically transformative makeup process for Griffin Dunne's werewolf role in "An American Werewolf in London." The makeup created a realistic and violent appearance for Dunne's character, challenging his comfort level during filming. The process was a crucial element in bringing the werewolf character to life on screen, showcasing Baker's expertise in special effects makeup. The makeup work was instrumental in enhancing the horror elements of the film and contributed to the iconic status of the werewolf transformation scenes.
- Griffin Dunne transitioned to comedic roles after gaining recognition for his work in horror-comedy films like "An American Werewolf in London." This shift showcased Dunne's versatility as an actor, demonstrating his ability to excel in different genres. One notable film that marked this transition was "After Hours," directed by Martin Scorsese, where Dunne's performance was praised for its comedic elements. This change highlighted Dunne's range as an ...
Counterarguments
- Griffin Dunne's acting career may have begun without prior experience, but it's unlikely that he had no exposure to the industry or relevant skills that contributed to his success.
- While Dunne gained recognition, it's possible that other actors from the same era were equally or more versatile but did not receive the same level of acclaim.
- The casting of Dunne by John Landis could be seen as a fortunate break rather than a testament to Dunne's inherent talent, suggesting luck played a significant role in his career launch.
- The film "An American Werewolf in London" is considered a classic by some, but others may argue that its status as a "giant" in the industry is subjective and not universally agreed upon.
- The brief casting process involving a single question about claustrophobia could be criticized as an insufficient basis for selecting a lead actor for such a significant role.
- Rick Baker's makeup work on Dunne is widely praised, but some might argue that the success of the makeup overshadowed Dunne's performance.
- Dunne's transition to comedic roles might be seen not as a natural progression but as a necessity due to typecasting in the horror genre.
- While David Spade was impress ...
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Dunne's long-standing friendship with Carrie Fisher and their experiences in the entertainment industry
Griffin Dunne shares heartwarming and humorous recollections of his friendship with Carrie Fisher, reflecting on their shared experiences in the entertainment industry and the test their bond endured amidst her rising fame.
Dunne and Fisher became close friends as teenagers living in New York City, bonding over their shared love of music and theatrics
Dunne gave Beverly D'Angelo the "Carrie chapters" of his book to make sure he got the nuances right, highlighting their close relationship. He met Carrie Fisher when she was 15 and he was 16, living just blocks away from each other in New York City. They became immediate best friends, frequently bursting into spontaneous musical numbers during their conversations. Dunne fondly recalls Fisher's entrance into his life and how she introduced him to the world of Hollywood, marking the beginning of their long-standing friendship.
Dunne fondly recalls their silly, song-filled interactions and Carrie introducing him to the world of Hollywood
Dunne's nostalgia is apparent as he reminisces about the silly, song-filled interactions they shared. Dunne describes Fisher transitioning from being his roommate in New York to acting in a movie in London, which turned out to be the iconic "Star Wars." Fisher's humor shines through in her joking remark to Dunne that he would have hated the "Star Wars" script and probably would have turned it down, a notion that amuses Dunne in retrospect.
Fisher's sudden rise to global fame with the release of Star Wars, and how it impacted their friendship
Dunne was amused and impressed by Fisher's tales of the bizarre behind-the-scenes antics on the Star Wars set
Before "Star Wars" was released, Fisher expressed to Dunne her doubts about the film, predicting it would be a flop, and relayed the peculiar antics that took place behind the scenes. However, the release of "Star Wars" brought an unexpected surge of global fame for Fisher. Dunne was present at the Ziegfeld screening and was struck by the audience's unusually large size and enthusiasm, signaling the movie's impending success.
Dunne's perspective on the challenges of maintaining close fr ...
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Dunne's long-standing friendship with Carrie Fisher and their experiences in the entertainment industry
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Actionables
- You can explore the impact of shared interests by starting a hobby club with friends who have similar passions, such as a book club for literature enthusiasts or a jam session group for music lovers, to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
- By regularly meeting and engaging in activities centered around a common interest, you foster a sense of community and deepen friendships. For instance, if you love cooking, organize a monthly potluck where each friend brings a dish inspired by a different cuisine, encouraging conversation and shared experiences.
- Create a gratitude journal focused on friendships, where you write down positive experiences and feelings associated with your friends' successes and your shared moments.
- This practice can help you manage feelings of envy or bitterness by actively recognizing and celebrating the good in your relationships. For example, if a friend gets a promotion, note how their hard work inspired you or how their success has positively influenced your circle of friends.
- Engage in reflective writing to process your feelings about friendsh ...
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Dunne's transition into producing and directing, and his experiences on various film sets
Dana Carvey describes Dunne as a "jack of all trades" in the industry, highlighting that he "writes, produces, directs and acts." Dunne himself acknowledges his multifaceted role in the conversation, affirming "I do. I do," when actors directing was mentioned by David Spade.
Dunne's decision to shift into producing and directing, rather than solely acting
After achieving early success as an actor, Dunne chose a different path. At a time when he had "Heat" as an actor, he decided to venture into production, choosing to produce a movie he wasn't even in. Dunne found fulfillment in the control and storytelling opportunities that producing and directing provided, which led to his career transition.
Dunne's experience working with high-profile actors and managing challenging on-set situations
Dunne shares experiences from various film sets that included high-profile actors such as Madonna and Dan Aykroyd. One notable memory involved Donald Trump visiting the set of "Who's That Girl," bringing his own photographer. Moreover, Dunne narrates the challenges faced while shooting with five mountain lions of varying temperaments for the same film. The most affable one, number five, was brought onto the New York City set with safety precautions like snipers and nets in place. However, there was on-set chaos when a different mountain lion, initially expected to be mild-mannered, ended up tearing a sofa in half.
Dunne's reflections on the ups and downs of navigating Hollywood's changing tides as a multifaceted creative
Dunne's professional journey in Hollywood h ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Dunne's transition into producing and directing, and his experiences on various film sets
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your multifaceted potential by starting a creative project that involves different roles, such as writing a short story, then adapting it into a screenplay, and finally, filming it with friends or family. This will give you a taste of the various aspects of content creation and help you discover which parts you enjoy most and where your strengths lie.
- Embrace the unpredictability of creative endeavors by setting up a challenge where you must adapt to unexpected scenarios, like improvising a scene or story with random prompts from a friend. This exercise can help you develop flexibility and resilience, akin to handling unforeseen circumstances on a film set, such as working with difficult co-stars or unpredictable elements.
- R ...
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