The True Story Behind the 'Suicide Squad' Director's Cut | David Ayer tells Bernthal on Real Ones
Join Jon Bernthal in "REAL ONES" as he hosts an honest and deep diving conversation with notable Hollywood director, David Ayer. In this revealing episode, Ayer opens up about his struggles and triumphs in the fast-paced, often emotionally draining world of Hollywood. Reflecting on his experiences with major projects such as 'Suicide Squad' and 'Fast and Furious,' Ayer provides an inside look into the industry's pressures and how they have shaped his professional journey and personal well-being. His frank revelations present a stark picture of the challenges artists face while trying to stay true to their vision amidst commercial demands and expectations.
Through Bernthal's platform, listeners are granted exclusive access to the raw emotions and candid insights from industry stalwarts like Ayer. His commitment to creating an inclusive space for these important discussions is further extended through his Patreon community, allowing members to engage with his guests directly. This episode offers a gripping exploration of the contrasting elements of Hollywood - the glory, the opportunities, and the poignant trials that test the resilience of artists, a reality that David Ayer knows all too well.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Aug 31, 2023 episode of the REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal
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1-Page Summary
David Ayer's Journey in Hollywood
Triumphs and Challenges: Delving into Ayer's Hollywood Experiences
In an introspective conversation with podcast host, Jon Bernthal, director David Ayer revealed the professional and emotional battles he fought while navigating his journey in Hollywood. Ayer, the mind behind 'Suicide Squad,' voiced his disappointment with the industry's risk-averse finance models, which had significant repercussions on his projects and emotional health.
Recollections from 'Fast and Furious': Ayer's Underacknowledged Contributions
Taking a trip down memory lane, Ayer pointed out his significant yet, often unnoticed contributions to the 'Fast and Furious' franchise. His impulses to incorporate diversity and street culture into the script led to the tremendous success of the series. However, these inputs did not yield due recognition, which Ayer felt was an injustice served to him.
Turmoil Behind 'Suicide Squad': Ayer's Point of Pain and Regret
Pouring his heart out, Ayer cited his tenure on 'Suicide Squad' as a professional low point, causing him significant emotional trauma. Despite his best efforts in pre-production and directing, Ayer was unfairly accused of attempting to recreate the humor from 'Deadpool,' an act that derailed his original vision of a darker and more meaningful narrative.
Ayer Versus the Media: The Narrative Battle
The media's role in Ayer's life was a topic of discussion as well. Ayer felt victimized, as he was often portrayed negatively, becoming, in his words, an "inadvertent marketing strategy" for his competitors. He also talked about the spread of harmful narratives about him, which further impacted his professional image.
Insights from Jon Bernthal's Podcast
Bernthal's Initiative: Inclusive Conversations and Exclusive Access
On the other end of the conversation, Jon Bernthal took this avenue to connect intimately with his audience and share meaningful insights from distinguished personalities like Ayer. Bernthal introduced his audience to a Patreon community that offers an extensive list of exclusive benefits such as early episode access, ad-free experiences, and in-depth glimpses into the lives of guests. For an inclusive and deeper understanding, members also get the chance to participate in live discussions on diverse topics with his guests.
Hollywood: A Landscape of Opportunities and Trials
The Double-Edged Sword: Exploring The Reality of Hollywood
Despite the challenges, Ayer has enjoyed perks that come with a career in Hollywood, including opportunities to travel and meet diverse individuals. To some extent, he capitalized on the financial stability the industry provided. However, the conversation highlighted Hollywood as a double-edged sword - it can bestow a multitude of privileges, yet ruthlessly erode the emotional and artistic wellbeing of artists. This was especially evident in Ayer's experiences, a reflection of the dichotomous nature of the Hollywood film industry.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- David Ayer's contributions to the 'Fast and Furious' franchise primarily involved incorporating diversity and street culture elements into the script, which played a significant role in the success of the series. Despite these impactful inputs, Ayer felt that his contributions were not adequately acknowledged within the franchise.
- David Ayer faced accusations of attempting to mimic the humor style of the film 'Deadpool' in his work on 'Suicide Squad.' This accusation suggested that Ayer was trying to replicate the success of 'Deadpool' by infusing a similar comedic tone into 'Suicide Squad,' which deviated from his original vision for the film. Ayer expressed regret over these accusations, as they undermined his creative intentions and the darker, more serious narrative he had initially planned for the movie.
- David Ayer faced negative portrayals in the media, where he felt unfairly targeted and misrepresented. He believed that these portrayals affected his professional reputation and image in the industry. Ayer expressed frustration at being used as a tool in competitive marketing strategies by his rivals. The media narratives surrounding Ayer contributed to his challenges in Hollywood and impacted his career trajectory.
- Jon Bernthal hosts a podcast where he engages in intimate conversations with notable personalities like David Ayer. Bernthal offers exclusive benefits to members of his Patreon community, including early episode access, ad-free experiences, and opportunities to participate in live discussions with guests. This Patreon community provides a platform for deeper engagement and insights into the lives and perspectives of the guests featured on the podcast.
- The dichotomous nature of the Hollywood film industry refers to its dualistic characteristics of offering opportunities and privileges while simultaneously posing challenges and risks to artists. It symbolizes the contrasting experiences artists face, such as financial stability alongside emotional and artistic turmoil. Hollywood's allure can provide a platform for creativity and success, but it also has the potential to impact artists' well-being and creative vision negatively. This duality is often seen in the industry's ability to elevate careers while also subjecting individuals to intense scrutiny and pressure.
Counterarguments
- Hollywood's risk-averse finance models are designed to protect investments and cater to a wide audience, which can sometimes limit creative freedom but also ensures the production of content that has a higher chance of commercial success.
- While Ayer's contributions to the 'Fast and Furious' franchise may have been underacknowledged, it is common in collaborative projects for individual contributions to be absorbed into the collective success without specific recognition for each contributor.
- The criticism of 'Suicide Squad' for imitating 'Deadpool' could be seen as a reflection of audience expectations and market trends, rather than a personal attack on Ayer's original vision.
- Media portrayals are often based on public personas and available information; while they can be negative, they can also stem from a variety of sources and perspectives, not necessarily a targeted campaign against an individual.
- Jon Bernthal's Patreon model, while offering exclusive benefits, could be criticized for creating a barrier to content, as it requires payment for access that would otherwise be free, potentially limiting the audience.
- The emotional and artistic erosion experienced by artists in Hollywood is not unique to this industry; many high-pressure careers can have similar effects on individuals, and the film industry also offers substantial support systems and resources for those who seek them.
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David Ayer's Journey in Hollywood
Triumphs and Challenges: Delving into Ayer's Hollywood Experiences
In an introspective conversation with podcast host, Jon Bernthal, director David Ayer revealed the professional and emotional battles he fought while navigating his journey in Hollywood. Ayer, the mind behind 'Suicide Squad,' voiced his disappointment with the industry's risk-averse finance models.
Specifically, he criticized the large studios and financiers' tendency to secure all necessary financial backing before production even begins. This practice has significant implications. It causes repercussions on his projects and leads to emotional health challenges.
Recollections from 'Fast and Furious': Ayer's Underacknowledged Contributions
Taking a trip down memory lane, Ayer highlighted his significant yet often unnoticed contributions to the 'Fast and Furious' franchise.
Ayer's impulses to incorporate diversity and street culture into the script not only enriched the story but were key in generating one of Hollywood's most lucrative franchises.
However, these inputs did not yield due recognition, adding to Ayer's feelings of being unjustly served.
Turmoil Behind 'Suicide Squad': Ayer's Point of Pain and Regret
Pouring his heart out, Ayer considered his tenure on 'Suicide Squad' as a professional low point, causing him significant emotional trauma. Despite his best efforts in pre-production and directing, including vigorous rehearsals, his original vision was gravely distorted.
This distortion of his original vision became apparent when he was unfairly evaluated against the humor in 'De ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
David Ayer's Journey in Hollywood
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- David Ayer expressed disappointment with the risk-averse finance models in the industry, referring to the practice where studios secure all financial backing before production starts. This approach limits creative freedom and can lead to challenges in realizing the director's vision. Ayer's critique suggests that this method may hinder innovation and result in projects that prioritize financial security over artistic integrity.
- David Ayer's contributions to the 'Fast and Furious' franchise involved incorporating diversity and street culture elements into the script, enriching the storyline and contributing to the franchise's success. Despite these significant inputs, Ayer's contributions were not widely acknowledged, leading to feelings of being underappreciated in his involvement with the franchise.
- David Ayer experienced emotional trauma during his time working on 'Suicide Squad' due to significant changes made to his original vision for the film, which he felt were beyond his control. The pressure of the industry's expectations and the comparison to other successful superhero movies added to his distress. Ayer's disappointment with the final cut of the film and the negative reception it received contributed to his emotional struggles during this period. The experience left him feeling creatively compromised and undervalued.
- David Ayer's original vision for 'Suicide Squad' was significantly altered during the post-production process. Changes were made to the tone, pacing, and overall narrative structure of the film, deviating from Ayer's initial creative direction. This led to a final cut that differed from what Ayer had envisioned, causing disappointment and frustration for the director. The alterations made to the film, including the incorporation of more humor to align with the success of 'Deadpool,' resulted in a departure from Ayer's darker and more serious vision for the project.
- David Ayer holding a copy of his original edit for 'Suicide Squad' means that he possesses a version of the movie that reflects his initial creative vision before any alterations or studio interference. This original edit is distinct from the final version that was released to the public, suggesti ...
Counterarguments
- Risk-averse finance models are standard in many industries, not just Hollywood, and are designed to protect investors and studios from financial loss.
- The lack of recognition for Ayer's contributions to 'Fast and Furious' could be due to the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where many individuals' work is amalgamated and not always individually highlighted.
- Professional low points and emotional trauma are not uncommon in the entertainment industry, and other directors have also faced similar challenges without publicly expressing their distress.
- The comparison of 'Suicide Squad' to 'Deadpool' could be seen as a reflection of market trends and audience preferences, which studios may consider to maximize the appeal and profitability of their films.
- Holding an original edit of a film is not unique to Ayer, as many directors have director's cuts or alternative versions that they prefer, but the release of such versions is subject to studio decisions and market considerations.
- The me ...
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Insights from Jon Bernthal's Podcast
Bernthal's Initiative: Inclusive Conversations and Exclusive Access
On the other end of the conversation, Jon Bernthal took this avenue to connect intimately with his audience and share meaningful insights from distinguished personalities like Ayer. Bernthal emphasized viewing his podcast guests as part of his extended family and defined sharing their stories as a profound honor.
Through the Patreon community, he introduced his audience to an array of exclusive benefits including early episode access, ad-free experiences, and in-depth glimpses into the lives of guests. Additionally, this membership also offers the chance to participate in live discussions on diverse topics with his guests.
Bernthal's aspiration is to f ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Insights from Jon Bernthal's Podcast
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Patreon is a platform where creators can offer exclusive content and benefits to their supporters in exchange for a subscription fee. Benefits can include early access to content, ad-free experiences, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the opportunity to engage in live discussions with the creator and other supporters. This model allows creators like Jon Bernthal to connect more closely with their audience and offer a more personalized experience beyond what is typically available through traditional media channels. The Patreon community fosters a sense of belonging and support for both creators and their supporters, creating a more intimate and interactive relationship compared to mainstream media platforms.
- Jon Bernthal's podcast focuses on intimate conversations with notable individuals, such as Ayer, where they share personal stories and insights. Through a Patreon community, Bernthal offers exclusive benefits like early episode access and ad-free experiences to his audience. The podcast aims to promote unity by amplifying voices that are often overlooked, emphasizing inclusivity and harmony in discussions. Bernthal's initiative provides a platform for live discussions on various topics with the podcast guests, fostering a sense of community among listeners.
- Jon Bernthal fosters unity among diverse societal groups by providing a platform for underrepresented voices, offering inclusive conversations that highlight different perspectives and experiences. He aims to create a sense of community through his podcast and Patreon community, encouraging dialogue and understanding among individuals from various backgrounds. By showcasing a range ...
Counterarguments
- While Bernthal's podcast may aim to connect intimately with his audience, some listeners might feel that the digital format lacks the personal touch of face-to-face interactions.
- Viewing podcast guests as part of an extended family is a warm approach, but it could be argued that this might limit critical questioning or create an echo chamber of similar viewpoints.
- The concept of sharing guests' stories as a profound honor is noble, but it could be critiqued that the selection of guests may not always represent the full spectrum of diverse voices and experiences.
- Offering exclusive benefits to a Patreon community creates a tiered audience, potentially alienating those who cannot afford to contribute financially.
- Early episode access and ad-free experiences are attractive, but some might argue that these benefits create a disparity between paying and non-paying listeners, which could go against the spirit of inclusivity.
- The opportunity for Patreon members to participate in live discussions is valuable, but it could be seen as privileging those with the means to support the podcast financially over other members of the audience.
- Bernthal's aim to foster unity among diverse societal groups is commendable, but some might question the effectiveness of a podcast in achieving this goal compared to direct activism or com ...
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Hollywood: A Landscape of Opportunities and Trials
The Double-Edged Sword: Exploring The Reality of Hollywood
Despite the challenges, Ayer acknowledged the perks that come with a Hollywood career, including opportunities to travel and meet diverse individuals, and providing financial stability.
However, his conversation underscored Hollywood as a double-edged sword - while bestowing privileges, it can ruthlessly compromise the emotional and artistic health of artists.
This was particularly apparent in Ayer's experiences ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Hollywood: A Landscape of Opportunities and Trials
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- David Ayer is a filmmaker known for directing the movie "Suicide Squad," a 2016 superhero film based on DC Comics characters. Ayer's experience with the film was challenging, as he faced criticism for his creative decisions and the final product of the movie. The film's production and post-production processes were reportedly difficult, with Ayer expressing some regret over how the project was handled. Ayer's comments suggest that the experience of working on "Suicide Squad" was complex and had a significant impact on him as an artist.
- In Hollywood, artists often face challenges related to maintaining creative control over their work, dealing with intense industry pressure to conform to commercial demands, and managing the emotional toll of high-stakes projects. These challenges can impact an artist's ability to express their individ ...
Counterarguments
- While Hollywood offers travel and meeting diverse individuals, these experiences can be superficial and may not lead to meaningful connections or personal growth.
- Financial stability in Hollywood is often uncertain and can fluctuate greatly, with many artists experiencing periods of financial hardship.
- The notion of Hollywood as a double-edged sword could be seen as an oversimplification, as the industry provides a spectrum of experiences that vary widely among individuals.
- Compromises to emotional and artistic health are not unique to Hollywood and can be found in many high-pressure careers; thus, it may not be fair to single out Hollywood in this regard.
- The privileges bestowed by Hollywood can also lead to personal development and opportunities for artists to leverage their platform for positive change, which is not acknowledged in the text.
- Retaining con ...
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