#2282 - Bill Murray

Bill Murray, the acclaimed actor, shares insights into his distinctive methods for selecting roles and crafting his performances.

Murray's Unconventional Approach To Selecting Roles

Murray opens up about the implicit trust he places in a select group of directors and his readiness to embrace improvisation in his work.

Murray Trusts Directors and Writers Like Anderson, Jarmusch, and Coppola to Create Opportunities for His Talents

Murray expresses deep trust in directors like Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch, and Sofia Coppola. He doesn't require the details of a project before agreeing to participate because of this trust. He feels confident that these filmmakers understand his strengths and will craft opportunities that allow him to shine.

Murray Embraces Improvisation and Script Modification For His Best Performances

Murray discusses his approach to scripts, particularly when working with his trusted directors. He doesn't commit scripts to memory, knowing they are likely to undergo significant changes. His ability to adapt and improvise has become a hallmark of his performances, often resulting in some of his best work.

Murray also praises the creative process and environment fostered when working with directors like Anderson. He describes living in close quarters with other actors and key crew members, such as in the quasi-dormitory setup, as an ideal situation for collaborative creativity.

Murray Often De ...

Bill Murray reminisces about his unique and thrilling experiences in 1970s New York City and how it shaped his life and craft.

Murray Thrived In 1970s New York City's Vibrant, Chaotic, Creative Environment

Murray fondly recalls the late '70s and '80s in New York City as a time of electrifying freedom when the city felt smaller, despite its financial troubles and crumbling infrastructure. The rough subways, with metal shavings flying around and no air conditioning in the open windows of summer and winter, contributed to the city's thrilling atmosphere.

Times Square, while just as weird then as it is now, was cooler and more raw, less sanitized by today's bright LED lights and advertisements. Murray notes that it was more focused on the city's street survivors rather than an international crowd, providing a unique sense of aliveness.

Bill Murray recounts his transformative experience in New York, starting on SNL at the age of 26, when he went from struggling to pay rent to having a credit account with a taxi service called Skulls Angels, allowing him to travel freely. His lifestyle dramatically changed as he could enter any venue in New York and be welcomed, reflecting on the education and experiences he gained during that time.

Murray touches on his understanding of the 1960s-70s counterculture movements and their imperfections, particularly the anti-war protests and mistreatment of mostly drafted service people. He contrasts his role as a soldier in a film with the real camaraderie among soldiers.

Murray recalls the significant role of music in the counterculture movement, describing it as an ext ...

Bill Murray reminisces about his unique and dynamic friendship with the late Hunter S. Thompson, which included notorious antics, political satire, and a blend of fact and fiction inspired by Thompson's trademark Gonzo journalism.

Murray Was Friends With Hunter S. Thompson

Murray and Thompson's Infamous Underwater "Escape Act" Incident

Bill Murray brings up the time he met Hunter S. Thompson in a memorable incident where he was tied to a chair and submerged underwater, marking the beginning of a long-lasting friendship. Murray was tied with socks to a lawn chair and lowered into a pool, having planned to position himself over a six-foot deep spot to breathe if necessary. However, Murray failed to account for the height reduction being tied to the chair caused, leading to a moment of panic when he couldn't reach the surface easily.

Murray and Thompson Satirized and Commented On Politics, Sometimes Portraying Nixon Positively

Murray explains that Thompson had a nuanced and complex understanding of politics and was respected for his savvy and realism. He details an incident where Thompson and Nixon rode in a limousine, with the stipulation that they only discuss NFL football. Nixon's knowledge of football even led to a play design being executed in an actual game. This interaction showed that Thompson's portrayal of Nixon could sometimes be positive.

Murray's Social Commentary Blended Fiction and Fact, Inspired by Thompson's Gonzo Journalism

Murray goes on to discuss the craft of blending social commentary with fiction, drawing inspiration from Thompson's Gonzo journalism. He appreciates Johnny Depp's filmic portrayal of Thompson's words. Murray and Thompson's own collaborative writing efforts included political satire, as seen when they joked about Nixon making a comeback, and a scene where they encounter Nixon in a urinal. Murray remark ...

Bill Murray's lifelong involvement in golf has gone from childhood caddying experiences to advocating for the meditative aspects of the game and creating his own golf clothing line.

Murray's Lifelong Golf Involvement: From Caddy to Player

Murray's involvement with golf began at a young age when he started caddying, following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Edward. His brother, Brian Doyle-Murray, co-wrote the movie "Caddyshack" based on memories of caddying which included content related to their experiences. Murray progresses from being a shag boy at 10 years old to caddying and earning the privilege to play golf on Mondays. He later pursued the sport seriously when he had the financial means, as it requires resources like clubs and money if you're not caddying. The passion continued into his adult life, at one point nearly giving up golf but finding rekindled interest when his son started playing.

Murray Discusses the Discipline Needed to Excel At Golf, Drawing Parallels To Archery and Pool

Murray speaks about the discipline required in golf, equating it to the focus needed in archery and pool. He touches upon the mental aspects, highlighting the necessity of returning to oneself, quieting the mind, and staying in the body to hit a good shot. Referencing the book "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose," he explains the importance of being mentally present and decluttering one's mind from distractions. Practices like tossing and catching a golf ball are also mentioned as ways to stay present. Murray extends the conversation to include techniques lear ...