The Screenwriter of 'Challengers' and 'Queer' on His Massive Year - All Of It with Alison Stewart

Summary

All Of It Podcast Summary: "The Screenwriter of 'Challengers' and 'Queer' on His Massive Year"

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Justin Karitskas, Screenwriter
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Podcast: All Of It by WNYC

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart engages in a captivating conversation with screenwriter Justin Karitskas. Justin discusses his extraordinary year, during which both of his feature films, "Challengers" and "Queer," were released. The episode delves into Justin’s creative journey, the inspirations behind his films, and his transition from theater to Hollywood.

Justin's Massive Year: Dual Film Releases

Justin Karitskas achieved a remarkable feat by having his first two feature films released in the same year, both directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring prominent Hollywood talents:

"Challengers": A tennis drama starring Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis phenom entangled in a love triangle with her famous husband and his childhood best friend.
"Queer": An adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel, featuring Daniel Craig as William Lee, a gay American expat in 1950s Mexico, obsessed with wooing a young man named Eugene Allerton.

Transition from Theater to Film

Justin shares his roots in off-Broadway theater, highlighting how this background laid the foundation for his success in Hollywood.

Justin Karitskas [02:01]: "I come from off Broadway theater. That's kind of my roots. And so in theater, you're really thrilled if like 100 people see your play. That's the big success. So to have this kind of reception... it's pretty amazing."

He explains that the storytelling skills developed in theater seamlessly transitioned to filmmaking, particularly noting how the rehearsal process for "Challengers" felt similar to directing a play.

Justin Karitskas [02:30]: "When the actors got to Boston, and we were starting to really work together... it didn't feel any different from working on a play. So it was a really nice way to ease into filmmaking."

Creating "Challengers": Inspiration and Themes

Justin recounts the inspiration behind "Challengers," sparked by the 2018 US Open match between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.

Justin Karitskas [04:53]: "I just started thinking, well, what if you really needed to talk about something, and what if it was something beyond tennis? How would you have that conversation?"

He emphasizes the choice of tennis as the backdrop for a love triangle, noting the sport's equality between genders and its individualistic nature, which mirrors the film's themes of isolation and connection.

Justin Karitskas [06:00]: "In tennis, at least at the Grand Slams, the pay is the same, the viewership is pretty similar... which is the experience of most men on the tour... same as the women."

The Process of Getting Films Made

Justin explains his proactive approach to screenwriting, often writing scripts on spec without initial backing.

Justin Karitskas [03:07]: "I wrote it because it was a movie I wanted to see."

His collaboration with producers Amy Pascal and Rachel O'Connor played a pivotal role in bringing "Challengers" to life. Amy Pascal's immediate support and vision for the film were crucial.

Justin Karitskas [03:56]: "Amy read it, and the first thing she said was, I'm gonna send this to Zendaya, and she's gonna say yes."

This connection ultimately led to Luca Guadagnino directing both films, aligning with his desire to emulate the style of Mike Nichols.

Justin Karitskas [04:09]: "This feels like a movie that Mike Nichols would make."

Thematic Elements in "Challengers"

The film explores deep emotional and erotic undercurrents within the competitive world of tennis. Justin discusses the portrayal of lifelong friendships and the inherent tension in love triangles set against the backdrop of an individual sport.

Justin Karitskas [10:04]: "I think every friendship like that is charged with eroticism, whether we admit it or not."

He also highlights the unique setting of a tennis academy, where characters develop intimate bonds akin to those of an "old married couple."

Discussion of "Queer": Adapting Burroughs' Novel

Transitioning to "Queer," Justin shares his immediate connection with William S. Burroughs' work and his enthusiasm for adapting the novel.

Justin Karitskas [13:43]: "I was completely amazed by it... I read it that night and called him immediately and said, I'm in."

Justin discusses the challenges of translating Burroughs' monologue-heavy narrative into a visually driven film, focusing on character development and maintaining the novel's essence without overwhelming the audience.

Justin Karitskas [16:15]: "Figuring out how to get the spirit of Lee without getting all of the talk of him was part of my task."

Research and Development

Tennis for "Challengers"

Justin immersed himself in tennis, not as a fan but as a storyteller seeking the drama inherent in the sport.

Justin Karitskas [06:44]: "Tennis was the only thing that was holding my attention... better than every movie I was watching, better than every TV show."

Ayahuasca and 1950s Mexico for "Queer"

For "Queer," Justin delved into the cultural and historical context of 1950s Mexico and the effects of ayahuasca, integrating these elements to authentically portray the protagonist's obsession and the era's aesthetics.

Justin Karitskas [18:37]: "I wanted it to feel like this completely alien thing and this completely new experience."

He collaborated closely with researchers and designers to ensure accurate and vivid representations.

Comparison Between "Challengers" and "Queer"

Justin sees his two films as thematically linked, both exploring the boundaries of interpersonal connections and the quest for understanding within intimate relationships.

Justin Karitskas [21:17]: "Both being movies about the limits of what you can try to get out of another person and what you have to get for yourself."

He reflects on how the experience of creating "Challengers" influenced the development of "Queer."

Awards Season Insights

With awards season approaching, Justin shares observations influenced by his wife, Celine Song, whose film "Past Lives" received critical acclaim.

Justin Karitskas [22:42]: "If you can use the energy of something like awards season to get people to see those movies or remember those movies, that's an energy worth tapping into."

He underscores the importance of visibility for great films that might otherwise be overlooked.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by acknowledging Justin Karitskas' impressive achievements and expressing excitement for "Queer"'s release.

Alison Stewart [23:29]: "It was really nice to meet you, Justin."

Justin reciprocates the sentiments, highlighting the collaborative spirit that brought his projects to fruition.

Justin Karitskas [23:37]: "Here we go."

The episode concludes with a brief nod to "Challengers," available for streaming, and a teaser for the upcoming discussion on "Queer."

Notable Quotes

Justin Karitskas [02:01]: "In theater, you're really thrilled if like 100 people see your play. That's the big success."
Justin Karitskas [04:53]: "How would you have that conversation? And how could you communicate the tension of that using film?"
Justin Karitskas [10:04]: "I think every friendship like that is charged with eroticism, whether we admit it or not."
Justin Karitskas [16:15]: "Figuring out how to get the spirit of Lee without getting all of the talk of him was part of my task."
Justin Karitskas [21:17]: "Both being movies about the limits of what you can try to get out of another person and what you have to get for yourself."

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers an in-depth look into Justin Karitskas' creative process, the successful navigation of dual film releases, and the intricate thematic elements that define his work. Listeners gain valuable insights into the world of screenwriting, adaptation, and the delicate balance between personal storytelling and commercial filmmaking.

Summary

All Of It Podcast Summary: "The Screenwriter of 'Challengers' and 'Queer' on His Massive Year"

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Justin Karitskas, Screenwriter
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Podcast: All Of It by WNYC

Introduction

Justin's Massive Year: Dual Film Releases

Justin Karitskas achieved a remarkable feat by having his first two feature films released in the same year, both directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring prominent Hollywood talents:

"Challengers": A tennis drama starring Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis phenom entangled in a love triangle with her famous husband and his childhood best friend.
"Queer": An adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel, featuring Daniel Craig as William Lee, a gay American expat in 1950s Mexico, obsessed with wooing a young man named Eugene Allerton.

Transition from Theater to Film

Justin shares his roots in off-Broadway theater, highlighting how this background laid the foundation for his success in Hollywood.

Justin Karitskas [02:01]: "I come from off Broadway theater. That's kind of my roots. And so in theater, you're really thrilled if like 100 people see your play. That's the big success. So to have this kind of reception... it's pretty amazing."

Justin Karitskas [02:30]: "When the actors got to Boston, and we were starting to really work together... it didn't feel any different from working on a play. So it was a really nice way to ease into filmmaking."

Creating "Challengers": Inspiration and Themes

Justin recounts the inspiration behind "Challengers," sparked by the 2018 US Open match between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.

Justin Karitskas [04:53]: "I just started thinking, well, what if you really needed to talk about something, and what if it was something beyond tennis? How would you have that conversation?"

Justin Karitskas [06:00]: "In tennis, at least at the Grand Slams, the pay is the same, the viewership is pretty similar... which is the experience of most men on the tour... same as the women."

The Process of Getting Films Made

Justin explains his proactive approach to screenwriting, often writing scripts on spec without initial backing.

Justin Karitskas [03:07]: "I wrote it because it was a movie I wanted to see."

Justin Karitskas [03:56]: "Amy read it, and the first thing she said was, I'm gonna send this to Zendaya, and she's gonna say yes."

This connection ultimately led to Luca Guadagnino directing both films, aligning with his desire to emulate the style of Mike Nichols.

Justin Karitskas [04:09]: "This feels like a movie that Mike Nichols would make."

Thematic Elements in "Challengers"

Justin Karitskas [10:04]: "I think every friendship like that is charged with eroticism, whether we admit it or not."

He also highlights the unique setting of a tennis academy, where characters develop intimate bonds akin to those of an "old married couple."

Discussion of "Queer": Adapting Burroughs' Novel

Transitioning to "Queer," Justin shares his immediate connection with William S. Burroughs' work and his enthusiasm for adapting the novel.

Justin Karitskas [13:43]: "I was completely amazed by it... I read it that night and called him immediately and said, I'm in."

Justin Karitskas [16:15]: "Figuring out how to get the spirit of Lee without getting all of the talk of him was part of my task."

Research and Development

Tennis for "Challengers"

Justin immersed himself in tennis, not as a fan but as a storyteller seeking the drama inherent in the sport.

Justin Karitskas [06:44]: "Tennis was the only thing that was holding my attention... better than every movie I was watching, better than every TV show."

Ayahuasca and 1950s Mexico for "Queer"

Justin Karitskas [18:37]: "I wanted it to feel like this completely alien thing and this completely new experience."

He collaborated closely with researchers and designers to ensure accurate and vivid representations.

Comparison Between "Challengers" and "Queer"

Justin sees his two films as thematically linked, both exploring the boundaries of interpersonal connections and the quest for understanding within intimate relationships.

Justin Karitskas [21:17]: "Both being movies about the limits of what you can try to get out of another person and what you have to get for yourself."

He reflects on how the experience of creating "Challengers" influenced the development of "Queer."

Awards Season Insights

With awards season approaching, Justin shares observations influenced by his wife, Celine Song, whose film "Past Lives" received critical acclaim.

Justin Karitskas [22:42]: "If you can use the energy of something like awards season to get people to see those movies or remember those movies, that's an energy worth tapping into."

He underscores the importance of visibility for great films that might otherwise be overlooked.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by acknowledging Justin Karitskas' impressive achievements and expressing excitement for "Queer"'s release.

Alison Stewart [23:29]: "It was really nice to meet you, Justin."

Justin reciprocates the sentiments, highlighting the collaborative spirit that brought his projects to fruition.

Justin Karitskas [23:37]: "Here we go."

The episode concludes with a brief nod to "Challengers," available for streaming, and a teaser for the upcoming discussion on "Queer."

Notable Quotes

Justin Karitskas [02:01]: "In theater, you're really thrilled if like 100 people see your play. That's the big success."
Justin Karitskas [04:53]: "How would you have that conversation? And how could you communicate the tension of that using film?"
Justin Karitskas [10:04]: "I think every friendship like that is charged with eroticism, whether we admit it or not."
Justin Karitskas [16:15]: "Figuring out how to get the spirit of Lee without getting all of the talk of him was part of my task."
Justin Karitskas [21:17]: "Both being movies about the limits of what you can try to get out of another person and what you have to get for yourself."