Blank Check with Griffin & David: Episode Summary – "Always" with Richard Lawson

Release Date: March 30, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims, alongside special guest Richard Lawson, delve into the intricacies of Steven Spielberg's lesser-discussed filmography, focusing specifically on the 1989 romantic fantasy remake, "Always." Produced by Ben Hosley, the episode offers a candid and in-depth exploration of the film's production, casting decisions, and its place within Spielberg's body of work.

Episode Focus: "Always" Directed by Steven Spielberg

"Always" is a remake of the 1943 MGM film "A Guy Named Joe," reimagined by Spielberg as a contemporary story involving aerial firefighting, romance, and supernatural elements. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, and John Goodman, each bringing a unique dynamic to the narrative.

Guest Introduction: Richard Lawson

Richard Lawson joins Griffin and David to provide expert insights into the film's production and its reception. Lawson's experience and perspective enrich the discussion, offering listeners nuanced viewpoints on the film's strengths and shortcomings.

Discussion Points

a. Steven Spielberg's Direction on "Always"

Griffin opens the conversation by referencing Spielberg's attempt to migrate from his earlier, more technical blockbusters to a more intimate, character-driven narrative with "Always." He remarks:

"This is a Spielberg movie, and he is so prolific in his production that he feels like he's doing anything he wants, but with the reality that he can't."

Richard Lawson adds nuance to Spielberg's directorial choices, highlighting the challenges Spielberg faced in balancing technical prowess with emotional storytelling.

b. Casting Choices: Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, John Goodman

The trio discusses the casting of Richard Dreyfuss as Pete Sandich, Holly Hunter as Dorinda Warren, and John Goodman in a supporting role. Griffin expresses fascination with Dreyfuss's performance:

"I was like, to make him the most annoying character in a Hollywood movie, I've done it."

Lawson compliments Goodman's portrayal, noting his ability to bring warmth and depth to the character, despite limited screen time.

c. Richard Dreyfuss's Performance and Career

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Richard Dreyfuss's career trajectory. David critiques Dreyfuss's portrayal in "Always," considering him an "annoying little rat man" and laments his waning popularity post-"Goodbye Girl." He states:

"I think he gives it a wonderful performance in 'Jaws' and a wonderful performance in 'Close Encounters,' but it just... he needs to stop going to Lights Camera Jackson for therapy."

Griffin counters by emphasizing Dreyfuss's beloved status among audiences, suggesting that casting him as a romantic lead was an attempt to leverage his charisma.

d. Holly Hunter's Role and Career Trajectory

Holly Hunter's performance in "Always" is lauded for its intensity and emotional depth. The hosts reflect on her career post-"Always," noting a shift towards television and voice acting roles, which may have inadvertently led to her being underappreciated in the film industry. Griffin observes:

"She just wore the best dress in the history of movies, like, two years ago."

e. Comparison with Other Spielberg Works

The episode contrasts "Always" with Spielberg's other films, particularly "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "Schindler's List." They argue that while "E.T." successfully combines technical spectacle with heartfelt storytelling, "Always" struggles to find its identity, falling between being a blockbuster and a character study.

Lawson remarks:

"This is in some ways, I mean, there's a lot of technical skill in this one. But this... just kind of like a solid studio release from 1989."

f. Box Office and Critical Reception

"Always" had a modest box office performance, grossing around $3.7 million on a significant number of screens. While it recouped its budget, it didn't achieve the cultural impact of Spielberg's other works. Critics were divided, with some appreciating the emotional undertones, while others found it lacking in coherence and depth.

Richard Lawson notes:

"We were entering an era then when, like, earnest romantic dramas were kind of falling by the wayside."

g. Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes

The hosts and Lawson share amusing and insightful behind-the-scenes stories, including Spielberg's insistence on casting choices and interactions with the actors. For instance, they recount how Spielberg's vision for Holly Hunter's character influenced her wardrobe and on-set treatment:

"She provides her own wardrobe," Griffin says, elaborating on the meticulous care taken to maintain her character's ethereal presence.

h. The Marlboro Tie-In and Marketing Strategies

A notable aspect of the film's marketing involved tie-ins with Marlboro, reflecting the era's branding strategies. The conversation touches on the cultural implications of such partnerships and their impact on audience perceptions.

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with reflections on "Always" as a pivotal yet underappreciated entry in Spielberg's filmography. While not devoid of merit, the film serves as an example of the challenges auteurs face when transitioning between genres and the delicate balance between technical mastery and narrative depth.

Griffin encapsulates the sentiment:

"It's sort of, you know, this is one... This movie's 89... And it's less like, big and sweeping than I remember it being."

Lawson agrees, emphasizing that while "Always" doesn't stand out as a classic, it provides valuable insights into Spielberg's creative journey and the complexities of filmmaking.

Notable Quotes

• Griffin Newman [00:13]: "I know now that the podcast we hold back is the only pain that follows us here."
• David Sims [01:43]: "I have a weekend, like, quote unquote, Indian group thing where it's all like, George went explaining the principles of the Native Americans and Trevi Chase being asleep."
• Richard Lawson [02:05]: "Just pure hap. Yep."
• Griffin Newman [27:40]: "This movie is forgotten by current generations because it just kind of went over okay and was quickly forgotten."
• David Sims [40:48]: "He gives it a wonderful performance in Jaws, and a wonderful performance in Close Encounters, but it just kind of arrives at its conclusions pretty quickly."

Final Remarks

Blank Check with Griffin & David offers a compelling exploration of "Always," shedding light on its place within Spielberg's oeuvre and the broader cinematic landscape of the late 1980s. Through thoughtful analysis and candid conversation, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of a film that remains a curious footnote in the careers of its talented cast and its esteemed director.

Note: This summary excludes the podcast's advertisements, intros, outros, and other non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive discussions about the film "Always."