Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Episode: Patton Oswalt
Release Date: December 4, 2024
Host/Guest: Dana Carvey, David Spade, Patton Oswalt

### Introduction

In this engaging episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, the dynamic duo welcomes the multifaceted comedian and actor Patton Oswalt. The conversation delves deep into Patton's illustrious career in stand-up comedy, his memorable roles in film and television, and his unique perspectives on the entertainment industry.

### Patton Oswalt’s Acting Journey Timestamp: 05:45 - 13:00

Dana Carvey begins by highlighting Patton Oswalt's passion for movies, particularly his enthusiasm for the Stanley Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey and the Planet of the Apes series. Patton shares his experiences navigating the San Francisco comedy club scene before rising to fame.

Notable Quote:

• Dana Carvey (07:27): "Patton Oswald. He is a dandy... hilarious to talk to."

Patton recounts his role in Magnolia, describing the challenging and surreal experiences on set, including collaborating closely with Paul Thomas Anderson. He humorously explains the complexities of acting without a full script, leading to unexpected and memorable scenes.

Notable Quote:

• Patton Oswalt (11:03): "You'll be even more confused when it happens."

### Insights into Movie Production Timestamp: 13:00 - 25:00

The trio delves into the intricacies of movie production, especially the differences between comedic and dramatic roles. Patton shares anecdotes about his contributions to various films, often playing roles that support the "badass" lead characters by handling essential equipment or providing witty commentary.

They discuss iconic films like Deep Blue Sea, exploring what makes a science fiction movie truly great. Patton emphasizes the importance of running with a strong premise and infusing humor to elevate the narrative.

Notable Quote:

• Patton Oswalt (22:22): "A bad science fiction movie is one that has a great premise and they don't run with it."

### The Comedy Scene and Stand-Up Strategies Timestamp: 25:00 - 45:00

Transitioning to stand-up comedy, Dana and David explore Patton's approach to developing his comedic material. Patton shares his strategy of empathizing with diverse characters to create relatable and humorous content. The conversation touches on the challenges of performing in various comedy club settings, from intimate venues to large theaters.

Patton provides valuable tips for aspiring comedians, such as understanding audience dynamics and honing the rhythm of comedy before perfecting the content.

Notable Quote:

• Patton Oswalt (34:09): "Sometimes you learn the rhythm before the content. And that can make for some really, really funny moments."

David recounts his early experiences in comedy clubs like Rooster Tea Feathers and the hurdles of booking shows, while Patton reminisces about interacting with fellow comedians and managing challenging performances.

### Game Shows and Hosting Challenges Timestamp: 45:00 - 70:00

The discussion shifts to Patton's foray into game show hosting. He introduces his British-style game show, where logic and unconventional thinking are tested rather than traditional knowledge. Patton explains the show's structure, emphasizing its appeal to viewers who enjoy solving intricate puzzles.

David shares his experiences hosting Snake Oil, highlighting the importance of clear rules and maintaining audience engagement despite complexities. The hosts exchange humorous stories about misunderstandings and on-set mishaps, underlining the unpredictable nature of live television.

Notable Quote:

• David Spade (69:19): "If you crack that code, you get people just sort of interested. That's it."

### Reflections on Classic Films Timestamp: 70:00 - 90:00

Dana steers the conversation towards classic cinema, particularly focusing on 2001: A Space Odyssey and Planet of the Apes. Patton and Dana share their admiration for Kubrick's masterpieces, discussing the films' lasting impact and technical brilliance. They analyze memorable scenes, such as the iconic statue of liberty reveal in Planet of the Apes, celebrating its chilling and thought-provoking conclusion.

Patton also touches on the emotional depth of Paths of Glory, praising the film's portrayal of human vulnerability amidst war.

Notable Quote:

• Patton Oswalt (31:12): "It's still chilling to this day. And when they show the Statue of Liberty, no music, just the sound of the waves. It's so final."

### The Evolution of Comedy Specials Timestamp: 90:00 - 105:00

As the episode progresses, the hosts discuss the evolution of comedy specials. Patton expresses his preference for intimate and raw performances over grandiose productions, citing his own special as a testament to focusing purely on humor without distractions.

Dana and David reflect on the benefits of smaller venues, where comedians can connect more personally with the audience, enhancing the comedic experience.

Notable Quote:

• Patton Oswalt (98:03): "It's a lot of stopping and starting and there's a lot of... Maybe this isn't with you. But so much focus on the rules because it's so legal."

### Personal Stories and Anecdotes Timestamp: 105:00 - 140:00

The conversation takes a more personal turn as Patton shares amusing and sometimes awkward experiences from his early career. From interacting with sound crew members to navigating unexpected challenges on stage, Patton reveals the humorous side of the entertainment industry.

Dana and David contribute their own stories, creating a lively and relatable dialogue that highlights the camaraderie among comedians. They discuss the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances during performances.

Notable Quote:

• Patton Oswalt (117:45): "I love the Deadwood mentality of like, well, you panned this much gold, so we can give you $2 or a clean woman. Which one do you want?"

### Closing Remarks Timestamp: 140:00 - End

As the episode wraps up, Dana and David thank Patton Oswalt for his candid and entertaining contributions. They reflect on the depth and breadth of their conversation, appreciating Patton's insights into both comedy and acting. The hosts encourage listeners to follow Patton's work and stay tuned for future episodes featuring more entertainment industry veterans.

Notable Quote:

• Dana Carvey (74:55): "That was so much fun to talk about the killings and to talk about Planet of the Apes and stand up."

### Conclusion

This episode of Fly on the Wall offers a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and humor, showcasing the exceptional chemistry between Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Patton Oswalt. Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy, classic films, or behind-the-scenes tales from the entertainment world, this conversation provides something for everyone.

### Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David Spade (07:29): "Patton Oswald. He is a dandy... hilarious to talk to."
• Patton Oswalt (11:03): "You'll be even more confused when it happens."
• Patton Oswalt (22:22): "A bad science fiction movie is one that has a great premise and they don't run with it."
• Patton Oswalt (34:09): "Sometimes you learn the rhythm before the content. And that can make for some really, really funny moments."
• David Spade (69:19): "If you crack that code, you get people just sort of interested. That's it."
• Patton Oswalt (31:12): "It's still chilling to this day. And when they show the Statue of Liberty, no music, just the sound of the waves. It's so final."
• Patton Oswalt (98:03): "It's a lot of stopping and starting and there's a lot of... Maybe this isn't with you. But so much focus on the rules because it's so legal."
• Patton Oswalt (117:45): "I love the Deadwood mentality of like, well, you panned this much gold, so we can give you $2 or a clean woman. Which one do you want?"
• Dana Carvey (74:55): "That was so much fun to talk about the killings and to talk about Planet of the Apes and stand up."

### Key Takeaways

• Patton Oswalt's Versatility: Patton's ability to transition seamlessly between stand-up comedy and acting roles highlights his multifaceted talent.

• Importance of Storytelling: The episode underscores the significance of narrative and character development in both comedy and film.

• The Essence of Comedy Clubs: Intimate venues allow comedians to connect deeply with their audience, fostering a more impactful comedic experience.

• Classic Film Appreciation: Discussions on timeless classics reveal how certain films continue to influence and resonate within the entertainment industry.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a detailed overview of the discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges between Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Patton Oswalt.