Podcast Summary: The Book Review – "Steven Soderbergh on His Reading Life" (Rerun) Release Date: March 21, 2025

Host: Gilbert Cruz
Guest: Steven Soderbergh, Acclaimed Film Director

Introduction and Background

In this rerun episode of The Book Review, Gilbert Cruz, editor of The New York Times Book Review, revisits a compelling conversation with the prolific film director Steven Soderbergh. Originally conducted in January 2024, this episode delves into Soderbergh's extensive reading habits, his personal cataloging system, and how literature intertwines with his creative process.

The Genesis of the 765 List

[00:33] Gilbert Cruz:
Gilbert introduces the focal point of the conversation: Soderbergh's "765" list—a comprehensive day-by-day record of every book he reads, along with movies, TV shows, and plays he engages with.

[01:57] Steven Soderbergh:
Soderbergh explains the origin of the list:
"I was trying to draw attention to my T-shirt business... but it became an exercise in creating a personal calendar to chart what I was consuming each year. It's a low-impact way to orient my memory, especially post-pandemic when our sense of time has been distorted."
This system has been active since 2009 and serves as a reflective tool for him to assess his intellectual and creative landscape over the years.

Reading as a Singular Experience

[03:03] Steven Soderbergh:
Soderbergh compares reading to listening to music, emphasizing its unique ability to anchor moments in time:
"Books were once central to cultural conversations, much like songs are today. Reading offers a singular experience where my imagination is fully engaged without distractions."
He highlights the diminishing number of such distilled experiences in the modern age, underscoring his appreciation for deep, immersive reading.

Coping with Stress Through Reading

[05:07] Gilbert Cruz:
Gilbert notes that Soderbergh read approximately 80 books in 2023.

[05:15] Steven Soderbergh:
Soderbergh attributes this surge to a stressful year, using reading as a form of meditation:
"I read to calm down, to immerse myself in something other than work-related stressors like screenplays or scripts."
This habit not only provided solace but also maintained his productivity amidst a demanding schedule, including multiple film releases.

Balancing Productivity and Personal Reading

[06:22] Steven Soderbergh:
Soderbergh discusses the challenge of balancing his reading with his professional obligations:
"People send me books related to my projects, expecting timely responses. Reading books as a de-stressor means these work-related reads take longer."
He reveals plans to implement a reward system to manage and prioritize these obligations better.

Embracing Non-Completion in Reading

[11:13] Steven Soderbergh:
Addressing the guilt associated with not finishing books, Soderbergh states:
"If you bought a book, you don't have to feel guilty about not finishing it. You've already supported the artist."
He encourages listeners to embrace the freedom to curate their reading experiences without remorse.

Developing a Commonplace Book

[13:01] Steven Soderbergh:
To retain memorable insights, Soderbergh has started maintaining a document of highlighted passages:
"If I don't write it down, it's gone. This is my solution to the information overload of modern times."
This practice aligns with the traditional concept of a commonplace book, allowing him to revisit and reflect on impactful content.

Deep Dive into Specific Works

Sarah Bakewell’s "How to Live"

[14:39] Gilbert Cruz:
Gilbert brings up Sarah Bakewell's "How to Live," a study of Michel de Montaigne.

[14:39] Steven Soderbergh:
Soderbergh expresses admiration for Montaigne's enduring wisdom:
"Montaigne's essays were revolutionary, tackling subjects like procrastination and marriage in ways that resonate even today."
He reflects on the timeless nature of Montaigne's insights and their relevance to contemporary society.

Randall Jarrell’s "Pictures from an Institution"

[35:40] Steven Soderbergh:
Soderbergh shares his favorite re-read book, gifted by Mike Nichols:
"Randall Jarrell's 'Pictures from an Institution' is a masterpiece. Every time I read it, I discover something new. It's a beautifully structured novella that never gets old."
He emphasizes the book's lasting impact and its role in his literary repertoire.

Technology and Reading

[28:36] Steven Soderbergh:
Discussing his reliance on digital devices, Soderbergh marvels at modern technology:
"With my iPad, I can read, edit films, and manage multiple tasks seamlessly. However, I'm skeptical about the endless iterations without significant improvements."
He reflects on the balance between technological advancements and their practical utility in creative workflows.

Fiction as a Mirror to Humanity

[31:02] Steven Soderbergh:
Soderbergh lauds Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's storytelling prowess:
"Her prose is aerodynamic—every syllable serves a purpose. Reading her novels feels like being granted access to someone else's consciousness."
He underscores the power of fiction to foster empathy and understanding by delving deep into characters' minds.

[34:02] Gilbert Cruz:
Gilbert aligns this perspective with philosophical insights:
"Sarah Bakewell argued that Montaigne wrote to create a mirror for humanity. Similarly, fiction allows readers to see reflections of their own humanity through created characters."

[34:53] Steven Soderbergh:
Acknowledging the dual benefits of fiction, Soderbergh adds:
"Chimamanda's work is intensely pleasurable and intellectually stimulating. It continually amazes me with her mastery of storytelling."

The Role of Free Will in Storytelling

[38:09] Steven Soderbergh:
Soderbergh recommends Robert Sapolsky's "Determined," discussing its implications on free will:
"Sapolsky's work challenges the notion of free will, suggesting our decisions are determined by prior experiences and genetics. This has profound implications for storytelling, ensuring character behaviors are consistent and believable."
He connects this philosophy to his filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of credible character motivations.

[40:46] Steven Soderbergh:
Expanding on free will's impact on narrative structure, Soderbergh states:
"Understanding that behavior is determined makes me strive for rigorous plot mathematics. Characters must act consistently based on their backstories to avoid narrative discrepancies."
This approach enhances the authenticity of his films, ensuring audiences remain engaged and invested.

Conclusion and Reflections

[43:38] Gilbert Cruz:
Gilbert praises Soderbergh's insights, suggesting the possibility of an entire podcast episode dedicated to these themes.

[43:54] Steven Soderbergh:
Expressing gratitude, Soderbergh concludes:
"That was fun. Thanks."
Reflecting on the rich discussion, both host and guest acknowledge the intertwining of literature and filmmaking as essential components of creative expression.

Notable Quotes

• Steven Soderbergh [01:57]:
  "It's a low-impact, non-lethal way to orient my memory, which I find as time goes on... our sense of when things happened has been completely distorted."

• Steven Soderbergh [05:15]:
  "I read as a form of meditation because... I have to start logging them down."

• Steven Soderbergh [11:13]:
  "If you bought a book, you don't have to feel guilty about not finishing it. You've already supported the artist."

• Steven Soderbergh [14:39]:
  "Montaigne's essays were revolutionary, tackling subjects like procrastination and marriage in ways that resonate even today."

• Steven Soderbergh [31:02]:
  "Chimamanda's prose is aerodynamic—every syllable serves a purpose. It's like being inside of somebody else's consciousness."

• Steven Soderbergh [38:09]:
  "Sapolsky's work challenges the notion of free will... This has profound implications for storytelling."

Final Thoughts

Steven Soderbergh's expansive reading life offers profound insights into how literature shapes and informs his cinematic endeavors. His disciplined approach to reading, coupled with a reflective cataloging system, underscores the symbiotic relationship between consuming and creating art. This episode of The Book Review provides a nuanced look into the mind of a director who views books not just as sources of entertainment, but as essential building blocks for understanding human behavior and crafting authentic narratives.

For those seeking to explore Soderbergh's literary influences or to gain inspiration for their own reading habits, his 765 list is an invaluable resource. Visit Steven Soderbergh's site extension 765 to dive deeper into his curated list of books, films, and more.

This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Gilbert Cruz and Steven Soderbergh, highlighting key discussions and providing a structured overview for listeners and those who haven't tuned in.