TCB Infomercial: Gina Gershon

Summary

The Commercial Break — TCB Infomercial: Gina Gershon

Episode Date: August 7, 2024
Hosts: Bryan Green and Krissy Hoadley
Guest: Gina Gershon
Main Theme: An improv-comedy interview with iconic actor Gina Gershon, focusing on her career highlights, her role in the new film Borderlands, and deep-cut reflections on Hollywood, creative authenticity, and resilience.

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Episode Overview

Bryan and Krissy welcome their first ever “just-actor, not-also-a-comic” guest to their irreverent, banter-filled show: legendary film and TV actress Gina Gershon. The discussion bounces from Gina’s new blockbuster (Borderlands) to her storied filmography (Bound, Pretty in Pink, Cocktail, Face/Off, Showgirls) and unfiltered stories about risk-taking in Hollywood, evolving perspectives, and what draws her to a role. Gershon is candid, funny, and insightful, making for one of TCB’s most engaging celebrity interviews.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Giddy Anticipation & Gershon’s Road to TCB

• TCB kicks off with the hosts expressing awe at having Gina Gershon as their first true actor guest.
  • “I mean, when you look at her IMDb page, it’s filled with movies that you have seen...” — Bryan (03:01)
• Krissy describes Gina as “absolutely beautiful and has stunning... just looks amazing in person” (03:21)
• Bryan highlights Gershon’s varied filmography, noting Bound's cult status and Borderlands’ “crazy” cast including Kevin Hart, Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

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Gina Gershon Joins the Show

(Interview Starts ~09:18)

On Filming Borderlands During the Pandemic

• Gershon explains the surreal nature of shooting in Budapest mid-lockdown:
  • "It was like, oh my God, this is kind of, you know, nice to go into a weird, bonkers fantasy land for a second." — Gina (11:26)
  • She relished the chance to “be in lockdown” with such “a great gang,” and jokes about Budapest itself being “trippy” enough without the sci-fi sets.
  • Gershon adored working with “crazy cast” and says Eli Roth was great. (10:48–12:29)

Early Breaks: From Legs in Beatlemania to Pretty in Pink

• Gershon recounts her first real film was Pretty in Pink:
  • "I was like, dancing legs in Beatlemania... my friends parents were producing and I was dancing a lot. They're like, we need a dancer. But you never saw my face..." (13:19)
  • John Hughes was “kind of the guy at that moment” but she didn’t spend much time with him (14:24).

Cocktail & Twists of Fate

• The hosts discuss her “iconic” role in Cocktail, where she played a “real snake”:
  • "She did not start off being that way. ...I never knew I slept with the Brian Brown character until, like, I watched the film." — Gina (15:15)
  • Gershon learned on-screen dynamics often surprise you and jokes about trusting makeup artists (“You learn not to trust anyone there... wow. No, it doesn’t look pretty a lot." 16:04).

Following the Creative Pull

• Gina says acting called to her early, inspired by seeing Beauty and the Beast on stage:
  • "I just remember looking at the people on stage thinking, oh, those are magic people. Like, those are magic people." (16:48)
• Her family didn't push her but didn't discourage, either; “I was more of a dancer and a singer when I was younger.”
• Stories about lying about her age to land into a San Francisco summer program at 16 (“I kind of had to lie my way through that because I was only 16...” 18:02).

On Choosing Craft Over Fame

• Gershon was self-aware and intentional from an early age:
  • “Let me get well-rounded. Let me fill this... with other things besides just... acting because it may lend to future roles...” — Bryan (20:28)
  • “...I thought all of it would feed into what I was doing and the parts I knew that I really wanted to play weren’t until I was a little bit older anyway. So I’m like, I just have to prepare for that.” — Gina (19:49)

Gershon’s On-Screen “Depth” and “Demon Within”

• Bryan reflects on Gina’s screen quality:
  • "I've always felt like there's something behind your eyes. You seem like my brain, the demon within." (22:07, quoting earlier banter)
  • “There’s always something there that’s not describable... it’s very unique.”

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Behind the Roles: Authenticity, Risk, and Complexity

Playing Donatella in Versace TV Movie

• “Fun wouldn’t be the word, you know... the movie focused on a period of her life that wasn't so fun... I just think she’s a survivor. She’s very interesting and so talented...” — Gina (23:22–24:21)

What Draws Her to Roles

• “When it comes to dramatic pieces... I have a tendency to go towards complex characters or, you know, maybe that’s the thing behind the eyes… what they’re showing isn’t actually what’s going on.” (24:39)
• Gina’s always curious about human psychology, darkness, and growth: “How can they evolve past their stuff? ...You only get a sliver in a movie...” (25:22).

On Comedy vs. Drama

• “Making people laugh is musical in some ways… there’s beats” — Bryan (25:53)
• Gina: “Everyone has it [struggle]. Even… comedic parts. Why is someone trying to be so funny? Believe me, there’s a reason whether they realize it or not.” (26:37)

David Mamet’s Directing Advice

• "...learn how to direct yourself. In your whole career, you will be lucky if you have five directors who actually direct you. ...He was totally right." — Gina, relaying Mamet’s lesson (27:40)
• Gina says you have to approach roles almost as if directing yourself, because you can't always rely on external direction.

Staying True to Oneself (Despite External Advice)

• On resisting being molded for commercial appeal:
  • “You have to stay true to what you believe because just between you and you, that’s who’s making it... if it sounds/feels right to you, that’s what matters.” (29:59)
  • “The few times I’ve tried to do something because... the agent people are like, you need to do something commercial... It was terrible. And I'm like, I don't want to do this.” (30:59)

The Reality of Mixing Art & Commerce

• Sometimes, she admits, “you have to take a job that pays you. Right, exactly. ...More often than not... the movies or TV shows or plays that I’ve really been in love with... they don’t pay.” (31:42–32:07)

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Notable Films, Cult Classics, and Creative Risks

Showgirls — Three-Part Reflection

• Gina’s thoughts on the notorious Showgirls evolved:
  1. Was excited due to director Paul Verhoeven’s “dark and gritty” Dutch films.
  2. In production, realized “this isn’t going to be what everyone’s going to think it’s going to be... the set was more like a Britney Spears concert... it’s something totally, completely different.” (34:08)
  3. On release, she distanced herself from it but, with hindsight, sees “it’s really a portrait of ugly Americans and the ugly American dream, you know... in a very campy way, but with... very serious undertones.” (35:25, 36:26)

Bound — Breaking Barriers

• Bound made a huge impression on Gina (“the woman gets to be the hero... I’d never read a part like that.” 38:13):
  • She risked her representation over it: “My agents were like, you can’t do this movie... It’s going to ruin your career... I said, great, here’s the thing. I’m out of here. Once again, this is my career.” (39:09)
  • Gina credits the Wachowskis’ vision and describes the set as “just everyone was so good... it’s just so well done...” (40:54)
  • On representation: “There was a moment, only like 20 years ago where you couldn’t really play gay characters in films... thank god a lot has changed.” (41:33)

Pray for Rock & Roll — A Lost Gem Returns

• Pray for Rock & Roll, once nearly lost, is being re-released:
  • Gina co-produced, performed all song vocals live (“I helped produce it. I sang live throughout the whole thing.” 43:30).
  • After years in “distribution limbo,” it’s back in theaters and soon streaming (44:44–45:14).
  • “People were really into this movie and I really loved it..." — Gina (44:17)

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Audience Recognition & Changing Legacies

• Gershon’s fans approach her for Showgirls, Bound, Pray for Rock & Roll, and Face/Off, depending on demographic:
  • “As they’re walking towards me, it’s like... you kind of do the demographics... it’s always different, to be honest.” (42:29)
• She discusses how changing attitudes mean new, appreciative audiences are discovering Bound and Pray for Rock & Roll for the first time.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Self-Direction:
  "Learn how to direct yourself. In your whole career, you will be lucky if you have five directors who actually direct you." — Gina (27:40, quoting David Mamet)
• On Authenticity:
  "You have to stay true to what you believe because just between you and you, that's who's making it... if it feels good, then... we shouldn't be disappointed in the results." — Gina/Bryan (29:59)
• On Risk-Taking:
  "My agents were like, 'you can't do this movie, it'll ruin your career.'... I said, great, here's the thing. I'm out of here. Once again, this is my career." — Gina (39:09)
• On Showgirls’ Legacy:
  "I just had my own vision of, like, you know, at the time, I'm like, why is this rape scene in here? This is insane... Now, after years... I could see why people are consciously or unconsciously obsessed with this film. I mean, it's really a portrait of ugly Americans and the ugly American dream." — Gina (35:25, 36:26)
• On Bound:
  "The woman gets to be the hero... I'd never read a part like that." — Gina (38:46)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:00–03:01: Hosts’ giddy anticipation, Gershon’s resume rundown
• 09:18: Gina Gershon joins the interview
• 10:48–12:29: Reflections on Borderlands and filming in Budapest
• 13:19: First film experiences (Pretty in Pink)
• 15:13–16:37: Cocktail role and Hollywood surprises
• 16:48–21:58: Early creative influences, family, and love of craft
• 22:07–24:21: Bryan’s reflection on her “demon within”; Versace biopic
• 24:30–26:52: On complex characters, psychology, and what draws her to roles
• 27:15–28:27: David Mamet’s advice, self-direction
• 29:57–32:31: Staying true to one’s creative vision vs. commercial pressures
• 33:06–37:27: The three-part evolution of Showgirls
• 37:36–41:33: The making, legacy, and risk of Bound
• 42:29–45:22: Pray for Rock & Roll and changing audience recognition
• 46:07: Farewells and gratitude

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains TCB’s signature blend of irreverence, affectionate ribbing, and unfiltered honesty. Gershon is at ease, engaging the hosts’ banter with humor and candor (“You can say whatever the fuck you want to!” 24:55). Despite the freewheeling tone, moments of real vulnerability and industry insight shine through, particularly on Hollywood’s contradictions and the importance of self-belief.

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Episode Takeaways

• Gina Gershon’s career is a testament to resilience, risk-taking, and prioritizing substance over superficial opportunity.
• She’s drawn to complex, layered roles and brings psychological curiosity and empathy to each character.
• Showgirls and Bound are not just cult classics, but case studies in how time and changing attitudes can reshape a film’s legacy.
• For creative people, staying true to one’s voice is essential, even if it means walking away from industry norms.
• TCB’s interview style, though comedic and casual, allows for unusually deep and engaging conversations with their guests.

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Recommended If You Like: Candid celebrity interviews, film nostalgia, and unscripted comic energy with a heart.
Next Steps: Catch Gina in Borderlands (August 8, 2024), rewatch Bound (now streaming on Criterion), and look out for the rerelease of Pray for Rock & Roll.

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Transcript

[A]

Have you noticed how hot it's been getting now? Because hell is here already. The devil is trying to get us all burned up, but he ain't trying to burn me up.

[B]

On this episode of the commercial break, I've always thought about you, Gina. And I know that I may be taking a risk stand, but I've always felt like there's something behind your eyes. You seem like my brain.

[A]

The demon within.

[B]

The next episode of the commercial break starts now. Oh, yeah. Cats and kittens, welcome back to the commercial break. I'm Brian Green. This is my dear friend and the co host of this show, Chris and Joy. Hopefully best to you, Chris, and best to you, Brian. Best to you out there in the podcast universe.

[C]

I like that old Scaramucci.

[A]

Was that who it was?

[B]

No, no, no, that's Scaramucci. I wish he was Scaramucci. That Dean. Dean. Ah, he was the Carolinas.

[C]

And then we're going to Wyoming and.

[B]

Then we're going to Wyoming and then we're going to North Carolina and then we're going to South Carolina and then we're going to Florida and then we're going to the moon. And a presidential candidacy ended that day. Yeah, it ended because he screamed like that. Can you imagine folks that didn't live through the Dean, the, you know, what's his name? Something Dean. Now I can't remember. Why can't I remember any? Anyway, he was a candidate for president, a Democratic candidate for president. And everyone got really excited about him.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then he gave one kind of speech.

[C]

He got excited about himself.

[B]

Howard Dean. Howard Dean, Howard Dean. Where he got a little. He got a little crazy and he screamed at the end of it. He was like, ah. And he went away. People stopped donating to him. People stopped saying they were gonna vote for him. Support went away. It fizzled because he screamed. Can you imagine? I mean, can you imagine there was a time when screaming on the TR was enough to put you under now? Well, I don't know.

[A]

Nothing.

[B]

Nothing. I don't know. Anyway, more on that later. But we're very excited because it's TCB infomercial day and we have a legend coming in to talk to us, Chrissy.

[C]

And I don't even know what to think so much. I know I'm like giddy with the excitement.

[A]

I know she's been in so many.

[C]

Of my favorite movies.

[B]

I know we've had a lot of comedians that have also acted, but have we ever had an actor, just an actor on the show? I do not think so.

[C]

I don't think so either.

[B]

And so let it be our first. Let us be blessed today, Chrissy. Oh, let us be blessed. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Gina Gershon. Well, I'm not that quick. You got to give me a minute here. Okay, here we go. Gina Gershon is coming in to visit.

[A]

With us in the house.

[B]

I mean, the. Like, when you look at our IMDb page, it is filled with movies that you have seen. And granted, some of those movies have, like, smaller parts. You know, she's in for five or 10 or 15 minutes of the movie, but some of them, she's.

[C]

You know her. Like, if you don't know her by name, you just. Just look at a picture of her.

[B]

First of all, look at the COVID of this podcast episode. You will see.

[C]

Yes, she's absolutely beautiful and has stunning. Yeah.

[B]

An amazing. Like, she's just.

[C]

And maintained, too. Just looks amazing in person when, you know.

[B]

Let me give you the. Let me give you, like, a little rundown of the list. I'm sorry, I interrupted you. Were you saying something?

[C]

I was gonna say, I'm so excited to see her in person, because I just can't wait to. To chat.

[B]

Yes. Okay, here it is. She's most recently in Borderlands, which comes out August 8th, which is why she's here. August 9th. Excuse me. Comes out August 8th or August 9th. We'll get to that in a second. But it's out in the first 10 days in August. And this movie, Borderlands, based on the very popular video game series, which I did not play, but the PR people with Gino were nice enough to send me to a local movie theater to watch. And I told you I was. Did I share? I don't think I shared.

[C]

I know I was supposed to go, and I'm so sorry, I can't.

[B]

Yeah. But. Yeah, so I had to go by myself. And then there was, like, an armed security officer sitting next to me, basically, and I. He told me to put away my phone, so I did. Because when someone has a gun, you just do what they ask you to do.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Anyway, Borderlands, which I know a lot of people are excited about, with Kevin Hart, Cate Blanchett, Jack.

[C]

The cast is crazy.

[B]

It's crazy. It's. It's unbelievable. So we'll talk to her about that because, of course, that's why she's here, I would assume Bound, which is the, like, kind of Noir film from 1996. 1997, where the Makowski brothers made it the A Gentleman who went on to make the Matrix. It was one of their little known first. Yeah. Series, bigger budget films. It's it. I think it was an indie film at the time, but it went on to. It's become like another cult classic. But with really good reason because there's a lot of great acting in the movie and Gina is definitely the main star. Pretty in Pink, she was in Face Off, Cocktail House of Versace, Brooklyn 9, 9 television shows. Brooklyn 9, 9, Glee, Melrose Place, Curb youb Enthusiasm Rose plays.

[C]

I remember her on that. Yeah.

[B]

Oh yeah. She was like a villainous character. Wasn't she in that? I can't remember, but I feel like she was.

[C]

Well, there were just. All the hot people from the 90s were on that show.

[B]

She was like a sneaky. I don't know, maybe we'll talk to her about it. If we have enough time, we'll talk to her about it. I could go on and on and on. I honestly could. She's been in so many movies, it's. It's unbelievable. She's had such a rich career in the industry and she's our very first act, solo act, like, you know, actress that does not also do stand up comedy on the show. So we're grateful to have her in. Can't wait to speak with her about her experiences with Borderlands and all that other good stuff. And I gotta. I'll share this previous to her being on because I would never say this to her face. So I'm gonna be a chicken shit and say it before she gets on. On air. But that Bound. Bound is like, I have not seen it. You gotta see it.

[C]

I've gotta see it.

[B]

Everyone's gotta see it. You gotta see Bound. It's one of those things you just gotta put in your deck of films that you must see. If you haven't and if you have seen it, rewatch it. It's amazing. It's a. It's ultimately rewatchable too. Like you can watch it over and over again. It's one of those thriller noirs in the. Like Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, like those type of movies that were coming out back in the 90s. It's in the same vein of those movies that did really well back then. Now I don't haven't seen one in a while, but it did really well back then and it's being reissued. I understand we'll talk to her about that on Criterion, I think is the name of the platform where it's distributed again. But when the first time I watched Bound, which is about two women who plan to rob the mob, essentially. But there are some scenes in there that are. As a young man, I was like, hot dog. That's fantastic. It's not the reason why the movie's good, but, you know, it's an additive.

[C]

I guess it added to the allure. When you were at that age, she was. And now you just look back on it. It's a great movie.

[B]

I fell in love with her. She was a pretty in pink. But then it continued on through the 90s and 2000s and.

[C]

Yeah, I'm so excited to have her on.

[B]

I'm so excited to have her on too. So let's not waste any time. Let's get right to it. How are you feeling, by the way?

[C]

I'm feeling better. Not 100%, man. That sickness was crazy. I'm convinced it's somehow Covid related. Although three tests said no, but it definitely was.

[B]

You got the ick, hun. You got the ick. You got. That's what we call it. You got the summer ick. Yeah, I know. The summer ick. No one wants the summer ick sick. No one wants a summer ick sick because it really puts a drain on. On your fun.

[C]

Yeah, it's not a fun time to, like, hole up and, you know, sit in bed.

[B]

No. But I guess since it was raining for 18 straight dates, straight days, it wasn't the worst thing in the world either. Okay, let's do this. Because I know that she's coming on here in just a second. Let's take a break, and then we get back, Will be here with Gina Gershon.

[C]

Okay, sounds good.

[B]

All right, talk to you soon. We'll be back. Hi.

[D]

No, you're not dreaming. And yes, this is a new promo. See, I made you wait, and now look how happy you are. I know, I know. You're smiling. Anyway, since we're here, why don't you just hop on over Instagram and give us a follow at the commercial break? Seriously, Please. It's getting hard for me to listen to Brian and Chrissy begging. So just follow us on Instagram. Again, that's at the commercial break. You can also follow us on TikTok@TCB podcast. And of course, you know where to go for all things TCB. That is tcb podcast.com, baby. And of course, you can always text us or call us and leave us a voicemail at 212-4333, TCB. Yep, that phone number is no longer new, but it is still around. And that's a win. 2 1, 2, 4, 3, 3, 3. TCV. Love you, bye.

[B]

And living legend Gina Gershon is here with us now. Thank you, Gina, for spending some time with us this morning.

[C]

How are you, Gina?

[A]

Hello. Hi.

[B]

We are so excited to have you here. You. I said I think you're a living legend. You've been in so many movies that are favorites of mine. Cocktail, Face Off, Pretty in Pink, Bound, which is a mind for me was like a mind bending eye opening experience. You have been just like this. I don't know. Even you're part of my life. I feel like.

[C]

Our lives in the.

[B]

Thread of our lives. But we know you're here because we're talking about Borderlands. Borderlands, of course, is coming out. When, what day does it come out?

[C]

Popular video game.

[A]

Yeah, August 18th, I think. I think it's 8th.

[B]

Yeah, August 8th, that's correct. So Borderlands comes out August 8th. It's based on a very popular video game series. The cast is unbelievable, to be quite frank.

[C]

Yeah. There's anything in everybody.

[B]

Yeah, everybody's there. Jack Black, Kate Blanchette, Jamie Lee Curtis. Yeah.

[A]

Ariana Greenblatt.

[B]

Did you have. Oh, Kevin Hart. That's right. Did you have fun? And he's Kevin Hart. Like, he's really funny in most movies. In this movie, I found he. It took a different. He took a different twist. He was funny. But it was a different side of Kevin Hart that I didn't expect to see and I enjoyed it. It was like a little bit more of a demure Kevin Hart in this movie. Did you enjoy filming it?

[A]

Yeah. You know what? You know, we shot it a couple years ago and it was during lockdown. And so a. First of all, when I saw the character Moxie, I just thought, oh, my God, she's amazing. She's so fun. I mean, I've always wanted to work with Kate and of course Jamie Lee. I mean, it's a crazy cast and I love Eli. So the idea of going to Budapest to be locked down with all these people, you know, was quite thrilling. And then when I read the script, I thought, you know, it was just so nice to go into a whole different world as we were dealing with, you know.

[B]

A whole different world.

[A]

A whole different world. So it was like, oh, my God, this is kind of, you know, nice to go into a weird, bonkers fantasy land for a second.

[B]

Yeah. And the end product is definitely a fantasy land. And I think anybody who.

[A]

That's crazy. It's bonkers. We all just seems like Bonkersville it's really nuts, but, you know, it was really, you know, having being isolated for the most part during that time. It was. It's a great group of people to be, you know, in lockdown. Yeah.

[B]

I would think that, like Kevin Hart, Cate Blanche, I think, like, all those characters just, you know, testing de masking and having fun while everybody else is literally locked in their houses is. It's a good break. I would take it just. Just to get a break.

[A]

Yeah, it was nice to be in Budapest. And, you know, Jamie Lee, I mean, you know, they're just. It's a great. It was a great gang. So I felt very lucky to be a part of that. And, yeah, you walk on that set and you're like. I mean, the world was weird enough, and then you walk onto the land of Pandora. You're like, what is. What is going on? It was really. It was all very trippy, you know.

[B]

Yeah. And Budapest, I think is. I don't know, because I've never been there, but I' friends who've been there. Who says it's kind of trippy anyway, like, Budapest is a little, you know, it's a different world than. Than any place you've seen here in the States, that's for sure.

[A]

Yeah, it's very beautiful. A couple things were still closed up, but, you know, you could still walk around the city and, you know, it's. There's so much culture there and so much history and. Yeah, it was very. It was a special moment. I mean, I wish I had been there longer. You know, I just kind of popped in and popped out. Yeah, just a few weeks, but it was nice. It was fun.

[B]

Well, it's. Go see it. August 8th. If you're a fan of the video game series or you're a fan of action, you're going to love this movie. And of course, Gene is in it. Gina, speaking of history, it's Pretty in Pink, like your first, like, breakthrough role. I'm not really sure that it's the first time I remember seeing you, but.

[A]

I think it was my first real film. I had done a couple little things before that, like, I was like, dancing legs in Beatlemania just because my friends parents were producing and I was dancing a lot. Then they're like, we need a dancer. But you never saw my face, so I was like, dancing. I danced through it, but you just saw. I was like a fly girl from the waist down, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then I had done this other really strange movie, I think. Gosh, I get that Pretty in Pink was, like, the first kind of legit. You know, it's a. It's a mainstream. It's actually a studio. It's coming out, you know, and I just had a small little part in it, but it was really fun.

[B]

Oh, I think it was a memorable part for me because I definitely remember you in that movie when I was, you know. Oh, let me remember what Gina had done. And I was like, oh, she was in Pretty in Pink. That's right. And.

[A]

And I still have, like. I look at it, I. Like, I have my baby fat. I was so young, you know, like, my face was round. I don't think I was plucking my eyebrows.

[B]

That's a John Hughes movie, right?

[A]

Yes. Yeah.

[B]

You worked with Hughes. Was he. Is. Was he like the. The Luminary? Everybody kind of says he is. I know he's kind of got underground, so there's no chance to talk to him about it. But we see the Luminary that everybody.

[A]

Yeah, he was kind of the guy. Well, I mean, I didn't really spend that much time with him, but, you know, it was like, oh, I'm in a John Hughes movie. That's so cool. Yeah, he was, you know, kind of the guy at that moment, right?

[B]

He certainly was. He had a string of hits that I. I think is unmatched in, like, that team. Team comedy. Error. You were also in Cocktail with Tom Cruise and what a Gee.

[C]

That's an iconic movie.

[B]

I watched back that. The. The. The movie. The. Four days ago. I watched back the movie. You play a real snake in that movie, by the way. I just gotta say that right now. Did you enjoy that?

[A]

You know, by the way.

[B]

Go ahead.

[A]

She did not start off being that way.

[B]

That's true.

[A]

But I didn't even know when it was all cut together. He's like, no, no. You're really having this relationship with Tom. I never knew I slept with the Brian Brown character until, like, I watched the film. I'm like, wait a second. You guys didn't tell me this.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Oh, my God, yes. So I was a little bit tricked in that.

[B]

Did they edit it for twist or did they just not tell you because they wanted, like, they wanted some kind of reaction or some. Some innocence or they didn't want you to.

[A]

I don't. I don't know why I remember wishing they had told me because I would have played things a little differently, you know, I don't know. Call me crazy. It's kind of good to know what happens with your character. So you know how to pace your character out. Exactly. But, yeah, you might want to give.

[B]

Me an indication of where this is going. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. That was one of my first, you know, bigger films, too. And, you know, I learned. You learn a lot. You learn not to. When the makeup is too much, you're like, this is too much like, oh, no, it looks good on film. You're like, okay. You learn not to trust anyone there. You're like, wow. No, it doesn't. It looks pretty a lot. And it's just good to ask a lot of questions before, you know, when you're starting off, you're just, like, trying to be. Do your job and not get in anyone's way. And. But, you know, now you're like, listen, I need to know what's going on. All you care about is doing your job in the best way possible.

[B]

Sure. Let me take it a step back. Did you always. Did you always want to act? Was that something that you felt from. From early on that was a place you wanted to go?

[A]

Yeah, I think so. I remember seeing a show, like a play, a live play. My mom took me to see Beauty and the Beast. I was like, three or four. I was little. And I just remember looking at the people on stage thinking, oh, those are magic people. Like, those are magic people. And then, you know, I remember going to junior high or. Yeah, it was like, maybe seventh grade or something. And then I saw a play, and it had my friends in it. I'm like, wait a second. Those are not magic people. Like, I know those guys. And I was like, huh? You mean I can do this? And then I just kind of zeroed in going, wait, I could do that. You know? So, yeah, it was something. I was always very intrigued.

[B]

And your family was supportive. Like, they. This was something they encouraged, or was it.

[A]

I wouldn't say they encouraged it, but they didn't discourage it either, you know? You know, I. They knew I was pretty passionate about it. I was more of a dancer and a singer when I was younger. And, like, I have a family of musicians. Everyone's like a. So being an actress was a little bit different.

[B]

Yeah, but there's creativity in the room. There's creativity in the mix. And so people under. Like, it's not totally foreign to them.

[A]

Yeah, but it was definitely. I didn't have one of those mothers saying, okay, we have to do this and this. I was like, mom, you have to take me to dance class. I just said, you have to take me here. And then I remember sneaking off and kind of lying about my Age so I can get into a program in San Francisco. And then I got in and I said, listen, I've got to go. I got accepted to this school, but they think I'm 17 and I'm living in San Francisco. I really want to do so, you know? Yeah. So then I kind of had to lie my way through that because I was only 16. And they were like, well, you can't go. You're too young. It's a summer. And. And they. I had to live with someone older. She was 28. She worked at ACT. She was a friend of the families. But as soon as I walked in, she's like, I just got a gig in Hawaii. I'm not gonna be here. I'm like, great. Don't say anything. Exactly. So I was just like, oh, yeah, Michelle's at school right now, like, and, you know. But. So, yeah, I made my age, huh?

[B]

Do you. So. So you spent that summer alone essentially, like, going to this class?

[A]

Well, I did, but I made a really good friend who actually wasn't in the school. And so I ended up moving in with her. And, like, her parents were away, and she had a really great house. So I was having fun. We were, like, going out and having a good time. And then I was, you know, I was in a summer program, so it was pretty full on. It was great. But it made me realize, oh, I want to really study and take this much more seriously. So when I went, it, you know, I did a play in high school, and I had all these agents saying, let's put you on a show. And I was like, I want to go to college, and I want to really study.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, because I also thought I would look at Jessica Lange and things like Francis. I'm like, that's what I want to do, but I need to learn how to do it, you know, I didn't.

[B]

Felt like you weren't ready yet.

[A]

I just felt like there was levels of, you know, layers that I needed to know how to do. And also, I, you know, I really. I wanted to go to college. I kind of had this idea of these, you know, actors and actresses who just went on a show, and that's all they knew. And I was really encouraged by my family and also by some of my professors, you know, to say, listen, learn everything. Like, I didn't want to be this, like, dummy who didn't know my history and my psychology, and I thought all of it would feed into what I was doing and the parts I knew that I really wanted to play. Weren't until I was a little bit older anyway. So I'm like, I just have to prepare for that.

[B]

What an amazingly self aware thing to amazing self awareness at such a young age. Let me get well rounded. Let me fill this, you know, let me learn more brain and psyche and soul with other things besides just kind of this myopic focus of acting because it's. It may lend to future roles and they lend to how I tackle those roles in the Future. That's at 16. I think weed was the only thing I was thinking about.

[A]

Oh, I was doing that a lot. That was in the Valley. Right. Because I was in 14, 15. I went through my weed years and it was the Valley and then, you know, it was pretty full on. But I realized the people that I would gravitate. My uncle had a very interesting group of friends. He was a composer and a musician and arranger and they lived over on the other side of the hill. And I just remember always really like hanging out with them because they were like interesting, interesting people in the business, but more musicians and composers, but like philosophers and smart people and writers and a lot of directors. Not as much directors, writers. And I just always thought, oh, I like, I want to be smart like these people. I want to be able to engage in these conversations, you know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Where. So once I got out of my weed smoking Valley days, I was really, you know, pretty focused.

[B]

You wanted to suck up whatever they had. There was something there that was, I don't know, tickling your intellect. And you wanted to be a part of that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

In some way. I've always thought about Eugenia and I know that I may be taking a risk saying this, but I've always felt like there's something behind your eyes.

[A]

You seem like my brain, the demon within.

[B]

You're one of those actresses that's captivating because there's always something there that's not describable. Like you can't put your finger on it, but it's very unique. And the way that, the way that it comes across on screen, to me it always felt like there's some, like, you know, you meet some people and you're like, oh, okay, that nice guy, nice lady, nice, whatever. And then you meet some people and you're like, wow. Like, I want to know more about that. I want to know more about that person. There's something's intriguing about. They have a depth that I can't get to because I'm just interacting with them in a certain way. Two dimensions, essentially. But I've always felt that about you, and I think that's why I. I like watching you in your performances, because that's interesting.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

You're welcome. Because I'll have to tell you that the only Lifetime movie that I've watched all the way through. Versace.

[A]

That's right. That was the Versace one.

[B]

It was a Versace one, which I thought was just campy and fantastic. I loved it. I don't know why I was like, oh, my God, this is so much fun. Did you have fun? She plays Donatella in the. In the. The movie, by the way. Did you have fun playing.

[A]

I would say fun would be the word, you know. Well, just because, listen, I have so much respect for her, but it was the. The movie focused on a period of her life that wasn't so fun. So, you know, I kind of could feel what, you know, in my mind what she was going through and. No, wasn't a fun moment.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Although she was interesting to play.

[B]

Did you meet. Did you ever have a chance to meet Donatella?

[A]

No. No, never met her.

[B]

Okay. So, yeah, it's not the, like the. It's not like the brightest, happiest movie in the world, but I don't know, I. I really enjoyed it, quite frankly. Listen.

[A]

Thank you. Yeah, no, I think I, you know, I. I tried my darndest on it, and, you know, I just think she's a very interesting woman and I have so much respect for her, and I just think what she went through and what she had to become and what she went through, and she's just a survivor. She's very interesting and so talented and interesting to me.

[B]

What kind of. What kind of roles are you attracted to? Mostly like, what, what, really? When you read a script, what. What gets you going?

[A]

Like characters, you know, it's always different. Yeah, it's like. It's like, you know, you meet someone, you don't know why you like them, but you gravitate towards them.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

I mean, I listen. I do. I feel like when it comes to dramatic pieces or straight, you know, I have a tendency to go towards complex characters or, you know, maybe that's the thing behind the eyes, like, what's they're showing isn't actually what's going on.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

I think people are complicated. I'm always attracted to what makes a person who they are, you know, like, oh, they're just fucked up. Blah, blah, blah. Sorry, am I not supposed to say that? No, you can say whatever the fuck you want to. Yeah, we encourage it. You know, I Mean, if they have a darkness or shadows or some sort of issues. Like, I'm always just as a human, you know, a being. I'm always curious, how did they get there? You know, it's. It's just.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, I. The psychologist part of it, you know, I'm just curious about people and why they are the way they are and how they got there and how can they evolve past their stuff, you know, which, you know, you only get a sliver in a movie. But it's also. It's just interesting to think about the whole thing. But, you know, when it comes to comedy, it's a different thing. It's not so much like the psychology. I mean, there's stuff that's in there, but it's just more like. I don't know how. It's just more of an instinctual moment of, like, just having fun.

[B]

Yeah. I've said this a lot. Making people laugh is musical in some ways. Like, you know, it's. It's. There's beats and you. You got to hit them and. Or, or naturally you would hit them. Like, if you're a funny person, you just kind of hit these beats. I think of. I think of comedy sometimes in terms of musicality and the intonation of your voice and how you deliver things and. And stuff like that and. And drama. Like, you're right. You only get a small sliver of what somebody is like. But I. I think. And I've shared this with. With Chrissy before, it's like, that's what. That's the meat and potatoes of a really interesting person is like, struggle, right? What they've been through, the struggle and their ability to climb back through that. We've all been through it. Everyone. It's all about perspective.

[A]

Everyone has it. Even. Listen. Even the comedic parts. Why is someone trying to be so funny? Believe me, there's a reason, whether they realize it or not. You know, every. We. We're all. We all have that. You know, to what degree we're aware of it. You know, it's all different.

[B]

Yeah, this. This reminds me. You worked with David Mamet, didn't you?

[A]

He. When I was in. At NYU, he took like 20 of us to Vermont. He's like. He kind of said, hey, let's do a workshop. And then. Yeah, so I worked with him all summer, and then the Atlantic Theater Company was kind of, you know, born out of that.

[B]

Did you enjoy working with David?

[A]

You know, he was a really good teacher. He. He probably gave me some of the best advice when I was in college, you know, which was basically, you know, he's like, listen, he was nice. He's like, you're really good. You got a great sense of play. The only thing I could tell you, learn how to direct yourself.

[B]

I was like.

[A]

I was like, learn how to dress. I thought that was so fun.

[B]

What the does that mean?

[A]

I'm like, what do you mean? I want to work with good directors. Like he said, listen, in your whole career, you will be lucky if you have five directors who actually direct you. Learn how to direct yourself. And I just thought, he doesn't know what he's talking about. And you know what? He was totally right. He was, you know, he was spot on. I've been lucky with a few directors here and there that. That have really, you know, directed. But most part, listen, a lot of the times you go on a set, they're thinking about other things. So you've got to kind of know exactly what you want to do. And then if they. You can collaborate with them and they give you good ideas, great. But if not, you have to know what you're doing, you know, And I. So I approach a lot of stuff as a director and as a writer and kind of figure out what's the best thing and how to, you know, move through something.

[B]

Yeah, that is an amazing piece of advice. And I'm not an actor, but you think about that. You're changing your boss, essentially. You're changing your narrative, your perspective every time you walk into it on a set, whether that be a television show or a movie. And you're not always going to get the same. You're not always going to get, I guess, the same kind of attention from everybody. You're not always going to get the same kind of direction.

[A]

Yeah, it's with everything. Listen, if you go into a studio and you're like, you're trying to do your podcast, and you've got someone saying the best way to do it is through a piece of flypaper or wax. And then it sounds really interesting, and we'll tweak it. And inside you're like, that is, like, the stupidest idea I've ever heard.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So then you have to just learn how to go, oh, okay. But you want to make your show, you have a responsibility to make what you're doing the best you know how to do it. And sometimes you get really lame advice. So you have to just know what to listen to and what not to listen to and how to deal with it.

[B]

You know, a lot of times we get really Lame advice. And it comes from all corners and it comes from the audience. And I think, at least from our perspective, it's like, stay true to. If it's not funny here or if it's not interesting here between the two of us, then it doesn't really matter at the end of the day. So we have to kind of be control of our own destiny. You know, things are going to hit, they're going to miss, people are going to like it. They're not. But does it feel good? And if it feels good, then. And did we do it organically? Okay, if that's the. If that's what we did, then we shouldn't be disappointed in. In the results because we're no. Something.

[A]

Listen, everyone.

[B]

Some things are not.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I think the whole point of art, you know, or making something, whatever you want to call it, it's because you're trying to express something. And I, you know, when someone's like, trying to change your mind, how that works. And believe me, it's happened a lot, you know, especially as being a young actress, everyone's like, no, you got to do this and this. It's, you know, you have to stay true to what you believe because just between you and you, that's who's making it. You know, when you're doing. When I was doing music, it's like, I didn't know what I was doing, but I'm like, this sounds good to me and this is what I want to do. Then luckily you get people to implement it. And if it's wrong, I mean, there's no such thing as wrong, but it's got to sound feel right to you. And the few times I've tried to do something because, you know, the agent people are like, you need to do something commercial. You need to do this. I'm like, ugh, okay, fine, I'll do it. Because it's the right thing to. It was terrible. And I'm like, I don't want to do this.

[B]

Yeah, but, you know, do you sense that sometimes I think we can all look at this over a lots of actors and actresses careers, right? They do something with meat and then they do something that's commercially viable and they move back and forth, especially the more successful and the ones who have been around for a while. And do you sense that that's just part of the game? Is that like, you just. Okay, I'm just. I'm just doing this because it's part of the game and it's. And it's paycheck or do you really say, like, okay, I'm going to take on this role and do the best I can and. And knock it out? It's. I would think, as being a person who's been in the industry for so long, sometimes you just have to take on commercially viable projects, because sometimes you.

[A]

Just have to take. You have to take a job that pays you. Right, exactly. It's like the reality is, like, I. I need to deal with all this stuff and, you know, more often than not that the movies or the TV shows or the plays that I've really been in love with, that I really want to do, they don't pay. Yeah. So you. You have to do the. Every now and then you get lucky and, you know, art.

[B]

The stars align. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. You actually like, oh, I'm getting paid to do something I actually really, really, really love to do, you know, so, you know, you have to keep things in balance, and every now and then you get lucky. They're in the same universe thing you really, really want to do the people you really, really want to work with. I mean, everyone's got different reasons for doing what they need to do, you know.

[B]

Okay, I want to talk about some of your older movies or movies from the past that are now becoming popular again, but I want to talk about one movie specifically before we get into Bound and Rock and Roll. I want to talk about Showgirls, which I know everybody wants to talk to you about Showgirls, but I just can't let the opportunity go by. What did you think when you were filming that movie? What did you think the end product would be and versus what actually happened on screen? Did you. Did you imagine it would become kind of. This was kind of a cult classic. It's a cold classic. It's like a cult classic now. Right.

[A]

I mean, I could. Listen, I have to answer that question in three parts, please. I think now, because it's. Now I could answer it in three parts and I'll keep it short. I think going into it, I was really excited. I was just like, I was such a fan of Paul Verhoeven's Dutch films. Right. Like Spetter, Soldier of Orange, you know, I. I always felt I was very. I was like, oh, my God, this is gonna be so dark and cool and gritty and, you know, and the fact that I was playing Crystal, which I didn't know if I was gonna be playing Crystal or the other one or know me, you know, because I was kind of not quite old enough for crystal. And maybe a Smidge too old for Novi, but, you know, so, you know, I basically just started lying throughout the whole thing because I really love Crystal. But I think I said I was, you know, 33 or whatever. I don't know, whatever I old ever age, I said. And I, you know, tried to, I really wanted to get that part. Once I get it, I think it's gonna be like, oh, my God, like we're going into a Wagner concert, right?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So dark and, oh, I'm Margot and she's Eve. I get to be Margo. Like, oh my God. I'm thinking all these Greek dramas and this. And then I get up on the set and it's literally like, you know, a pop concert. It's like a Britney Spears concert. It's something else. It's something totally, completely different. So it's a good lesson of going, wow, I can't do what I thought I was gonna do because this is like Technicolor. I was going for gritty black and white. So I just kind of did 180° with my character to like, have fun within this world. Right, okay. And as it's filming, I just kept thinking, this isn't going to be what everyone's going to think it's going to be. Because there were so many things I disagreed with, I had to really fight my way through it a lot. And so when it came out, I was just like, oh, my God, get me in something else. Like, that shows I'm a real actress else. I'm, yeah, you know, I came across okay in it. I, I, I really did my best I could. There's issues. Okay. So I had a little bit of PTSD doing it, let's be honest. And then, yeah. My friend who's a journalist recently, who's a great writer, she's like, you're coming to see Showgirls because you just have to understand why it's a good movie. I'm like, I don't need to go.

[B]

I don't think it's a good movie. I don't want to go.

[A]

I didn't think it was a good movie. It wasn't my sort of thing. And I just saw everything wrong with it. And like I said, I had lived, lived through so much that I just, you know, like, I just had to be done. I just had my own vision of, like, you know, at the time, I'm like, why is this rape scene in here? This is insane. Like, why is this in this movie? And, you know, but now, after years, 20 years, whatever, it's been, you know, and I've been writing myself and I've started directing, so I see things differently. And now, of course. Course, I could see the whole thing from far away and not be so like, oh, my God, my accent's off here. This is. I hated that day, but I just thought, oh, my God, of course the rape scene has to be in there. This is, like, about the ugliest Americans we could possibly be. So I saw it in a, you know, from far away, a different perspective. So in that case, I'm like, I could see why people are consciously or unconsciously obsessed with this film. I mean, it's really a portrait of ugly Americans and the ugly American dream, you know?

[B]

Yeah. In my opinion, in a very campy way, but with, like, very serious undertones. And I saw it in the theaters, and, yeah, I was like, what in the. Did I just see? Like, what did I just watch, actually.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But then after re. Watch. After rewatch. After rewatch, you start to understand why people. I mean, it's like so many other movies that you see, right. That become cult classics for whatever reason or another. You're like, oh, okay. And now I understand. It's. It's got this weird of. It's this weird melodrama, I guess, shot in this really weird way with, you know, scenes that may or may not be pertinent to it. But.

[A]

Well, I mean, I think Paul's. He's a very smart guy, and he, you know, even though it seems like one thing, I think the undercurrents are much darker, you know, and it's more like some of his films, you're like, oh, this is, like, about fascism. This is about, like, consumerism. This is like, they're bigger issues that are going on. And I think with Showgirls, it. It has that. And it's at the same time being, like, super dumb and campy, you know?

[B]

Yeah. It's got all those things mixed together, which I think makes it endearing in a lot of people's minds. Okay, let's talk about a movie that's actually really fantastic and that is Bound.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So. Oh, man, it's so good. You play Corky in the movie, I think, and you have to. I'm not going to try, and I'm not going to go through the plot. For those of you who haven't seen it, it. You must watch Bound. It twisted my mind when I saw it. I watched it, like, late night on some premium movie channel, I'm sure. And I was just like, what? That was. That Movie is incredible.

[A]

Great movie.

[B]

Yeah. You tell me about the filming of Bound. It's coming now. People are again focusing on this movie as a real classic. What was your experience filming boundaries?

[A]

Well, like, in a nutshell, you know, that movie, as I was saying, I was doing Showgirls and I, you know, my agents at the time, they were like, you know, we're gonna put you in big movies. You're gonna become a big movie star. And I'm like, I need something that shows I can act. Like, seriously now, like, this isn't gonna be what you think it's gonna be. And when I read Bound, I just, I was like, what is this? This is so great. You know, like, the woman gets to be the hero, you know, gets the girl, gets the, the cash, gets everything. I'd never read a part like that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that, that showed. It was, it was, you know, the typical male, you know, the heroes were men. And I'm like, wow, the female gets to be the hero. I love this.

[B]

The girl gets the girl. Which may sound right now, but at the time it was like that, that was a big deal, right?

[A]

Well, at the time, listen, no one wanted to make this movie just because, oh, it's about, quote, unquote, lesbians.

[B]

You know, that's not what it's about. About.

[A]

It's not really what it's about. And. But in Hollywood land, it was. My agents were like, you can't do this movie. It's going to ruin your career. You just played a lesbian. I'm like, you know what? She, she was a. Whatever. She was sleeping with everyone. You know, you can't just don't label her. She was just power hungry. And. And this is about trust. That's. I don't, I didn't look at it like, oh, she's a lesbian. I mean, she definitely was, but it wasn't. That wasn't the core of what the film was about. She just happened to love women. Great. Like, to me, who cares? But at the time, they're like, you'll ruin your career. We can't represent you if you do this part.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah. So I had to leave. So I said, great, here's the thing. I'm out of here. Once again, this is my career. They're like first time directors. I'm like, these guys who were guys at the time, Wachowskis. I said, they're motherfuckers. These, they're really good directors. I could feel it in my bones. And I would ask them all these questions. I was so impressed with everything. I'm like, I'm in, I'm in on this, on this ride. So yeah, I left my agents because of it.

[B]

That's incredible.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And by the way, for those of you who don't know what she's referring to, the brothers went on to direct the small movie franchise franchise called the Matrix.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So they ended up being incredible fucking directors. Mind bending incredible directors who took the world by storm.

[A]

And listen, bound, we only had like what, 27 days, 23 days to do it. Everyone was so good on that film. They, they just directed the shit out of it and Bill Pope shot it. It just everything along when people are like, oh, we only have a certain amount of days. It's like if you have really good people and good focus and everyone knows what they're doing, you can do it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, I just loved it. I still watch it to this day and I'm like, oh my God, what's going to happen? Like I. It's just, it's just so well done. And yeah, I really respected the Wachowskis for sticking to their guns and you know, because the studios were like, oh, we'll make this film. We'll give you more money if you make Corky a man. Because it's like the classic noir thriller sort of structure, but in this case the, the hero, the guy is a woman. They're like, no, this is what we're doing. And so they stuck with it and luckily I got to play her.

[B]

So it's a brilliant movie. It's a, it's in my opinion, classic. It's rewatchable I think is the, the way you want to put it. So if you haven't.

[A]

Well, it's nice because a lot of people haven't seen it. You know, a lot of the younger generation and they don't understand, you know, there was a moment, you know, only like 20 years ago where like you couldn't really play gay characters in films. Like you had to. It wasn't as accepted, thank God. Like a lot has changed since then. But you know, I guess they just did a. They restored, they have a new print on Criterion channel. So it's like people can really, you could re watch it, but also people could see it for the first time. And yeah, it's nice when people see it. They're like, oh my God, this movie is fantastic. It's one of my favorites, hands down.

[B]

And what's real quick, while we're talking about this, what is the movie that when people come up to you and they recognize you when they see you. Then what is the movie that you tend to get the most? Like. Like, oh my gosh, I love this part that you played. Is there like one role that stands out amongst them or is it just like, different? No, it go.

[A]

It gravitates between Showgirls Bound, Pray for Rock and Roll. Talk about that for a minute and Face Off. It depends. As they're walking towards me, it's like you kind of do the, you know, the demographics. It's like. And I kind of guess, oh, this will be a Face off person. Like. Or this will be, you know, I don't. It's always different, to be honest. And sometimes, you know, people know me from when I was playing for Pray for Rock and Roll. I went on tour and I made this thing called Rocked. Like a documentary on IFC that me going on tour trying to sell a film and then everything going bonkers. It wasn't a reality show. It was definitely a six part documentary. So people. And the few people who had gotten to see Pray for Rock and Roll. Cause it was only out maybe a week and then it just disappeared. And if you were lucky, you got a dvd, but it was nowhere to be found. But people were really into this movie and I really loved it. It was, It's. You know, I helped produce it. I sang live throughout the whole thing. I performed live.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And then it just disappeared. And in the last year, I had been doing like a Comic Con sort of thing. And people kept coming up, you know, saying, where can we see this film? Because it wasn't streaming, we didn't know where it went. And so Alex Diremark was his first film. He was helping me edit this movie I did for Lifetime. And I'm like, oh my God, I've got 11 days to shoot this thing. I need help. And I'll help you edit it. And we started talking. I said, alex, it's such a shame we all work so hard. And then he's like, we gotta find it. I'm like, you gotta find it. I'm like, and he did. He actually tracked down not only a version of it. He goes, this is the best print we've ever had. I mean, we can probably make a whole story of what happened to those distributors because I don't know what, Whatever. Yeah, what have we thought about it though?

[B]

I have only seen like clips and I. I've only read about it.

[A]

Yeah, it's so good. And then Kino, Laura, they're so cool. They're like, not only do we Want to stream this? We want to. We want to re release it as a film. So I've been like doing Q and A's and going, you know, different. We just showed it a couple times in New York. We're showing it at the Lemle. I don't know which one on August 7th in LA.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

We'll be doing a Q and A there, so. But it's getting really good response. So they're starting to pop it out different places. So I have no idea.

[B]

Is it streaming? Can you see it streaming?

[A]

I don't think it's streaming yet. It will be. I'm not. I haven't really been following what's going on, but I think you could rent. I'm not really sure I should find out these questions. I know they're putting it in theaters now.

[B]

Yeah, I didn't see it when I was looking for it because I've only read about it and so I didn't see it. I'm pretty good Googler. I go down rabbit holes. So if I think.

[A]

I don't think it's coming out there yet. You'll be able to rent it soon, I think on time. And then they're going to be streaming it.

[C]

Nice.

[A]

Somewhere. I don't know where.

[B]

Pray for Rock and Roll. I can't wait to see that movie and give Bound to rewatch too, which I haven't.

[A]

That's on Criterion now. If you're in LA, you could see pray on the 7th.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And then I think there's other places. There's. I just don't know where. They should have like a little website or something. I don't know. I'll ask them about it.

[B]

They should, but it's getting in motion. So I'm sure that, you know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

After a couple of months, people will. Will figure it out. Okay. Gina Gershon is in the brand new Borderlands movie which comes out August 8th. And so if you're a fan of the video game series, fan of Action Kevin and Hard Kate Blanchet, it's such an amazing cast. Go give the movie a watch. I saw it. Gina.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

We love you and we're so grateful that you came on the show to have a conversation with us. We know. We love you. I don't know what else to say. You've been. You've been a part of my 2D life for so long that I. I don't know, you feel like an old friend in some ways and.

[A]

Well.

[B]

And that's been very sweet to us. So thank you. Very much. We really appreciate it.

[A]

Sure. Take it easy.

[B]

We'll talk soon.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Stay cool. Stay hydrated.

[B]

Yes, we will.

[A]

We'll try.

[B]

Stay sober.

[A]

Thank you. I didn't say that. I just stayed hydrated.

[B]

I would never recommend that. That's taking it a little too far.

[A]

Don't be. That's like, crazy talk. All right, talk to you later. Take care.

[C]

Bye.

[A]

Bye.

[D]

What's up, haters? Now, let's get down to business. If you've got something to say, say it to our faces. And by that I mean text us or call us at 212-4333, TCB. That's 212-433-3822. You can and should also find us on Instagram at the commercial break and on TikTok CBpodcast. Unless you want to fight me, in which case, don't. And if you're just desperate to see our shining faces in person, keep your ears ears peeled for ticketing information about TCB Live. As always, don't forget that you can find everything you could possibly need to find on our beautiful website, tcb podcast.com.

[A]

Bye.

[B]

Pleasure. And a delay to talk to Gina Gershon.

[A]

I know, Yeah.

[B]

I, I, I say this a lot, I guess, because we're like, we're not famous. We're not celebrities. Right. So when you meet celebrities.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

That you've just, you just don't know, like, you don't know. You just seen on, like, two dimensions. You don't know what you're, what you're gonna get. What a sweet human being she is.

[C]

Sexy, smart, sweet. All of it sultry.

[B]

Sultry, all of it.

[C]

I mean, and I love her. Her just like, love for life and for interesting things.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

She seems like a renaissance human. Like a renaissance woman. You know what I'm saying? Like, and I, one of the things that caught me about that interview you by surprise was when she said that she had been offered roles or people were pushing her into, like, mainstream Hollywood at a young age, and she made the decision, no, I want to go to college. I want to go to college. I want to get depth. I want to be a well rounded human being. I mean, maybe that's not exactly what she said to herself. I'm putting words in her mouth, but just the fact that she even entertained the idea of not, she was like.

[C]

No, I need to gather more knowledge about life.

[B]

Wow. I gathered a lot of life before I started this podcast, just to let you know. Does that count? Probably not, because I didn't choose that. No one was encouraging me to do a podcast, except for. Except for my wife. And I was really interested. I got the feeling maybe she didn't want to expand on it, but David Mamet, she worked with.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Do you know David Mamet, the playwright? He's a puller. Surprise winner. I just want to share with you who she's doing this camp with. He wrote Glengarry, Glen Ross, Hoffa, American Buffalo, Hannibal stayed in Maine, Hill Street Blues, the Shield, the Unit. Wow. This guy is, like an amazing. What they used to call playwright. Now I guess you just call him a writer. But in. In one of my friends who was like, a serious actor back in the day when I was, like, you know, 10 years ago, 12 years ago, he really wanted to be an actor. He was going to all kind of classes. He obsessed over. Damn it. David Mamet. And I had, like, literally, no. I had heard the name, but I had no clue. And then I started obsessing about David Mamet because I was reading his stuff and watching his stuff and reading his stuff, and I was like, wow, that guy's quite. Watch Glengarry Glenn Ross. And just. It's all words. That's all it is. There's a couple scenes in there, but it's all words. Or sitting in a Death of a Salesman. They're all sitting in an officer's. You know, it's just amazing. And she worked with him. She's in Pretty and Pink. Pretty and Pink.

[C]

I mean, that's iconic.

[B]

Iconic. And she's got more to come. And although we couldn't share that with you. We know. We know you won't, but we know. And maybe someday we'll talk about it.

[C]

But we'll be exciting stuff.

[B]

Exciting stuff that she's got coming up on the horizon. Horizon that she couldn't share. But anyway, loved it. I loved our very first interview with an actor. There you go.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I mean, not that we chose to have all comedians. It's just no one said yes until Gina did, which I think will. You'll always remember your first yes. And Gina will be.

[C]

I'm so glad she's our first.

[B]

Yes. I have another story about Gina Gershon and her movies, but I'm gonna. I'm gonna let it go for now. Now we'll tell it on another episode.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

But, yeah, and I was interested to hear about Showgirls.

[C]

Yeah, that's a.

[B]

You know, I had to ask.

[C]

I still haven't fully seen the movie from beginning to end.

[B]

Oh, God.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't know what to say. You gotta watch it.

[C]

In the beginning it was like it had so much controversy over it and so it was so much hooplala.

[B]

It's over the top.

[C]

And then it became, you know, panned, I think, you know, for being really.

[B]

Oh, it's got like a 21 on.

[A]

But then now it's a cult classic, so.

[B]

Oh, people love it.

[C]

I'm put it on the listen found show girls.

[B]

Yeah, it just goes to show.

[C]

Pray for rock and roll when rock roll.

[B]

Yes, I really want to see that. It just goes to show no matter how bad something is, someone out there will like it. The commercial break is a testament to that for sure. Thank you for listening. We certainly do appreciate it. TCB podcast.com that's where you go. You find out more information about the show. We do have live shows coming up. We will be talking about where to get those tickets and the event dates soon. We'll also be posting those on our website and our Instagram. So make sure you go to our website, tcbpodcast.com you can also get your free TCB sticker. No charge to you. We'll send it off, no problem. Hit the contact us button, drop down menu. I want my free sticker. Give us your address and away it goes. At the commercial break on Instagram. You can also DM us there. We'd love to hear from you. And if you're old school like I am, dial us up. 212-4333 TCB. That's 212-4333 TCB. Questions, comments, concerns, content, ideas. Ask TCB. You can give it to us all right there via text message. And so many of you do. Thank you so much. I walked in the studio this morning and I had a roll call with messages. It's hard to keep up sometimes. That's why I'm glad four of us are doing it, not just one of.

[A]

Us is doing it.

[B]

So dial us up. You can leave a voicemail or a text message. 212-4333 TCB. Did I say at the commercial break on Instagram, please follow us. Yes, and I said TCB podcast at tick tock. I'll remind you again. YouTube.com the commercial break. If you want to see the Gina interview in its entirety, there it is. Chrissy. That's all I can can do for right now.

[C]

I think so.

[B]

But I'll tell you that I love you.

[A]

I love you.

[B]

I'll say best to you. Oh, you're a little quick on that. Best to you out there in the podcast universe. Until next time, Chrissy and I do say. We will say and we must say Goodbye, Sam.