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.

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.

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.

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.”

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)

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)

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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.