The Daily Show: Ears Edition - Episode Summary

Title: TDS Time Machine | Filmmakers
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host: Comedy Central

Episode Overview

In this special edition of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, Comedy Central brings together some of the most influential voices in filmmaking. Hosted by Greta Gerwig, the episode features in-depth conversations with legendary directors Martin Scorsese and George Lucas, acclaimed filmmakers Jordan Peele and Taika Waititi, as well as emerging director Brady Corbet. The discussions delve into their creative processes, personal anecdotes, and the evolving landscape of the film industry.

Martin Scorsese with Greta Gerwig

Celebrating a Legendary Filmmaker

Greta Gerwig welcomes Martin Scorsese to the show, marking his birthday and expressing gratitude for his presence.

Greta Gerwig:
[01:42] "Please welcome Martin Scorsese. Nice to see you."

Insights into "Hugo"

Scorsese discusses his film Hugo, highlighting its homage to George Méliès, a pioneer of early cinema.

Martin Scorsese:
[02:41] "From Jim Cameron, Spielberg, Lucas, all comes from what Méliès did."

He explains the film's setting in the Montparnasse station in Paris and the relationship between the young protagonist and Méliès.

Scorsese:
[03:25] "George Méliès… he created what we do now in cinema."

Personal Reflections

Scorsese shares personal memories of his childhood isolation due to asthma, drawing parallels to his film's protagonist.

Scorsese:
[06:25] "When the kids come, they're small, they put them in their hands."

He discusses the influence of his family, particularly his wife Helen, on his filmmaking decisions.

Scorsese:
[07:55] "The minute I said we were going to do the film, all her and her friends… they all yelled in 3D."

Future Projects and Inspirations

Gerwig congratulates Scorsese on his latest work, and he reflects on his aspirations to create films that resonate with younger audiences.

Greta Gerwig:
[09:01] "Hugo is in the theaters on November 23rd. Happy birthday to you, sir."

Jordan Peele with Taika Waititi

Discussing "Get Out" and Its Impact

Jordan Peele engages in a lively discussion with Taika Waititi about his groundbreaking film Get Out and its societal implications.

Jordan Peele:
[12:06] "Get Out is a social thriller… it's true."

He elaborates on the film's exploration of systemic racism and the metaphorical "Sunken Place."

Peele:
[13:44] "I wanted to point out that a lot of people who claim that they don't have racism are still participating in this system that is oppressive."

Personal Life and Future Endeavors

Peele shares anecdotes about balancing fatherhood with his career, mentioning his five-month-old son.

Jordan Peele:
[10:27] "I'm keeping it together. I have a five-month-old, so there's vomit on it sometimes."

He outlines his plans to continue creating socially relevant thrillers through Monkeypaw Productions.

Peele:
[14:08] "I'm going to make another thriller. Social thriller, and that's what I'm gonna do."

The Future of "Get Out"

Waititi humorously pitches a sequel to Get Out, which Peele responds to with amusement.

Taika Waititi:
[14:42] "It's gonna be an amazing movie. I paid you."

Jordan Peele:
[15:02] "Thank you, bro."

George Lucas with Greta Gerwig and Taika Waititi

Exploring "Jojo Rabbit"

George Lucas discusses his film inspired by Jojo Rabbit, focusing on a young boy in Nazi Germany with an imaginary Hitler friend.

George Lucas:
[21:54] "It's a very hard film to pitch. It shifts around quite a lot—comedy, drama, tragedy."

He reflects on the challenges of portraying such a sensitive subject through the eyes of a child.

Lucas:
[22:17] "I wanted to explore that world from a child's point of view."

Personal Challenges and Inspirations

Lucas shares his personal experience of wearing Hitler-like costumes and the embarrassment it caused, especially given his Jewish heritage.

George Lucas:
[23:55] "When I put on that ridiculous mustache and look in the mirror, I was embarrassed."

Legacy and Cultural Relevance

The conversation touches on the enduring legacy of Star Wars and its impact across generations.

Jordan Peele:
[28:07] "Now we have three generations of Star Wars fans."

Brady Corbet with Taika Waititi and Ryan Reynolds

Discussing "The Brutalist"

Emerging director Brady Corbet delves into his film The Brutalist, inspired by post-war architecture and psychology.

Brady Corbet:
[35:43] "The character is an amalgamation of real historical figures like Marcel Breuer and Mies van der Rohe."

Directing Techniques and Actor Collaboration

Corbet explains his approach to directing intimate and emotionally charged scenes, emphasizing spontaneity over strict storyboarding.

Corbet:
[37:05] "We don't storyboard because I want to respond to the space and see what the light is doing."

He praises the performances of Alessandro Nivola and Adrien Brody in conveying deep familial bonds.

Brady Corbet:
[38:31] "When these two are very, very, very physical and very intimate together, it's quite beautiful."

Industry Trends and Audience Engagement

Corbet discusses the evolving film industry, the resurgence of original and provocative films, and the importance of respecting knowledgeable audiences.

Corbet:
[40:16] "Audiences are really savvy and I think it's important that we treat them with respect."

Additional Highlights

Celebrity Interactions and Light-Hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, hosts and guests engage in humorous banter, adding a light-hearted touch to the in-depth discussions.

Taika Waititi:
[25:14] "You do what you want."

Jordan Peele:
[32:06] "It's the only way I could get on your show."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Martin Scorsese:
  [02:41] "From Jim Cameron, Spielberg, Lucas, all comes from what Méliès did."

• Jordan Peele:
  [12:06] "Get Out is a social thriller… it's true."

• Brady Corbet:
  [40:16] "Audiences are really savvy and I think it's important that we treat them with respect."

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition offers a rich tapestry of conversations with some of the most influential filmmakers of our time. From Scorsese's heartfelt homage to cinematic pioneers to Peele's socially charged thrillers and Lucas's exploration of dark historical narratives, the discussions provide listeners with deep insights into the art and craft of filmmaking. Brady Corbet's perspective as an emerging director further enriches the dialogue, highlighting the balance between creative vision and audience engagement.

Where to Listen

Catch The Daily Show: Ears Edition on Comedy Central's streaming platform, Paramount+, or your preferred podcast service. Don't miss out on exclusive interviews, extended content, and more. Use discount code "TDS20" for 20% off all The Daily Show products at ParamountShop.com.