Trump Gets "Hot" for Kennedy Center, RFK Confirmed, Eggflation Rampant | Brady Corbet

Summary

Summary of The Daily Show: Ears Edition – "Trump Gets 'Hot' for Kennedy Center, RFK Confirmed, Eggflation Rampant | Brady Corbet"

Release Date: February 14, 2025
Hosted by: Jordan Klepper
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Jordan Klepper delves into a spectrum of pressing topics, ranging from political maneuvers and international negotiations to economic challenges and cultural commentary. The episode masterfully intertwines humor with incisive analysis, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current events.

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1. Trump’s Nomination and RFK Confirmation

Klepper opens the discussion with the groundbreaking confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Donald Trump's nominee for Health Secretary. Despite initial skepticism, RFK Jr.'s appointment marks a significant development in Trump's cabinet.

• Key Points:

  • RFK Jr.'s Confirmation: Initially doubted, RFK Jr. secures his position, adding employment to his list of tested areas.
  • Trump’s Ambitions: Klepper sarcastically remarks on Trump's ability to secure roles, hinting at his overreaching influence.

• Notable Quote:

  • Jordan Klepper (03:06): “What? You traded a cybercrime kingpin for public school teacher Mark Fogel. This is like if the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic for public school teacher Mark Fog.”

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2. Trump’s Negotiations with Russia Over Ukraine

A central theme of the episode revolves around Donald Trump's attempts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, a pledge he made during his campaign with grandiose promises of rapid resolution.

• Key Points:

  • Initial Promises: Trump claimed he could end the war within 24 hours, a promise that has yet to materialize.
  • Prisoner Swap: The US freed an American teacher, Mark Fogel, in exchange for Russian cybercrime kingpin Alexander Vinnick, a move Klepper critiques as inequitable.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jordan Klepper (02:55): “What am I talking about? What was I talking about?”
  • Jordan Klepper (03:54): “President Trump saying, 'I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.'”

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3. Trump’s Role in the Kennedy Center for the Arts

Expanding beyond politics, Klepper discusses Trump's unexpected appointment as the chairman of Washington's Kennedy Center for the Arts, highlighting concerns over his qualifications and the potential impact on the institution.

• Key Points:

  • Board Shake-Up: Trump replaces appointees from Democratic administrations with his loyalists, raising questions about the future direction of the Kennedy Center.
  • Cultural Impact: Klepper humorously speculates on Trump's plans to "make the Kennedy Center hot," suggesting a departure from traditional arts programming.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jordan Klepper (08:38): “This should be easy. I'm sorry, hot. Only Trump would look at a building and go, eh, unable.”
  • Jordan Klepper (08:42): “All ballet will now be done by pole dancers.”

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4. Eggflation Rampant: Rising Egg Prices

Shifting to economic issues, the show tackles the soaring prices of eggs, a phenomenon dubbed "eggflation." Through a satirical street segment, Klepper explores how New Yorkers are coping with this inflationary pressure.

• Key Points:

  • Rising Costs: Eggs have reached unprecedented prices, forcing consumers to reconsider their purchasing habits.
  • Public Reaction: Through interviews, the segment captures the frustration and humorous coping mechanisms of affected individuals.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jordan Klepper (14:21): “We're still 19. We still are in the game.”
  • Brady Courbet (15:12): “It's eggs, man. Trying to sell you some eggs.”

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5. Interview with Brady Courbet on "The Brutalist"

In a thoughtful interview segment, Klepper welcomes Brady Courbet, the writer and director of the critically acclaimed film "The Brutalist," which is currently up for ten Oscar nominations. The conversation delves into the inspiration behind the film, its production challenges, and its thematic exploration of brutalist architecture and the immigrant experience.

• Key Points:

  • Film’s Inspiration: Courbet discusses how brutalist architecture serves as a metaphor for post-war psychology and the immigrant experience in America.
  • Production Insights: Filmed on a modest budget of $10 million, Courbet emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovative techniques like using VistaVision to achieve the desired aesthetic.
  • Actor Collaboration: The director speaks on his hands-on approach with actors, fostering intimate and emotionally charged performances without traditional auditions.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Brady Courbet (22:48): “I want to be respectful of everyone's time. And I only ask people to read more material than that if it's really on the fly.”
  • Jordan Klepper (24:35): “There's an intermission in it. It's about brutalist architecture made for under $10 million. Right.”

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6. Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Klepper hints at upcoming segments and encourages listeners to stay tuned for more insightful and humorous takes on the day's headlines. The episode concludes with a lighthearted reference to the Munich Security Conference, blending topical issues with the show’s signature wit.

• Key Points:

  • Upcoming Events: Reference to the Munich Security Conference, hinting at future discussions.
  • Show Promotion: Encouragement to subscribe and listen to The Daily Show through various platforms.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jordan Klepper (30:18): “Watch the Daily Show weeknights at 11:10 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount+.”

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Closing Thoughts

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition effectively balances humor with critical analysis, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on complex issues. From political appointments and international diplomacy to economic challenges and cultural productions, the show provides a comprehensive and entertaining roundup of contemporary events.

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Additional Information:

Listeners can take advantage of the discount code "TDS20" for 20% off all The Daily Show products at ParamountShop.com. Don't miss out on weeknight broadcasts on Comedy Central at 11/10c or stream the episodes anytime on Paramount+.

Transcript

[Jordan Klepper]

This is Bowen Yang from Las Culta with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, the best of SNL musical acts. Live from Radio City. Sign me up. SNL 50 the Homecoming Concert is a Peacock live event hosted by Jimmy Fallon. Packed with appearances by some of the hottest names in SNL music history. The event will have legendary performances and popular lyrical sketches highlighting the musical impact SNL has had for the last 50 years. SNL50 the Homecoming Concert is streaming on February 14th live from Radio City Music hall on Peacock.

[Trevor Noah]

You're listening to Comedy Central.

[Jordan Klepper]

From the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central. It's America's only source for news. This is the Daily show with your host, Jordan Clover. Welcome to Daily Show. We got so much to talk about tonight. Trump gets horny for the performing arts. Russia and Ukraine agree to couples therapy, and things are finally looking up for the measles. You know, congrats, guys. So let's get into another installment of the second coming of Donald J. Trump. I'm gonna come start with the big news from Donald Trump's cabinet. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump's nominee for health secretary and guy currently fighting a vulture for his lunch has been officially confirmed. Now, they said it couldn't be done. Excuse me? They said it shouldn't be done. But now it has happened. So you can now add employment to the list of things he's tested positive for. But let's move on to a big development in the war in Ukraine. And remember, during the campaign, Donald Trump made some big promises about how quickly and easily he was going to end that war. If I'm president, I will have that war settled in one day, 24 hours. I would tell Putin, gotta settle. I would tell Zelensky, you gotta settle. I would get a settlement in 24 hours. No longer than one day. I can get it ended as President elect, I will get it settled before I even become president. I'm gonna do it back to the future and end this war before it even starts. Go back in time, kiss my mom, maybe have sex with her. What am I talking about? What was I talking about? So here we are, one month into that first 24 hours, and Donald Trump is finally ready to negotiate. But it's gonna be tough. Which is why he started out with a quick warm up negotiation. First, an old fashioned prisoner swap with Russia. Let's see how it went.

[Trevor Noah]

Russia freed a wrongfully detained American teacher, Mark Fogel, returning to the US after more than three years in Russian captivity.

[Jordan Klepper]

Imprisoned for carrying a small amount of medically prescribed marijuana.

[Trevor Noah]

In exchange, the US Releasing Russian cybercrime kingpin Alexander Vinnick.

[Jordan Klepper]

What? You traded a cybercrime kingpin for public school teacher Mark Fogel. This is like if the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic for public school teacher Mark Fog. I mean, at least the teacher we got back is the cool teacher. He smokes weed and he's been to jail. I mean, you know, he's showing movies in fourth period. Also, Americans, stop smoking weed in Russia. If you need to relax, try not being in Russia. Okay? Okay. Now that Trump got all warmed up, it's time for the main event.

[Trevor Noah]

This morning, President Trump pledging to meet with Russian President Putin in person after announcing they've agreed to start negotiations immediately to end the war in Ukraine.

[Jordan Klepper]

President Trump saying, quote, I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

[Trevor Noah]

We discussed Ukraine, the Middle east, energy.

[Jordan Klepper]

Artificial intelligence, the power of the dollar, and various other subjects. I'd like to know what those various other subjects were. I mean, it's a tad suspicious. It's like a husband coming back from a Vegas bachelor party saying, yeah, we ate some great food. We saw the sphere, did various other things. Anyway, you should get a prescription for Valtrex. So Trump has now set the stage for face to face negotiations with Putin on the future of Ukraine. But Trump won't be going into this alone. He also has Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a man who does not take no for an answer, according to police reports. So get ready, Putin, because you're about to face the toughest negotiations of your life.

[Trevor Noah]

Pete Hegseth, speaking at NATO headquarters during.

[Jordan Klepper]

His first trip to Europe, was blunt, saying Ukraine's long sought membership in NATO isn't realistic.

[Trevor Noah]

Neither is thinking Ukraine can reg all the territory Russia has seized. We must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine's pre2014 borders is an unrealistic objective measures that will likely be welcomed by Putin, prompting questions about whether Trump is giving up his leverage to negotiate with Russia.

[Jordan Klepper]

Speaking in unusually blunt terms, the German defense minister accusing the Trump administration of making concessions to Putin before these peace negotiations have even begun. Okay, so before negotiations even start, America gave up the two things Russia most wants. I mean, how do Hagseth and Trump not know how to negotiate between the two of them? They've been divorced 97 times. I mean, if your opening move is giving away the house, the car, and the kids, best case scenario, you're leaving court with half of a golden retriever. I mean, no one's going to be happy with that. Except for maybe. But I guess there's still plenty of stuff to negotiate. For example, you know, which animal will Zelensky be fed to once the Russians take over? Probably a lion, but could be a shark. You know, there's room there. Whichever animal it is, it'll probably fall out of a window. Regardless. Trump is not going to go driving a hard bargain on Ukraine's behalf, and that's fine. But as long as Ukraine is an equal member of this peace process, they'll get some of what they want.

[Brady Courbet]

Do you view Ukraine as an equal.

[Jordan Klepper]

Member of this peace process? Um, that's an interesting question. Yikes. That's like when my dentist asked if I floss. That's an interesting question. I. I gotta go. Okay, so this is not looking good for Ukraine. Imagine not even being invited to your own peace negotiations. It's like if your wife told you she wanted a threesome and then asked what night she'll be away on business. Have so much fun, sweetie. I'm strong enough for this. It's okay. I had it coming after Vegas. Now, you might think it's unfair to put Ukraine in this position after they were the ones invaded, but that's not exactly how Trump sees things. I think they have to make peace. Their people are being killed, and I think they have to make peace. I said that was not a good war to go into. Not a good war to go into. They were invaded. It wasn't their idea. Little advice for the back of Abraham Lincoln's head. Don't get hit by a bullet. Not smart. Look here. Clearly, this is going to be a complex negotiation, and it couldn't have come at a worse time for Trump, because he's also busy with his second job. Last week, he declared himself the chairman of Washington's Kennedy center for the Arts, the government's premier arts institution. And if you're thinking, wait, Trump is completely unqualified to think about art, don't worry. He brought along an equally unqualified board to help him out. He was elected by a board that.

[Trevor Noah]

He recently shook up, replacing appointees by Democratic presidents with Trump loyalists.

[Jordan Klepper]

As for the board, it now includes Attorney General Pam Bondi, Second Lady Usha.

[Trevor Noah]

Vance, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy.

[Jordan Klepper]

Chief of Staff Dan Scamino, Allison Letnick, who's the Commerce Secretary's wife. Okay, okay, first of all, what's up with this photo? Oh, you need a headshot of Mr. Scavino. Unfortunately, the only picture that exists of him is from when he walked in on his parents bumping uglies. But, hey, Donald Trump loves Arts and entertainment. And you can hear his genuine passion in a phone call he had with the board. I think we're going to do something very special. It got very wokey and some people were not happy with it and some people refuse to go. And we're not going to have that. We're going to have something that will be very, very exciting. And we'll do things both physically and in every other way to make the building look even better. I think we're going to make it hot. And we made the presidency hot. So this should be easy. I'm sorry, hot. Only Trump would look at a building and go, eh, unable. Yeah, performing arts centers have gotten very wokey. Like that theater that kicked out Lauren Boebert for giving one little tug job, flocking it over the khaki Jack Sesh. Not in my America. You heard Trump, though. No more woke theater. Only plays written by straight men like Tennessee Williams. Damn it. So close. Okay, so what will Trump's new role mean for the Kennedy Center? We at the Daily show just got our hands on an exclusive look at what we can expect. The Kennedy Center, America's most prestigious home for the highest arts, is about to get hot. Sign up now for an all new season designed by Chairman Trump. Screw off, twinkle toes, because all ballet will now be done by poll dancers. Talk about a nutcracker and join us for our cinema series featuring every movie where a babe climbs out of a pool. Donald, Nike, and you bet your ass. We'll have culture, better culture, like Hamilton, but with white people. A raisin in the sun but with white people. And Chen Yun, but with white people. Plus, we'll award the Mark Twain prize to Michael Richards, but not for Seinfeld. For a stand up and you know why. And next fall we'll have an evening with Joni Mitchell boxing Jake Paul. So come to the hot new Kennedy center, where even the building is hot. That's right, we gave it boobs. Not just two, like 20. The Donald Trump Kennedy center and Casino. We got your culture right here. Arthur Miller. Arthur Miller. When we come back, Josh Johnson ruins the most important meal of the day. Don't go away. Welcome back to the Daily Show. Donald Trump campaigned on lowering egg prices, but he's been prejudice for almost 14 years now. And eggs just hit their highest price yet. Which raises the question, how are New Yorkers handling the expense? Josh Johnson hit the streets to find out.

[Brady Courbet]

Humpty Dumpty. What used to be a wholesome tale about the fragility of the human condition now serves as a Stark reminder of the rising cost of these. Today I'm talking with a group that consumes most of the eggs in the United States, people to see how they are dealing with eggflation. Can we afford another take? Eggflation. Is it affecting you right now?

[Jordan Klepper]

I am being affected by it right now because my grandmother up in the Bronx is complaining how eggs is too high, and it's absurd.

[Brady Courbet]

I might go on an egg strike.

[Jordan Klepper]

Due to the prices, man. I know that right now they're like eight and up, which is insane.

[Brady Courbet]

I might have to turn vegan, man.

[Jordan Klepper]

Really?

[Trevor Noah]

No, I'm just kidding.

[Brady Courbet]

Of course you're kidding.

[Jordan Klepper]

Yes.

[Brady Courbet]

Vegans are a joke. How many eggs would you say the average person goes through in a week?

[Trevor Noah]

Can't imagine more than a dozen in.

[Jordan Klepper]

A week for one singular person. 18 for me. I go through 18.

[Brady Courbet]

18 eggs. That must be nice to afford.

[Jordan Klepper]

I can't afford it.

[Brady Courbet]

Oh, you just ball it like that. Okay.

[Jordan Klepper]

Abundant mindset.

[Brady Courbet]

So I feel like with the very little resistance you've had to the whole inflation of these eggs, are you, like, an heir to an eg?

[Jordan Klepper]

Uh, well, we are from Texas.

[Brady Courbet]

Okay, that makes sense. You're from Texas, and they hate when you waste eggs, whether they're from chickens or humans.

[Jordan Klepper]

Yes. Yes.

[Trevor Noah]

Yeah.

[Brady Courbet]

Is there anything you're backing off of so you can still afford the eggs?

[Jordan Klepper]

We back it off of liquor.

[Brady Courbet]

Oh, okay.

[Jordan Klepper]

Except Don Julio. We drinking that.

[Brady Courbet]

What was the last amount that you paid for, like, a dozen eggs?

[Jordan Klepper]

Like $15.

[Brady Courbet]

What price do you think you stop eating eggs entirely if it goes to $20. Okay.

[Jordan Klepper]

I would just have to quit eggs entirely.

[Brady Courbet]

Okay, so $20 eggs, that's your stopping point. Means 19.

[Jordan Klepper]

We're still 19. We still are in the game.

[Trevor Noah]

Damn.

[Brady Courbet]

People are willing to go higher than I thought. I smell an opportunity. So if, like, some guy was selling eggs and he was selling them for, like, you know, maybe even.

[Jordan Klepper]

What do you mean some guy? Like, on the side of the road?

[Brady Courbet]

Do you mean if I had an egg right here, right now? How much you paying for this guy?

[Jordan Klepper]

But this is not an enticing egg situation.

[Brady Courbet]

These folks clearly didn't understand the value of what I was holding. So I went to a professional who would appreciate the opportunity in front of them. I'm looking to do some business today.

[Jordan Klepper]

And what do you got?

[Brady Courbet]

I brought a lot of inventory.

[Jordan Klepper]

What is that?

[Brady Courbet]

It's eggs, man. Trying to sell you some eggs.

[Trevor Noah]

I, I, I can't take eggs. Look, do you want to buy anything or.

[Brady Courbet]

I do, I do.

[Jordan Klepper]

Great.

[Brady Courbet]

I do. Okay, so I'll take Nintendo Switch. I'll take two switches, one MacBook Pro, and give me a bunch of bracelets, and I'll give you, like, three dozen.

[Jordan Klepper]

All right. Thanks for coming. Look at this.

[Brady Courbet]

Regret. Regret. That guy wouldn't know a good deal if it flashed him in a trench coat. Time to take my product to the high rollers.

[Trevor Noah]

Hi. How you doing?

[Jordan Klepper]

I'm fine. How are you doing?

[Brady Courbet]

Well, I'm looking to get something appraised, so I'm very excited about it.

[Trevor Noah]

So usually we're working more with diamonds, gemstones, precious metals.

[Brady Courbet]

I'll tell you right now on the street, these are going.

[Jordan Klepper]

The eggs?

[Brady Courbet]

Yeah, I think an egg. This is at least like, 4 carats.

[Jordan Klepper]

I am going to just kindly ask.

[Brady Courbet]

You to please leave. Okay, I'mma go. Cause it feels like you pressed a button or something, and like somebody's coming. But missing out.

[Jordan Klepper]

Good luck.

[Brady Courbet]

Precious metals, precious eggs. No buyers yet, but once word gets around the streets, I'm sure I'll become pretty popular. And the yolk will be on there.

[Jordan Klepper]

Thank you, Josh. When we come back, Freddy Corbet will be joining me on the show. Go. Welcome back to the Daily Show. My guest tonight is a writer and director whose film the Brutalist is currently up for 10 Oscar nominations. Please welcome Brady Courbet. Welcome, Brady. I loved it. I loved the Brutalist. I really did. I thought, what a beautiful piece of art.

[Trevor Noah]

Thank you so much. I'm very grateful for that.

[Jordan Klepper]

Thank you. Here's the thing that also I love. When I start talking to people about the Brutalist, more often than not, people come up to me like, did you know Lazlo Toth, the main character is not a real person? Like, there seems to be a confusion. A lot of people think that it's based on a real Brutalist architect. And I can't tell whether that's a compliment for the world building that you do or just a commentary on American ignorance.

[Trevor Noah]

It's probably a little bit of both. Yeah, yeah. I mean, the character is an amalgamation of a lot of, you know, real historical figures like Marcel Breuer, Mies van der Rohe, Lashla Moholy, NJ and many others. So it should, you know, evoke a real person. I think that's a positive thing.

[Jordan Klepper]

Yeah, yeah. When you started creating this story, what was the nugget? What was the thing that got you interested?

[Trevor Noah]

You know, in all seriousness, during Trump's first term, before we had a brief intermezzo.

[Jordan Klepper]

Yeah. You talking about a billion years ago.

[Trevor Noah]

Way back Then he had a mandate that was called, you know, make federalist buildings beautiful again. He's creative.

[Jordan Klepper]

Yeah.

[Trevor Noah]

And, you know, it's interesting that 75 years, you know, on, you know, since the term brutalism was coined, it's still so divisive. And it's interesting because for me, I really feel that post war psychology and post war, you know, architecture are intrinsically linked. And, you know, this film is. That's what it's mostly concerned with.

[Jordan Klepper]

Yeah, well, I mean, you connect it also to the story, like the immigrant experience. Right. I mean, one of the most evocative moments is that first shot, which is sort of someone coming forth upon Ellis island and the statue of leopard. How do you tie for somebody who doesn't? I mean, I'm as experts in brutalist architecture. How would you tie for the layperson, how, like how brutalist architecture is connected to sort of the immigrant experience and what that says about sort of an American experience?

[Trevor Noah]

Well, you know, listen, the Bauhaus was shut down by the Nazis in the mid-1930s. It was predominantly Central and Eastern European Jewish architects and designers that were studying there. And so, you know, mid century design, you know, it mostly came from immigrant architects. And of course there was a response to a lot of those buildings and those monuments, which was hyper critical. And because the style of architecture was so unfamiliar, you know, communities wanted it torn down and they wanted their new neighbors thrown out.

[Jordan Klepper]

Now, it's interesting, this film. There's so many wonderful performances in it. There's a scene that really stuck with me. There's a scene when Adrien Brody gets off the train and he sees his cousin for the first time and his cousin lets him know that his wife is still alive. And they embrace. And the whole scene is shot so close and there's so much physicality between the two of them. They're touching each other's face the whole time. It's so intimate and real and emotional. And frankly, I'd never seen such a physical, intimate scene contextualize something like that. I'm curious, how do you direct something? Was the physicality and the closeness intentional in your direction there? How are you working with actors on something like that?

[Trevor Noah]

Yeah, I mean, listen. I mean, two brilliant performers in that scene, Alessandro Navola and Adrien Brody. And the screenplays are very, you know, precise. Mostly because they have to be. The film was shot in 33 days, and because the film was 170 pages long, it wasn't, you know, that much time. And so, you know, we don't storyboard Mostly because I don't want to adhere too closely to a cartoon, but I want to show up to a space, respond to it, see what, you know, the light is doing, what the performers are doing. And, you know, I just told him, I think it would be extremely moving if the two of you are very, very, very physical and very intimate together. Because, you know, when you see your uncle or your father, you know, the patriarch, when they cry, it's, like, devastating. You just feel shattered by it because you see it so infrequently. So I just thought to see these two, you know, men approaching middle age, sort of being that, you know, letting their guard down, especially in the late 1940s, because they just can't help themselves. Cause they've missed each other so much. I thought it was quite, quite beautiful.

[Jordan Klepper]

Is it true you didn't audition the actors for most of the actors for their roles?

[Trevor Noah]

Yeah, that's true. You know, I grew up as a performer for years, and I'm sure you've been in this position at some point, you know, in your career where you're preparing 13 pages of dialogue.

[Jordan Klepper]

They usually give me the one or two line parts. If you could just sip this Pepsi and say this one line, we'll see if you're right for the role.

[Trevor Noah]

Well, you know, the 13, 14 songs. But I always think about, you know, dozens and dozens of people's lives that are affected by preparing this material. And usually in the first 15 or 20 seconds, they walk in the room, you know, whether or not they're right for the role. So I want to be respectful of everyone's time. And I only ask people to read more material than that if it's really on the fly. Like we're doing a cold reading together, especially with kids. Kids don't have a prior body of work for you to reference, so that process is a bit more significant. But you usually know after a page or two of dialogue at a maximum. And in general, I just avoid it altogether. We just make offers to actors we like.

[Jordan Klepper]

Yeah, yeah. Or maybe people you've met for the first time and have sort of a rapport with.

[Trevor Noah]

Oh, yeah, pal. Absolutely.

[Jordan Klepper]

It happens. You made this movie. I mean, this movie's up for 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and rightfully so. It just feels like a film. It's beautiful. You made it for $10 million. Yeah, like, I most. My understanding is to make a film that people go and see, you have to spend $80 million to make something like that. But this is a massive honkin film for $10 million. Like, what are these other films doing wrong?

[Trevor Noah]

Oh, I mean, listen, on the one hand, I'd like to just say it would have been nice to have more money. I don't want anyone to get any ideas like, oh, well, they did that for $10 million, so let's try for nine on the next one. I think that it's really just due to our collaborators. I mean, my production designer, Judy Becker, is an iconic designer behind Brokeback Mountain. Carol, I'm not there. My cinematographer, Little Crawley and I have worked together for over a decade. We have a shorthand and most scenes are shot in one or two shots. I mean, it's shot like a 1950s melodrama. So it's mostly mediums and masters. And where you lose time is setting up a shot. It's not shooting a shot. Shooting a shot takes as long as the scene takes five minutes. So I prefer to schedule things in a way where we're doing one thing very well over and over again, as opposed to 13 things poorly. And, you know, I think that we had really great partners on this producerially as well, that just really understood, you know, what the pillars of the film were and where we could compromise and really understood where we couldn't. The film was shot on a large format that was engineered in the 1950s called VistaVision. Which is essentially what it does is instead of the film being pulled through the gate vertically, it's turned horizontally so you get more neg area out of regular 35 millimeter stock and you know.

[Jordan Klepper]

And not as like a new way you were talking about. But I realized that was.

[Trevor Noah]

I'm sure that that'll probably be cut out.

[Jordan Klepper]

I was like, yeah. I was like, oh, that's. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Totally, totally. Classic 1950s misdivision.

[Trevor Noah]

I was surprised when I got here and I was the only guest. I was like, assumed I was the second or third guest. And this is why. Do you want to hear more about this division?

[Jordan Klepper]

Tell me more, Brady, about VistaVision. I was just thinking about architecture. Jesus.

[Trevor Noah]

Your por. The poor audience was like expecting Ariana Grande.

[Jordan Klepper]

We could never book Ariana Grande. I tell you, this is. You know what? It's funny. You joke about this and it is true. This movie, I will say, I say this. I truly love this film. I hope you have nothing but success at the Academy Awards. On paper, nobody sees this film. Right?

[Trevor Noah]

Sure.

[Jordan Klepper]

Yeah. It's three hours and it's three and a half hours.

[Trevor Noah]

Yes, three hours and 35 minutes.

[Jordan Klepper]

There's an intermission in it. It's about brutalist architecture made for under $10 million. Right.

[Trevor Noah]

It's a great pitch.

[Jordan Klepper]

It's a great pitch. Shot on VistaVision, inspired by 1950s melodramatic cinema like this up against the latest Marvel movie is a tough pitch, but I would say what is fascinating is like the experience. It feels like such an experience to go to. We had Francis Ford Coppola on this show and he talked about his most recent film and he really wanted to eventize. It's like so many people are watching this at home now and going to see it in the theater, experiencing the intermission with people at the theater, hearing people talk about it as they're getting popcorn, using the restroom. Like it's changing. It feels different than watching it at home. It feels different than watching just a regular hour and a half Marvel film. Do you. Do you think there's. There might be some trend towards things that are a little bit longer, that intermission might be something that will.

[Trevor Noah]

I mean, listen, it wasn't that long ago, you know, in the 1970s, movies like Midnight Cowboy were commercially viable. And I really hope that we get back to that. Our industry changed for a lot of reasons. Partially because of streaming, partially because of COVID partially because of the strikes, you know, and I understand why companies are more risk averse than ever. However, if you look at the crop of nominees this year, you know, they're really radical, strange films. They're strange propositions, which I think should signal for everyone that audiences do want daring, original, provocative films. And I, you know, I think, I think it's very. I'm glad you agree. I, you know, I really, you know, I respect audiences and I believe that audiences, you know, are really, really clever and they're more clever than ever because there's so much information out there about how movies are made and there's an awareness of the post production process and visual effects, et cetera. So, you know, they're really savvy and I think it's important that we treat them with respect.

[Jordan Klepper]

Awesome. Well, couldn't be better said. The Brutalist is in theaters everywhere. Brady Courbet. We're gonna take a quick break right back after this. Thank you. That's our show for tonight. Now here it is, the Nationals, the Munich Security Con conference which starts tomorrow. Is there beer? Absolutely.

[Trevor Noah]

And br.

[Jordan Klepper]

Absolutely. A potato salad?

[Trevor Noah]

Yes.

[Jordan Klepper]

Yes.

[Trevor Noah]

You know, I want to go to.

[Jordan Klepper]

The Hofbr house in Munich. Absolutely. You know, I studied in Germany as a.

[Trevor Noah]

As a student. That's why I'm asking explore more shows.

[Jordan Klepper]

From the Daily Show Podcast universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount plus.

[Trevor Noah]

Paramount Podcasts.