The Interview: Ben Stiller on 'Severance,' Selling Out, and Being Jewish Today
Released January 11, 2025 | Hosted by David Marchese and Lulu Garcia-Navarro | The New York Times
1. Introduction and Career Overview
In this engaging episode of The Interview, David Marchese sits down with actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller to delve into his multifaceted career, focusing on his role as a co-director and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning series Severance. Marchese highlights Stiller's transition from mainstream comedic roles in films like Meet the Parents and Night at the Museum to more nuanced directorial projects, such as the acclaimed crime drama Escape at Dannemora.
2. Exploring 'Severance' and Its Themes
Marchese begins by discussing Severance’s second season, praising its surprising developments and its exploration of the duality between work and personal life. He draws a parallel between the show's concept of separated consciousness—innies and outies—and Stiller's own experiences navigating different facets of his career.
“The second season probably gets a little bit stranger than that. Yeah, but it is,” Stiller remarks at [03:34], emphasizing the show's evolution while maintaining its workplace comedy roots.
3. Production Challenges and Creative Dynamics
The conversation shifts to the complexities of producing Severance. Marchese references reported difficulties, including delays and creative disagreements, questioning whether such friction can enhance a show's uniqueness.
Stiller responds at [04:26], dismissing the notion that on-set tension is necessary for creative output. He attributes the show's success to the diverse creative perspectives of the team: “I really believe that the show comes out of the different creative perspectives of the people who work on it... those different points of view ended up making the show what it is.”
4. Story Arc and Season Planning
Marchese inquires about the series’ overarching narrative and whether Stiller has a predetermined ending. Stiller confirms having a clear conclusion planned, focusing on the protagonist Mark's journey to reconcile his innie and outie selves.
“I think in my mind, this series has always been about Mark and, you know, his Innie and his Outie and what happens with his Innie and his Outie and what is the ultimate sort of destination for both of them,” he explains at [06:02].
5. Reflections on Hollywood's Power Structures
Drawing comparisons between Severance and Hollywood’s opaque decision-making processes, Marchese asks if Stiller's industry experience influenced the show. Stiller acknowledges the frustrations of indirect decision-making in show business: “the reality of that world now is so completely different... just, you know, the Jewish population is so small.” ([06:48])
6. Stiller’s Transition from Comedies to Serious Films
Marchese reflects on Stiller's shift from broad comedies to more introspective films in the 2010s, questioning whether this was a conscious career choice. Stiller attributes the change to personal growth and external factors, notably the reception of Zoolander 2.
“Zoolander 2 gave me the gift of nobody offering me Zoolander 3 because nobody wanted it,” he shares at [24:36], indicating a pivotal moment that allowed him to pursue different creative interests.
7. Personal Growth and Family Dynamics
The discussion moves to Stiller’s personal life, including his separation and reconciliation with his wife, Christine Taylor. Stiller reflects on this period as a time of self-discovery and reaffirmed commitment to his family.
“Covid put us all together in the same house. And it was almost like a year of living in the same house before we were actually together. But I'm so grateful for it,” he states at [26:25].
8. Navigating Anti-Semitism in Hollywood
A significant portion of the interview addresses the rise of anti-Semitism and its impact on Jewish individuals in Hollywood. Stiller expresses his concerns about the increasing hostility and its effect on both himself and his children.
“I feel like right now in the world there's just so much hate and antipathy that's out there,” he asserts at [22:29], highlighting the challenges faced by Jewish creatives today.
9. Future Projects and Ambitions
Stiller discusses his unfulfilled passion project: an adaptation of Bud Schulberg’s novel What Makes Sammy Run. He explains the reservations surrounding the project, particularly its portrayal of a Jewish character striving ruthlessly for success.
“I feel like the story should be made... but the flip side of it is that it can be looked at as you're shining a spotlight on, on a Jewish character who is this self-hating Jew who is willing to do whatever,” he explains at [19:41].
10. The Evolution of Comedy
Towards the end of the interview, Marchese and Stiller explore the changing landscape of comedy. Stiller contrasts the freedom enjoyed in early 2000s comedies with the current environment, where heightened sensitivity and social media scrutiny influence creative decisions.
“Zoolander, when it came out, was not a big hit. Because it's a weird world, what a weird character. But once they became acclimated to it, then it became something that they really liked,” he observes at [15:23].
11. Concluding Thoughts and Legacy
In concluding the interview, Stiller reflects on his motivations and aspirations in filmmaking. He emphasizes his desire to create honest, truthful work that brings him closer to expressing his true self.
“For me, it's about trying to get closer to expressing my true self. Trying to somehow make something that feels truthful and real,” he shares at [36:11].
Marchese wraps up by acknowledging the depth of Stiller's journey, from blockbuster comedies to thought-provoking dramas, underscoring his commitment to continuous personal and professional growth.
Notable Quotes:
- “The second season probably gets a little bit stranger than that. Yeah, but it is.” — Ben Stiller [03:34]
- “I really believe that the show comes out of the different creative perspectives of the people who work on it.” — Ben Stiller [04:26]
- “I think in my mind, this series has always been about Mark and, you know, his Innie and his Outie and what happens with his Innie and his Outie...” — Ben Stiller [06:02]
- “Zoolander 2 gave me the gift of nobody offering me Zoolander 3 because nobody wanted it.” — Ben Stiller [24:36]
- “I feel like right now in the world there's just so much hate and antipathy that's out there.” — Ben Stiller [22:29]
- “For me, it's about trying to get closer to expressing my true self.” — Ben Stiller [36:11]
Conclusion
Ben Stiller's candid discussion on The Interview offers a deep dive into his artistic evolution, personal challenges, and the socio-cultural dynamics influencing his work today. From dissecting the intricate layers of Severance to reflecting on his own heritage and the pressures of Hollywood, Stiller provides listeners with a comprehensive view of his journey as both a beloved comedic actor and a thoughtful filmmaker. This conversation not only illuminates Stiller’s professional endeavors but also his personal resilience and dedication to authentic storytelling.