Introducing: Talking Pictures from TCM and Max - The Plot Thickens

Summary

The Plot Thickens: Introducing “Talking Pictures” with Nancy Meyers

Podcast Information:

Title: The Plot Thickens
Host: Ben Mankiewicz (TCM)
Episode: Introducing: Talking Pictures from TCM and Max
Release Date: February 9, 2024

Overview

In the inaugural episode of “Talking Pictures,” a spin-off podcast from Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and the streaming service Max, host Ben Mankiewicz engages in an in-depth conversation with acclaimed writer-director Nancy Meyers. The episode delves into Meyers' illustrious career in romantic comedies, her casting philosophies, memorable anecdotes from her films, and her personal reflections on beloved movies. Structured to provide both insightful discussions and personal insights, this episode serves as a comprehensive introduction to Nancy Meyers' contributions to modern cinema.

Main Interview with Nancy Meyers

Casting: The Cornerstone of a Great Film

Ben Mankiewicz opens the dialogue by emphasizing the critical role of casting in filmmaking. Nancy Meyers concurs, stating, “I don't think there is [something] more important than picking the right actor for the role” ([05:58]). She elaborates on her fascination with casting decisions, often reminiscing about actors who were initially considered but ultimately did not make the final cast. A notable example she shares involves Sunset Boulevard, where Montgomery Clift was originally slated to star but withdrew weeks before shooting began ([06:34]). “Impossible, right?” Ben muses, highlighting the challenges and unpredictability of casting ([07:28]).

Behind the Scenes of “Something’s Gotta Give”

Meyers recounts the casting process for her 2003 hit, Something’s Gotta Give. She reveals that Jack Nicholson was her first choice for the lead role, explaining, “He was my first choice” ([10:26]). Despite initial hesitations from co-star Diane Keaton, who doubted Nicholson’s fit, Meyers persisted. Their collaboration blossomed from a personal friendship, leading to a chemistry that defined the film. A particularly touching moment occurs when Meyers discusses pitching the idea to Nicholson’s lawyer and the subsequent enthusiastic response from Nicholson himself ([14:48]).

Eli Wallach’s Memorable Presence in “The Holiday”

Transitioning to her 2006 film, The Holiday, Meyers highlights the indispensable role of Eli Wallach. Reflecting on his contribution, she notes, “He has always been memorable no matter how much screen time he got” ([18:08]). A delightful anecdote unfolds when Wallach makes an unplanned cameo during filming. His spontaneous rendition of “Mrs. Robinson” not only brought laughter to the set but also seamlessly integrated into the movie’s narrative, underscoring Meyers' ability to blend professional and personal relationships on set ([22:00]).

Navigating Directorial Challenges and Industry Dynamics

Meyers candidly discusses the fluctuating reception of her films, particularly The Holiday. Although initially underperforming, the film experienced a resurgence during the pandemic era, leading to a broader appreciation among audiences ([23:18]). She attributes part of the criticism of romantic comedies to societal perceptions, suggesting that the term itself can be dismissive: “It's probably because some people don't like the word romance because it sounds schmaltzy” ([25:13]). Meyers defends her genre by highlighting its rich history and the intelligent dialogue akin to classics like North by Northwest and The Philadelphia Story ([26:24]).

The Impact of Billy Wilder on Nancy Meyers

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Meyers' collaboration with the legendary Billy Wilder. She shares fond memories of working alongside him on Baby Boom, detailing Wilder’s unique approach to storytelling and script refinement. One amusing instance involves Wilder insisting on including a fart joke in the script, demonstrating his blend of dark humor and practicality: “he said, if you just can get the baby to pass wind, you will make me very happy” ([34:57]). Despite creative disagreements, Meyers appreciates Wilder’s mentorship and the invaluable lessons learned during their collaboration ([32:50]).

Super 8: Personal Insights from Nancy Meyers

In the “Super 8” segment, Ben poses a series of eight curated questions to Meyers, offering listeners a glimpse into her personal tastes and experiences with cinema.

Most Memorable Movie-Watching Experience:
“The Exorcist” stands out as a profound memory for Meyers. She recounts watching it alone on a rainy afternoon in Los Angeles, an experience so intense that she fled the theater immediately afterward ([45:12]).
Favorite Films to Rewatch:
Meyers lists The Apartment, North by Northwest, Rear Window, and Love in the Afternoon as films she revisits regularly, appreciating their timeless storytelling and direction ([45:48]).
Movie to Show a Potential Date:
She chooses Day for Night, a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking, aligning with her passion for the craft and offering a heartfelt portrayal of the industry ([46:19]).
High School Favorite:
A Man and a Woman was Meyers’ first exposure to French cinema, profoundly influencing her perception of love and storytelling ([46:52]).
Most Loved Movie in High School:
The emotional depths of A Man and a Woman provided a sense of hope and inspiration during her teenage years ([47:11]).
Defending a Favorite Film:
Meyers passionately defends Paddington 2, praising its craftsmanship, humor, and heartfelt narrative, despite its classification as a children’s movie ([48:08]).
Top Movie Recommendation:
Depending on the viewer’s context, she recommends classics like Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin, marveling at its enduring brilliance ([48:59]).
Movie that Makes Her Cry:
Planes, Trains and Automobiles consistently brings tears to Meyers' eyes, particularly cherishing the poignant moments involving John Candy’s character ([49:53]).

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Ben reflects on the wealth of insights shared by Nancy Meyers, emphasizing the enduring relevance of her storytelling and the deep connections she forms with her cast and crew. The conversation not only highlights Meyers' professional achievements but also her personal love for cinema and the emotional resonance movies hold in her life.

Ben teases upcoming episodes featuring notable filmmakers such as Alexander Payne, Mel Brooks, Emerald Fennell, and Steven Soderbergh, promising listeners a continued exploration of cinematic memories and behind-the-scenes stories.

Notable Quotes:

Nancy Meyers on casting: “I don't think there is [something] more important than picking the right actor for the role.” ([05:58])
Meyers on The Holiday's resurgence: “I think during the pandemic and the pre-pandemic couple years, it just sort of got rediscovered.” ([23:34])
Reflecting on Billy Wilder’s influence: “He’s a fantastic storyteller.” ([32:55])
Defending romantic comedies: “There are movies that aren't about men, primarily mine happen to have a lot of men in them, but primarily they're not about men.” ([26:24])

Conclusion

The first episode of “Talking Pictures” successfully sets the tone for a series dedicated to exploring the intricate tapestry of filmmaking through conversations with influential industry figures. Nancy Meyers’ candid discussions offer listeners both a professional and personal understanding of what it takes to create memorable romantic comedies and the enduring impact of effective casting and storytelling. As the season progresses, audiences can anticipate more enriching dialogues that celebrate the art of cinema.

Transcript

Ben Mankiewicz (0:00)

Not all meals are created equal. For instance, breakfast has the spicy egg McMuffin for a limited time and lunch doesn't. McDonald's breakfast comes first. This message is sponsored by Greenlight. With school out, summer is the perfect time to teach our kids real world money skills they'll use forever. Greenlight is a debit card and the number one family finance and safety app used by millions of families helping kids learn how to save, invest and spend wisely. Pay parents can send their kids money and track their spending and saving while kids build money, confidence and skills in fun ways. Start your risk free Greenlight trial today@greenlight.com Spotify that's greenlight.com Spotify Hey, Ben, here. We're hard at work on the next season of the Plot Thickens. But right now I want to tell you about my other podcast. Because in America, if you only have one podcast, you're doing it wrong. The other one's called Talking Pictures, a Movie Memories Podcast. And as the name implies, I get to sit down with some of the most creative people in Hollywood and do what I like to do best, talk about movies. I spoke with people like Mel Brooks and Steven Soderbergh, finding out which films shaped them, made them, who they are today. The episode I'm going to play for you now features writer director Nancy Myers. We met at her home. It's a lovely home. Not surprising. We talked about casting. Nancy has cast some of the biggest stars of this era. Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, Steve Martin and Meryl Streep. We talked about what she learned from Billy Wilder. Also the famous look of her movies that Nancy Myers look. We also discussed the movies she loves and the movie that terrifies her. I'm excited for you to hear it. And when you're done, find Talking Pictures wherever you get podcasts and give it a follow. That way you won't miss a single episode. All right, enough of the intro. Here it is from Turner Classic Movies and Max, the very first episode of Talking Pictures. Hey, it's Ben Mankiewicz. Hi, I'm Ben Mankiewicz. Welcome to tcm. Hi, I'm Ben Mankiewicz. Thanks for staying up late with us on Turner Classic Movies. I've been a host on Turner classic movies for 20 years now, and I have to tell you, it's still thrilling to talk to people about movies, to hear what they like and what they don't like, to find out what was going on in their lives when a particular film became important to them. So I thought, why not have more of those conversations? Why not have a podcast. Everyone else has one. Why can't I? Why not sit down one on one with the most creative people in Hollywood and asked them about their lives, asked them about the movies that matter to them. So I did. Put away the suit and the pocket square and the TV makeup, put on my boots. TCM fans know the boots I'm talking about got my hair right. I'm kidding. My hair is always right. Listeners will come to understand my hair. It's kind of a big deal. It is responsible, I believe, for 63% of my success in this business. Okay, enough about my hair. It's all you guys talk about anyway. I went to people's homes. I went to their offices. No cameras, no press, just me and my guest. Talking Pictures. I'm your host, Ben Mankiewicz, and this is Talking Pictures, a podcast about movies, about memories, and about all the stuff that happens in between. Turner Classic Movies makes this podcast with the streaming service Max, where you can see many of the movies mentioned in this episode. I'm especially excited about our first guest. She's written and directed some of the most well liked movies for grownups over the last 30 years. Something's got to give. It's complicated. The holiday. Of course, I'm talking about Nancy Myers. Nancy is known for her sharp scripts, but in recent years she's also become known for the interior settings where her characters live. That focus on the decor in her movies. A irritates her and B, has become a trend on social media. The hashtag NancyMeyers aesthetic has more than 27 million views on TikTok. About that, I don't have TikTok. Moreover, I can't spell aesthetic without Googling it, but people post videos of like a large white kitchen or an elegant dining room with a big wooden table and tons of natural light. And they'll label it Nancy Meyer's aesthetic. Tonight show host Jimmy Fallon and country singer Chris Stapleton even created a skit about it. Chilled wine, roast chicken, sitting down the island in a beautiful kitch. Big windows, strong women, scarves, cashmere. And the pants are linen. Thing is, Nancy Myers is one of the most successful romantic comedy writer directors of her time. Full stop. She routinely works with the biggest stars in Hollywood. Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Jack Nicholson. That didn't happen because of how she designs her sets. Nancy invited us to her home in Los Angeles. Where are we right now? Just in general.