Podcast Summary: Throwing Fits – Episode Featuring Lawrence Schlossman

Episode Title: The Mark Anthony Green Interview with Throwing Fits
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Guest: Lawrence Schlossman, Director of Opus

Introduction and Welcome

In this episode of Throwing Fits, hosts Mark Anthony Green and James Harris welcome director Lawrence Schlossman—affectionately referred to as "Mag"—to discuss his debut feature film, Opus. The hosts express their excitement about having Mag back in New York after a two-year hiatus, highlighting his recent achievements and the anticipation surrounding his film.

Lawrence Schlossman’s Return to New York

Mag shares his experiences during his time away from New York, explaining that he took a break to focus intensely on creating Opus. He emphasizes how being buried in work—editing, shooting, and producing his film—kept him away from the city.

Lawrence Schlossman [01:50]: "I was buried in the work, editing, shooting, that whole thing."

The Making of Opus

Vision and Themes

Mag delves into the conception of Opus, describing it as a thriller that intertwines elements of celebrity culture and personal introspection. He aimed to create a film that balances intense themes with moments of levity, reflecting his own personality.

Lawrence Schlossman [12:53]: "I want exists in a world where two intelligent people like you guys can interrogate. Does this still serve us?"

Collaborations and Casting

A significant highlight of the episode is Mag’s collaboration with renowned actor John Malkovich. He recounts the rigorous process of securing Malkovich for the lead role, including an adventurous trip to Riga, Latvia, to meet him in person.

Lawrence Schlossman [34:36]: "I wanted to sit down with him and be like, I'm dead serious with you."

Mag also discusses working with esteemed musicians Nile Rogers and Dream on the film’s soundtrack, detailing the creative synergy and challenges of producing music on a limited budget.

Production Challenges

Mag provides an insider’s look into the production of Opus, particularly the demanding 19-day shooting schedule in New Mexico. He describes the logistical hurdles, such as extreme weather conditions and the necessity of maintaining a strict, minute-by-minute schedule.

Lawrence Schlossman [28:06]: "Like a 14-hour day and is scheduled in like 7 minute. That's crazy."

Despite these challenges, Mag praises his dedicated crew and the collaborative spirit that made the intense shoot manageable. He shares memorable on-set moments, including a transformative scene with Malkovich that exemplified the film’s emotional depth.

Fashion and Music in Opus

As someone deeply entrenched in the fashion industry, Mag emphasizes the meticulous attention to sartorial details in Opus. He explains how uniform styling for characters was both an aesthetic choice and a practical necessity due to budget constraints.

Lawrence Schlossman [55:27]: "Everybody was kind of like, because they knew how specific I was about the clothes and how I was ready to blow all the budget to make sure we got these Rick Owens boots and shit."

On the musical front, Mag discusses his collaboration with Nile Rogers and Dream, highlighting their willingness to contribute creatively despite the film’s limited financial resources. He expresses profound respect for their craftsmanship and the seamless integration of music into the film’s narrative.

Handling Criticism and Reviews

Mag candidly addresses the emotional toll of receiving and reading reviews. While acknowledging the impact of negative feedback, he underscores his commitment to fostering discourse through his work rather than seeking external validation.

Lawrence Schlossman [85:27]: "I think that the discourse is part of the film."

He advocates for a balanced perspective, encouraging listeners to engage thoughtfully with the film rather than fixate on polarized opinions.

Reflections on the Film Industry

The conversation shifts to Mag’s views on the contrasts between legacy media and Hollywood, particularly critiquing the latter’s corrupt practices and exploitative power dynamics.

Lawrence Schlossman [24:43]: "In Hollywood, at least. That's been my po."

Mag contrasts this with his positive experience collaborating with A24, praising the studio’s trust and creative freedom, which allowed him to realize his vision without undue interference.

Future Projects and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Mag expresses excitement about continuing his filmmaking journey. While he doesn’t reveal specific details about upcoming projects, he mentions aspirations to work with other talented individuals like Quinta Brunson, Daniel Kaluuya, and Sarah Paulson. He emphasizes his desire to maintain artistic integrity and continue creating meaningful, thought-provoking work.

Conclusion

As the interview wraps up, Mag reflects on the personal growth and community support he experienced while making Opus. He conveys deep gratitude for the crew, collaborators, and the supportive relationship with the hosts. Mag reiterates his invitation for listeners to watch Opus, highlighting its blend of intellectual depth and entertainment.

Lawrence Schlossman [119:42]: "And so I think it's sick when people in interviews, they get up in like, we only got paid this to do this thing."

The episode concludes with a heartfelt endorsement of Opus, encouraging listeners to experience the film’s unique narrative and emotional resonance.

Notable Quotes

• Lawrence Schlossman [01:50]: "I was buried in the work, editing, shooting, that whole thing."
• Lawrence Schlossman [12:53]: "I want exists in a world where two intelligent people like you guys can interrogate. Does this still serve us?"
• Lawrence Schlossman [34:36]: "I wanted to sit down with him and be like, I'm dead serious with you."
• Lawrence Schlossman [28:06]: "Like a 14-hour day and is scheduled in like 7 minute. That's crazy."
• Lawrence Schlossman [55:27]: "Everybody was kind of like, because they knew how specific I was about the clothes and how I was ready to blow all the budget to make sure we got these Rick Owens boots and shit."
• Lawrence Schlossman [85:27]: "I think that the discourse is part of the film."
• Lawrence Schlossman [24:43]: "In Hollywood, at least. That's been my po."
• Lawrence Schlossman [119:42]: "And so I think it's sick when people in interviews, they get up in like, we only got paid this to do this thing."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Throwing Fits offers an in-depth exploration of Lawrence Schlossman’s journey as a first-time director, the passionate creation of Opus, and his insights into the complexities of the film industry. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Mag provides listeners with a compelling look into the art of filmmaking, the importance of creative collaboration, and the resilience required to bring a vision to life.

Listeners who are interested in independent cinema, behind-the-scenes filmmaking processes, and the intersection of fashion and film will find this episode particularly enriching. Opus promises to be a thought-provoking addition to the thriller genre, blending intense narrative elements with stylistic flourishes that reflect Mag’s unique creative vision.

For more content from Throwing Fits, visit their Substack and stay updated with future episodes that continue to delve into diverse and intriguing topics.