WTF with Marc Maron Podcast
Episode 1601 - Justin Kurzel
Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction and Current Projects

In this episode, Marc Maron welcomes acclaimed Australian director Justin Kurzel to discuss their collaborative work and delve deep into Kurzel's cinematic journey. Marc begins by sharing his minor role in Kurzel's Bruce Springsteen biopic, "Deliver Me From Nowhere," where he portrays a studio engineer. He reflects on the experience, highlighting interactions with Springsteen and fellow actors Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong.

Marc Maron [00:02]:
"In between takes, I'm like, catching up with Bruce the Boss. Obviously, he remembers talking to me, but... it's been an amazing experience."

Exploring Justin Kurzel's Filmography

The conversation shifts to Justin Kurzel's body of work, focusing on his films "The Order," "Snowtown Murders," "Nitram," and "True History of the Kelly Gang." Marc commends Kurzel's ability to create disturbing yet poetic narratives, emphasizing his knack for character studies and the utilization of Australia's diverse landscapes.

Marc Maron [06:15]:
"His movies are disturbing, poetic, amazing character studies... they're just stunning."

Kurzel elaborates on the thematic consistency in his films, exploring dark undercurrents within communities and the psychological complexities of his characters.

Justin Kurzel [14:24]:
"It's a genre... about something procedural, but with an extraordinary momentum that reminds me of classic storytelling."

Character Development and Psychological Depth

A significant portion of the discussion centers on character portrayal, particularly the humanization of antagonists. Marc touches upon his role as Alan Berg in "The Order," a character based on the real-life Denver talk radio host assassinated by the Order. He reflects on the challenges of portraying violence without glorifying it.

Marc Maron [09:45]:
"I'm recommending that you see these movies and also watch 'The Order.' Brace yourselves and know that you're going to deal with some heavy shit."

Kurzel shares insights into directing Marc, focusing on balancing authenticity with the film's psychological intensity.

Justin Kurzel [25:07]:
"It's about how do you make this person feel human... how do you make them familiar without making them likable in a way that distorts their true nature."

Influences and Comparisons to Classic Films

Kurzel draws parallels between his work and iconic films like "The French Connection," "Black Mass," and "Mad Max," highlighting his admiration for directors like Michael Mann and William Friedkin. He discusses how these influences shape his approach to storytelling and character arcs.

Justin Kurzel [27:55]:
"It's about the mystery of the character that makes them so compelling... that the audience is intrigued by their journey."

Marc echoes this sentiment, appreciating how Kurzel's films adhere to and subvert traditional Western motifs to create impactful narratives.

Marc Maron [54:43]:
"Westerns are a huge part of film intellectually... and that a good many films are structurally Westerns."

Technical Aspects and Production Stories

The duo delves into the technicalities of filmmaking, discussing aspects like cinematography, sound design, and the meticulous process of shooting intense scenes. Marc recounts the challenges faced during filming, particularly the use of squibs for realistic assassination scenes in "The Order."

Justin Kurzel [79:13]:
"We had to nail the squib effects quickly, and it was a sticky mess, but it worked. The blood had to look real."

Future Projects and Concluding Thoughts

Looking ahead, Kurzel hints at his upcoming project, "Burning Rainbow Farm," inspired by the true story of the Burning Rainbow Marijuana Festival. He expresses enthusiasm for exploring complex characters and real-life events through his lens.

Justin Kurzel [77:07]:
"It's an extraordinary story... a beautiful love story intertwined with a significant historical event."

Marc wraps up by expressing his admiration for Kurzel's work and the profound conversations they've had, highlighting the depth and intensity Kurzel brings to his films.

Marc Maron [80:07]:
"I've loved watching your other work. It's been a great talk. I enjoy..."

Personal Reflections and Final Remarks

Throughout the episode, Marc shares personal anecdotes, including his 2025 tour dates and heartfelt reflections on visiting his parents, particularly dealing with his father's dementia. He emphasizes the importance of cherishing time with loved ones, adding a layer of vulnerability to the discussion.

Marc Maron [42:26]:
"So I'm choosing to spend time with the one whose memories are drifting away as opposed to the one who seems to have a pretty good recollection of everything."

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of Justin Kurzel's filmmaking philosophy, his dedication to character-driven narratives, and the psychological intricacies embedded within his films. Marc Maron and Justin Kurzel engage in a candid dialogue that not only sheds light on their professional collaborations but also touches upon personal challenges and motivations, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the art and humanity behind Kurzel's work.

Notable Quotes:

• Marc Maron [00:02]:
  "In between takes, I'm like, catching up with Bruce the Boss. Obviously, he remembers talking to me, but... it's been an amazing experience."

• Marc Maron [06:15]:
  "His movies are disturbing, poetic, amazing character studies... they're just stunning."

• Justin Kurzel [14:24]:
  "It's a genre... about something procedural, but with an extraordinary momentum that reminds me of classic storytelling."

• Marc Maron [09:45]:
  "I'm recommending that you see these movies and also watch 'The Order.' Brace yourselves and know that you're going to deal with some heavy shit."

• Justin Kurzel [25:07]:
  "It's about how do you make this person feel human... how do you make them familiar without making them likable in a way that distorts their true nature."

• Justin Kurzel [27:55]:
  "It's about the mystery of the character that makes them so compelling... that the audience is intrigued by their journey."

• Marc Maron [54:43]:
  "Westerns are a huge part of film intellectually... and that a good many films are structurally Westerns."

• Justin Kurzel [79:13]:
  "We had to nail the squib effects quickly, and it was a sticky mess, but it worked. The blood had to look real."

• Justin Kurzel [77:07]:
  "It's an extraordinary story... a beautiful love story intertwined with a significant historical event."

• Marc Maron [42:26]:
  "So I'm choosing to spend time with the one whose memories are drifting away as opposed to the one who seems to have a pretty good recollection of everything."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Marc Maron and Justin Kurzel's extensive conversation, highlighting key discussions, insights, and memorable quotes that provide a window into Kurzel's artistic vision and personal experiences.