WTF with Marc Maron Podcast: Episode 1618 - Brady Corbet

Release Date: February 17, 2025

In Episode 1618 of the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, host Marc Maron engages in an in-depth conversation with acclaimed filmmaker Brady Corbet. Known for directing the critically acclaimed films Vox Lux and The Childhood of a Leader, Corbet brings his nuanced perspective on filmmaking, the challenges of promoting independent films, and the current state of the film industry.

1. Introduction to Brady Corbet

Maron introduces Corbet as a "real fucking artist," highlighting his nominations for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture at the Academy Awards for his latest work, The Brutalist. Corbet’s dedication to authentic and thought-provoking cinema is emphasized, setting the stage for a conversation that delves deep into his creative process and industry experiences.

Notable Quote:

Maron [02:20]: "This guy is a real fucking artist. And real fucking artists are hard to come by."

2. The Brutalist: Themes and Production

Corbet discusses The Brutalist, detailing its exploration of post-war architecture and the complexities of the male ego in the mid-20th century. The film is described as an epic independent project that blends historical context with personal drama, showcasing Corbet’s commitment to storytelling that bridges past and present societal issues.

Notable Quote:

Corbet [24:55]: "It's just something which is bigger than one minority. It is something which is, you know, acknowledging all minorities and, and certainly all artists."

3. Challenges in Promoting Independent Films

The conversation shifts to the arduous task of promoting an independent film in today’s fragmented media landscape. Corbet shares his frustration with the current publicity model, where extensive interviews and constant travel can drain personal resources and time without guaranteeing meaningful engagement or success.

Notable Quote:

Corbet [19:20]: "I've spoken to many filmmakers... that have films that are nominated this year that can't pay their rent."

4. The Impact of Capitalism on Filmmaking

Corbet expresses his critical views on the capitalist structures within Hollywood, arguing that the system often undermines creative integrity for commercial gain. He emphasizes the importance of directors having final cut to preserve the artistic vision, highlighting the tension between artistic freedom and executive control.

Notable Quote:

Corbet [51:08]: "I really believe that it's important that Final Cut tie break goes into directors, deals as something which is standard and precedential."

5. Reflections on the Creative Process and Personal Sacrifices

Delving deeper, Corbet reflects on the personal toll that filmmaking takes, discussing the years dedicated to a single project and the impact on his personal life, especially his relationship with his daughter. Despite the commercial success of The Brutalist, he questions the worth of the personal sacrifices made during its creation.

Notable Quote:

Corbet [80:38]: "I do really wonder, like, my daughter's 10 and a half years old, and I missed out on a lot in the last few years to make the film."

6. Future Projects and Continued Passion for Cinema

Looking ahead, Corbet shares his excitement for upcoming projects, indicating a shift in his creative focus while maintaining his passion for immersive and meaningful storytelling. He hints at a new film spanning 150 years, exploring American mysticism and cultural shifts.

Notable Quote:

Corbet [84:53]: "I do. And I've been working on it for a long time, and. And I'm. And I'm excited about it, so I feel really like I'm just. I'm excited to do something very different."

7. Views on Modern Entertainment and Cultural Discourse

Both Maron and Corbet critique the superficiality and conformity in contemporary media and entertainment. They argue that the saturation of easily digestible content lacks the depth and authenticity of earlier artistic endeavors, emphasizing the need for genuine cultural discourse and creative risk-taking.

Notable Quote:

Corbet [30:28]: "I think that in all seriousness, first of all, there's an accumulation of so many that I wouldn't know where to begin."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with Maron urging listeners to watch The Brutalist and praising Corbet’s unwavering dedication to his craft. Corbet expresses gratitude for the conversation, underscoring his commitment to creating impactful cinema despite the industry's challenges.

Notable Quote:

Maron [83:17]: "You are a worshiper in the cathedral of cinema."

Key Takeaways

• Brady Corbet emphasizes the importance of creative control in filmmaking, advocating for directors to have final cut to preserve their artistic vision.

• The promotion of independent films is fraught with challenges, including extensive travel and interviews that may not yield substantial benefits.

• Corbet critiques the capitalist nature of Hollywood, arguing that it often compromises artistic integrity for commercial interests.

• The personal sacrifices made for creating meaningful art are significant, affecting personal relationships and time.

• Corbet remains passionate about creating immersive and impactful cinema, with future projects aimed at exploring deep cultural and historical themes.

• Both host and guest call for a shift away from superficial media towards genuine cultural discourse and authentic storytelling.

Additional Information

The Brutalist is currently nominated for multiple Academy Awards and remains in theaters. Marc Maron encourages listeners to support the film and stay engaged with Corbet’s work.

For more details on Brady Corbet's tour dates and upcoming projects, visit wtfpod.com/tour.