Episode 219: Charlie Kaufman (feat. Sharon Gissy)

Happy New Year! This is a podcast. The Director’s Club Podcast. Maybe you should get a coffee first before listening. A coffee and a muffin might help. Gosh I’m so tired. But what a way to start the new year. Podcasting with a wonderful person like Sharon. Then editing it. Then writing these show notes. The thing that you’re reading right now. Or maybe you’re not reading this, you’re listening to the podcast. Wouldn’t it be weird if suddenly you were on the podcast? You the listener? Sometimes it all blurs and blends together. Anyway, you’re probably wondering who this podcast episode is all about. I also cheated a little this time because the first three movies, he didn’t even direct.

I’m talking about my favorite writer, Charlie Kaufman who is responsible for my 2nd favorite movie Synecdoche New York among many other incredible screenplays most of us know and love. More importantly, joining me for this lively discussion is the creator of the Mental Filmness Film Festival, Sharon Gissy. She’s also a huge fan of Charlie Kaufman and I knew she would bring a lot of insight, passion and joy to the podcast. If you’re a fan of Synecdoche, hopefully you enjoy the final minute (in other stay til the very end). In about a week, the favorite films of 2023 episode will drop featuring Patrick Ripoll and Bill Ackerman. What a way to start the year and I couldn’t be happier getting to talk about the great Charlie Kaufman with Sharon.

00:00 - 10:20 - Introduction
10:21 - 32:21 - Being John Malkovich
32:22 - 01:11:59 - Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine
01:12:00 - 01:59:13 - Synecdoche New York, Anomalisa
01:59:14 - 02:20:02 - I’m Thinking of Ending Things / Outro
02:20:03 - 02:21:11 - Jim Directs You Via Earpiece

Sharon’s Film Festival:
https://mentalfilmness.com

Jim’s Writing:
https://5years.beehiiv.com

Charlie Kaufman’s Other Play:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvlzjSBbYNQ