Julia Louis-Dreyfus on doing death, truth-telling in comedy and getting wiser (from On with Kara Swisher)
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Deep Dive
Why did Julia Louis-Dreyfus decide to create her podcast 'Wiser Than Me'?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus created 'Wiser Than Me' after watching Jane Fonda's documentary and realizing the lack of representation of older women's voices. She wanted to create a platform to hear from and learn from women over 70.
Why does Julia Louis-Dreyfus think comedy is risky but still possible today?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus believes that comedy is risky and can be offensive, but that's what makes it enjoyable. She thinks that physical comedy, intellectual comedy, and political comedy have never been more interesting because there's so much to work with, and the current political and social climate provides rich material.
What is the central theme of Julia Louis-Dreyfus's film 'Tuesday'?
The central theme of 'Tuesday' is the exploration of the parent-child bond, grief, loss, death, and acceptance. The film uses a surreal and metaphorical approach to delve into these profound and universal human experiences.
Why does Julia Louis-Dreyfus think 'Seinfeld' holds up and continues to resonate with younger generations?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus believes 'Seinfeld' holds up because it speaks to universal truths and the human condition. The show's humor is not fad-ish and is undeniably funny, making it a classic that will always be relevant.
What concerns does Julia Louis-Dreyfus have about the commercialization of art films?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is concerned about the corporatization of arts, particularly the increasing layers of executives involved in the production process. She worries that this could stifle good, unconventional art and limit the creation of innovative and meaningful films.
Why does Julia Louis-Dreyfus prefer to take on projects on a case-by-case basis rather than running a production company?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus prefers to take on projects on a case-by-case basis because she doesn't want the headache of managing a production company. She finds it too much of a burden and prefers to focus on specific projects that excite her.
What is Julia Louis-Dreyfus's political involvement, and why does she focus on down-ballot races?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is politically involved, particularly in down-ballot races, which she sees as a lifeline to saving democracy. She believes that these smaller races are crucial and often overlooked but play a significant role in the political landscape.
What does Julia Louis-Dreyfus think about the afterlife, as reflected in the film 'Tuesday'?
In 'Tuesday', the bird says, 'This is Tuesday's afterlife. How you live it is how.' Julia Louis-Dreyfus's personal view is that her legacy or 'echo' is her two boys and their development into good human beings and citizens.
- Podcast 'Wiser Than Me' interviews women over 70
- Inspired by the Jane Fonda documentary
- Focuses on themes like loss, ambition, aging
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus was surprised by the podcast's popularity
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