Paul Reiser: Duck Decoy
Literally! With Rob Lowe
Deep Dive
Why did Paul Reiser take 30 years off from stand-up comedy?
Paul Reiser took 30 years off from stand-up comedy not by design but because he got busy with other things and gradually lost the muscle of performing. When he returned, it took him a solid year or more to feel confident enough to sell tickets and perform a full show.
Why does Paul Reiser refer to his son's reaction to 'Stranger Things' as an 'asshole' moment?
Paul Reiser's son, without any sense of irony, told him he would have enjoyed season two of 'Stranger Things' more if Paul wasn't in it, which Paul found quite amusing and mildly insulting.
What was Paul Reiser's approach to writing his comedy special?
Paul Reiser would videotape his sets and go home to watch and refine them, gradually building up material over time. He found that comedy is elusive and requires continuous adjustment and practice, even when trying to be scientific about it.
Why does Paul Reiser think 'Mad About You' still holds up today?
Paul Reiser believes 'Mad About You' holds up because the show focused on making the characters and their interactions feel real and relatable, rather than just being funny. The private conversations between the characters were what resonated with the audience, making it feel like the camera was in the back of the car, capturing genuine moments.
Why did Paul Reiser agree to be in 'Aliens' despite being a comedian?
Paul Reiser was cast as the corporate weasel in 'Aliens' because Jim Cameron was looking for someone who could bring levity to the role. Paul found the script breathtaking and was excited to work with Cameron, who had a track record of making brilliant films.
Why did Paul Reiser and Michael McDonald write a book together?
Paul Reiser and Michael McDonald wrote a book because Paul was a big fan and had a lot of questions about Michael's career. They met during a private event and bonded over music, leading to a series of Zoom sessions where Paul transcribed Michael's stories. The book, 'What a Fool Believes,' helped Michael understand his life better and provided Paul with a deep dive into an intriguing career.
Why did Paul Reiser feel conflicted about returning to stand-up after 30 years?
Paul Reiser felt conflicted about returning to stand-up because he was worried about maintaining his credibility and losing material to other comics. He needed to build up his muscle of writing and performing again, and he also wanted to avoid sounding like an old man yelling at the clouds.
Why did Paul Reiser's approach to stillness in acting change during his recovery from a calf injury?
Paul Reiser learned the power of stillness in acting when he had to perform standing still due to a calf injury. He realized that movement can sometimes be a distraction, and being still can make the performance more powerful and focused.
Why does Paul Reiser think the comedy world hasn't changed much for him?
Paul Reiser thinks the comedy world hasn't changed much for him because his style has always been about telling funny stories that people can relate to, rather than pushing boundaries or making people uncomfortable. This approach has remained consistent over the years.
- Paul Reiser's new comedy special marks his first in 30 years.
- He details the challenges of getting back into stand-up after a long break, including rebuilding comedic muscles.
- He discusses the anxieties surrounding joke theft and the need to establish credibility.
- He contrasts stand-up with other art forms, highlighting its unique accessibility and the pressure to consistently perform well.
Shownotes Transcript