“There’s never been a single foot of film that I have shot with Denzel Washington that couldn’t be right in the movie.”
Welcome Ed Zwick
We’re joined on the Starline by film director, Oscar winner, producer and screenwriter. He has directed “Glory”, “Legends of the Fall”among many films. His NYT Bestselling memoir written during COVID is “Hits, Flops and Other Illusions: My Fourtysomething Years in Hollywood.” We welcome author Ed Zwick.
Ed, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Your life is always going, full of activity, but during the pandemic, everything shut down. You couldn’t do anything and you, like myself, do not handle calm or breaks. How did writing this book help your mental state?
In this book you “ended up highlighting what moviemaking has taught me about life”. What lesson did you leave out?
How has this book freed you from the question directors ask themselves throughout their career of “Who am I”?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Does it scare you that your first film “Special Bulletin” from 1983 on a terrorist nightmare in Charleston seems almost potential today?
2. You’ve been moved by such skilled actors / actresses in your career. Which one of them shocked you the most?
3. Who taught you to be free in your creativity?
4. You started directing theater when you were 15. What’s your favorite Broadway musical of all time?
5. Which is your favorite black and white movie of all time?
6. You told people you were going to name drop in your book, but how many others could you have dropped?
7. Favorite topping on nachos?
8. How many notebooks do you have and do you want the world to see them when you are gone?
Sneaking in One More:
How has Hollywood changed you and how have you changed Hollywood?
What one tip would you tell yourself if you could go back in time when your career first began?
One Big Question:
If a young filmmaker takes your book as more than a guide but as a compelling manual, what one key thing do you want them to remember?
The Wrap:
Sidney Pollack taught him to be creative, loves A Chorus Line and wants you to read “Hits, Flops and Other Illusions: My Fourtysomething Years in Hollywood.” Ed Zwick thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with directors here.
Purchase Ed’s book here.
