For two decades, Liev Schreiber has been acting in a wide assortment of theater and film - but he never wanted to do a television show. That, however, was before finding himself in the starring role on Showtime's new series, "Ray Donovan."
Guest of Honor
Filmmaker Andrew Bujalski Speaks Up
Andrew Bujalski, the "Godfather of Mumblecore," took a break from making films about the romantic lives of young people to make "Computer Chess" -- his new film about '80s software engineers in love with computers. Bujalski tells Rico about shooting a movie about the '80s with cameras from the '60s, setting limits on those new-fangled wheels, and the consequences of repeating an innocent joke to a journalist.
Chuck Klosterman, Evil Mastermind
Essayist, critic, novelist and New York Times "Ethicist" Chuck Klosterman posits a theory about bad guys that holds up for most villains of history and fiction - with at least one major exception.
Kevin Hart on Freeway Babies and Zebras
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart has had scene-stealing small roles in big films like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Little Fockers." And he had a big role in the big film "Think Like a Man." But he's best known for his stand-up comedy. This week "Let Me Explain" -- a movie about his recent comedy tour -- hits theaters. It was filmed mainly during a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. Brendan chats with Kevin about his penchant for leather, his international fame, and his recent growth spurt.
Novelist Curtis Sittenfeld goes from “prep” to psychic sisterhood
Curtis Sittenfeld's new novel Sisterland lands back on bookshelves this week which follows a pair of twin sisters with psychic powers. She chats with us about staged spontaneity, not satirizing parenthood, and writing fiction that she actually makes up.
Actress Greta Gerwig on being quirky like a Chrysler
Greta Gerwig appeared in last year’s remake of the movie Arthur. She co-starred in Noah Baumbach’s film Greenberg alongside Ben Stiller, and she stars in the new film Damsels in Distress, the first work in 12 years or so from celebrated indie director Whit Stillman.
Filmmaker Sofia Coppola Bling Rings and Jungle Sings
Few filmmakers today have such an instantly recognizable style and sensibility as Sofia Coppola. In her new film, The Bling Ring, she has written and directed a high-energy, satirical piece, based on true events. She talks to Rico about Parisian Pillows, self-made celebrities, and singing in the jungle.
Actress Ellen Page Goes Deep in the Woods, Gets Intense in The East
Actress Ellen Page plays Izzy, a member of an eco-anarchist cell with vengeful intentions, in the provocative thriller The East. Ellen talks with Brendan about escaping to the woods (in real life), finding her characters’ voices, and hangin’ with Batman.
Dan Savage on skanky pigeons, extreme musicals, and his new book
Author, journalist, and activist Dan Savage is best-known for his internationally-syndicated weekly column “Savage Love,” in which has been answering readers’ sex and relationship questions since 1991. He talks to Rico about squeamishness, skanky pigeons, and his snowboarding soundtrack.
Laura Dern on Lynch’s Brain and Leisure Suits
Actor Laura Dern has wowed audiences in everything from the “Jurassic Park” blockbusters to independent gems like “Citizen Ruth,” “Blue Velvet,” and “Wild at Heart.” Her latest performance - the lead in HBO’s dramedy “Enlightened” - has earned raves, and netted her a Golden Globe. Brendan chats with Laura about the show’s rising political consciousness, David Lynch’s brains, and Scott Baio’s leisure suit.