Talking Pictures: A Movie Memories Podcast

Our first guest on Talking Pictures is writer-director Nancy Meyers (Something's Gotta Give, It's Complicated, The Holiday). Recorded at her home, host Ben Mankiewicz talks with Meyers about casting Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton and getting script advice from Sunset Boulevard director Billy Wilder. They also discuss what it’s like to become famous for her interiors. Spoiler: It’s frustrating! Nancy Meyers also answers our Super 8 questionnaire and reveals which film had her running from the theater in absolute terror.

This episode of Talking Pictures is special for host Ben Mankiewicz, whose favorite film of all time is Out of Sight, directed by Steven Soderbergh. Ben sits down with Soderbergh (Ocean's 11, Full Circle, Erin Brockovich) to talk '70s films, George Clooney and how one maintains a 35-year career as a film director. Soderbergh also offers a little relationship advice and answers the Super 8, during which he reveals how many movies he watched in high school. Trust us, it's a lot.

Writer-director Emerald Fennell has made two of the most talked about movies in recent years: Saltburn and Promising Young Woman. Fennell tells host Ben Mankiewicz why she makes uncomfortable films and why she prefers directing over acting. She also shares a formative experience she had while watching Jurassic Park and challenges Ben on his knee-jerk aversion to costume dramas. You don't want to miss that!

Writer-director Cord Jefferson (American Fiction) and host Ben Mankiewicz talk life transitions, bravery and family for this in-depth conversation. Jefferson charts his path from journalist to TV writer to first-time film director of 2023's celebrated American Fiction. He also shares the movies that are important to him and gives his take on the ending of Shawshank Redemption.

Host Ben Mankiewicz hangs out with his friend, 97-year-old legend Mel Brooks (The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein) in this often hilarious and sometimes poignant episode. Mel reminisces about Gene Wilder, David Lynch, his wife Anne Bancroft and best friend Carl Reiner. He also recounts a tremendously funny dinner with Alfred Hitchcock. Mel Brooks has spent a lifetime watching and making movies, so you don't want to miss his answers to our Super 8 questionnaire.

Director Alexander Payne (Election, Sideways, About Schmidt) talks about the inspiration for his new film The Holdovers, what it's like working with actors Paul Giamatti and George Clooney, and the rumors of an Election sequel. He also shares the movie forever associated with one of his more awkward teenage dates. Plus, terrific answers to the Super 8!

Director Damien Chazelle ( La La Land, First Man) describes his childhood as a budding filmmaker inspired by Walt Disney, his path to getting his first film made (Whiplash), and how the pandemic impacted casting for his recent epic Babylon. Chazelle surprises -- and delights -- host Ben Mankiewicz as they discuss his parents' favorite films and which movies always make him cry.

Legendary documentarian and filmmaker Errol Morris (The Thin Blue Line, The Fog of War, The Pigeon Tunnel) and host Ben Mankiewicz have a charged conversation about interviewing, serial killers, grave robbing and, yes, movies. Morris gives the longest, most original (and most surprising!) answer to our Super 8 question about movie props. Plus, he reveals the movie that changed his life.

Host Ben Mankiewicz visits with director Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman, Monster) and her mother to talk superheroes, female serial killers and her take on being a female director in Hollywood. Patty surprises Ben with stories about her friendship with singer Steve Perry and she talks about that rumored Star Wars script. Plus, an impressive Super 8 for your movie list.

Director, actor, Saturday Night Live veteran, and cinephile Bill Hader joins host Ben Mankiewicz to talk about his heroes (Stanley Kubrick, Joel and Ethan Coen) and about writing and directing his HBO show Barry. If you're hoping for a few of his expert impressions, you won't be disappointed. Hader also ventures into his movie-watching past by answering our Super 8 questionnaire.

In a special bonus episode of Talking Pictures recorded live at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival in Hollywood, host Ben Mankiewicz interviews actor, comedian and classic movie lover Mario Cantone. They discuss Mario's life before acting and his role in HBO's “Sex and the City” and the Max series “And Just Like That…” Ben challenges Mario to the Super 8 movie questionnaire.