The Treatment: Recent Episodes
KCRW
The Treatment is a compelling listen to the vital conversations about the catalysts of creative inspiration. Following some of the most interesting, influential, and crossover creators in the world of entertainment, fashion, sports, and the arts, we hear from tastemakers who are the very fabric that forms popular culture.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Academy Award winning actress Kate Winslet for an extended conversation about the film Lee, which she produced and stars in. The film follows the complicated life of photojournalist Lee Miller who covered World War II for Vogue magazine. And for The Treat, 3 Body Problem star Jovan Adepo shares one of the saddest songs he’s ever heard… which he also considers to be one of the most beautiful.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes beloved comedian Maria Bamford, who will soon perform her one of a kind stand-up at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Next, writer Chris Nashawaty talks about his book The Future Was Now: Madmen, Mavericks, and the Epic Sci-Fi Summer of 1982. And for The Treat, Hit Man director Richard Linklater talks about a “how to” book from the 19th century that he lives by today.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Academy Award winner Alex Gibney whose latest effort is the Max documentary Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos. The new project coincides with the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking series. Next, director India Donaldson joins to discuss her directorial debut Good One. And for The Treat, director and producer Alan Poul talks about a 1969 British film that dealt with brutality in unusual ways.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Emmy-winner Michael Keaton. The actor is currently starring in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — reprising his titular role as the profane and hilarious demon from Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice (singular). Then, actor Jason Schwartzman talks about his latest role as a grieving cantor in Between The Temples. And for The Treat, Pulitzer Prize winning writer Emily Nussbaum extols the virtues of a “corny” and “beautiful” album from her childhood.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes actress-turned-director Zoë Kravitz to discuss her directorial debut, the horror film Blink Twice. Then, actor-turned-cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi drops by to talk about going behind the camera for the twisty thriller Strange Darling. And for The Treat, Emmy-winner Kiefer Sutherland talks about a 1971 film whose naturalistic performances “blew [his] mind.”
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes comedy legend Steve Martin, whose hit series Only Murders in the Building will soon enter its fourth season on Hulu. Martin is currently Emmy-nominated the third season of Murders, and is the subject of the also Emmy-nominated Apple TV+ documentary STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces. Then, actor, comedian, and director Ramy Youssef stops by to talk about his latest standup special More Feelings. And on The Treat, Girls5eva star Paula Pell talks about going viral for the first time.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes New York Times style writer Guy Trebay whose memoir Do Something: Coming of Age Amid the Glitter and Doom of ‘70s New York is in bookstores now. Then, director Osgood Perkins joins to talk about his summer horror hit Longlegs. And on The Treat, Jim Henson: Idea Man director Ron Howard talks about a revealing close encounter while on vacation.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes René Redzepi, acclaimed chef and co-owner of the world famous restaurant Noma. He is currently hosting the Apple TV+ series Omnivore. Then, blockbuster director Shawn Levy joins to talk about the newest addition to the MCU — Deadpool & Wolverine. And on The Treat, writer Lorraine Nicholson shares the “operatic” film that turned her on to the language of cinema.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes the incredibly busy actor Rob Lowe — currently starring in season two of the Netflix comedy Unstable, soon to be returning to 9-1-1: Lone Star and The Floor (both on Fox). Then, Saturday Night Live alum Dan Aykroyd joins to discuss his new Audible project Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude. And on The Treat, Emmy nominee Lionel Boyce talks about a filmmaker whose characters are driven by self-determination.
*This episode originally aired on December 9, 2023.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with storyteller Noah Hawley, whose series Fargo is now in its fifth installment on FX and Hulu. Then, we re-visit Elvis’ conversation with Bottoms director Emma Seligman. And on The Treat, Priscilla director Sofia Coppola talks about the book that inspired her latest film.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes writer-director Alma Har’el to break down her new Apple TV+ mystery Lady in The Lake. The series stars Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram and is based on the 2019 novel by Laura Lippman. Then, film scholar and writer Sir Christopher Frayling joins to discuss the 40th anniversary of the Sergio Leone classic Once Upon a Time in America. And on The Treat, The Brothers Sun co-creator Brad Falchuk talks about a book that helps provide him with structure every time he sits down to write.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Lousy Carter star David Krumholtz to talk about his titular role in the dark comedy (now streaming). Then, actor, director, and writer Andrew McCarthy stops by to discuss his new Hulu documentary Brats. The film explores McCarthy’s mixed feelings about being grouped with a cohort of prominent young actors in the 1980s, pejoratively referred to as “The Brat Pack.” And for The Treat, Emmy winning Hacks co-creator Jen Statsky talks about the best TV pilot ever made.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Pulitzer Prize winning New Yorker writer Emily Nussbaum whose newest project is the book Cue The Sun: The Invention of Reality TV. Next, director Richard LaGravenese stops by to talk about his new Netflix rom-com, A Family Affair. And for The Treat, rapper and actor Vince Staples talks about how he stays connected to his audience.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back Oscar winning actor Sean Penn to discuss his latest role in the film Daddio, starring opposite Dakota Johnson. Next, writer Carrie Courogen stops by to talk about her revealing biography of multi-hyphenate Elaine May: Elaine May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius. And for The Treat, writer Philip Gefter reveals a childhood inspiration that helped Gefter create a “magical” home.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with actress, comedian, and Curb Your Enthusiasm star Susie Essman. The acclaimed HBO comedy ended its 12-season run earlier this year and Essman’s here to reflect. Next, actor John Leguizamo stops by to talk about his new series The Green Veil — available via the new (free) streaming service, The Network. And for The Treat, Oscar nominated costume designer Ellen Mirojnick talks about an incredibly stylish movie that captivated her as a child.
André Holland talks playing Huey P. Newton, Bill Pullman reflects on “Murdaugh Murders,” and Todd Haynes gives us a “gorgeous character study” for The Treat.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Emmy winning actress Maya Rudolph, who is currently starring in the second season of the Apple TV+ series Loot. Then, director Richard Linklater joins to talk about his genre bending Netflix caper Hit Man. And for The Treat, Wildcat director Ethan Hawke talks about a 1981 “masterpiece” that has it all.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Academy Award winning director Ron Howard, whose latest foray into documentaries is the film Jim Henson: Idea Man on Disney+. Then Tony-winner Renée Elise Goldsberry stops by to talk about her outrageous role as Wickie Roy in the comedy Girls5Eva (now available on Netflix). And for the Treat, Murdaugh Murders star Bill Pullman talks about a subtle and creepy performance that cracked open a new world of acting.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with actress and director Pamela Adlon to discuss her feature directorial debut, Babes. The buzzy comedy (out now) stars Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau as longtime friends navigating life and parenthood. Next, director Ned Benson talks about his new sci-fi romance film, The Greatest Hits. And for The Treat, director Brian Helgeland discusses a favorite film that’s all about sticking it to the man.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Emmy winning actor Jeff Daniels to discuss his latest project, the Netflix series adaptation Tom Wolfe’s A Man in Full. Next, Heeramandi director Sanjay Leela Bhansali joins to talk about his Netflix series and his robust career in Indian cinema. And for The Treat, Oscar nominated director Ava DuVernay talks about the 1993 film she always watches before beginning a new project.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with comedian and reality show star Jerrod Carmichael to talk about his revealing Max series Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show. Next, Unfrosted screenwriter and producer Spike Feresten talks about working with director and star Jerry Seinfeld on the new Netflix comedy about the breakfast wars. And for The Treat, Leave The World Behind director Sam Esmail talks about a controversial ending to an iconic series that he considers perfect.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Oscar-nominated actor Ethan Hawke to talk about his latest directorial effort — the feature film Wildcat about novelist Flannery O’Connor. Next, Jen Statsky, co-creator of the Emmy winning Max series Hacks talks about season three of the comedy. And for The Treat, actress and producer Rashida Jones talks about a 1949 dystopian novel that speaks to today.
Elisabeth Moss fills us in on “The Veil”, Diarra Kilpatrick opens up about her latest creation “Diarra From Detroit”, and Thom Zimny has The Treat.
Kiefer Sutherland on Jack Bauer and William Friedkin, Jovan Adepo on “3 Body Problem,” NPR’s Scott Simon on The Treat.
This week on The Treatment, we revisit Elvis’ 2022 conversation with The People’s Joker director and star Vera Drew on the heels of the film’s long awaited theatrical release. Next, The Folio Society’s editorial head James Rose joins to discuss the newly published DC: Batman — a collection of stories honoring the 85th anniversary of the creation of the character. And on The Treat, director Calmatic talks about the rap album he wishes he made.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes The Vince Staples Show star and creator Vince Staples. Next, writer Philip Gefter breaks down the stories behind the scenes of Mike Nichols’ 1966 film Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, as told in his new book Cocktails with George and Martha. And on The Treat, Expats director Lulu Wang reveals what helps her feel grounded.
Alan Poul talks “Tokyo Vice,” Stephen Ujlaki breaks down the rising calls for American Christian nationalism, and Taraji P. Henson has our Treat.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with actress and writer Paula Pell to talk about season three of her comedy series Girls5eva, now available on Netflix. Next, Oscar winner Ed Zwick talks about the long arc of his writing, directing, and producing career as recounted in his memoir Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood. And on The Treat, Reptile director Grant Singer talks about a mesmerizing classic thriller.
Lorraine Nicholson talks playdates at Playboy Mansion, Oscar-nominee Ellen Mirojnick talks costuming “Oppenheimer,” and Sir Patrick Stewart has The Treat.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with comedian, actress, and now director Chelsea Peretti to discuss her feature directorial debut — First Time Female Director (available to stream on Roku). Next, Hollywood legend Billy Dee Williams dishes from his new memoir What Have We Here? And for The Treat, Oscar nominated director Jonathan Glazer tells us about a “searing” documentary short.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with comedian, actress, and director Amy Schumer to discuss season two of her Hulu series Life & Beth. Next, Hollywood chronicler Sam Wasson tells us about his latest book, The Path to Paradise: A Francis Ford Coppola Story. And on The Treat, Rustin star and Oscar nominee Colman Domingo talks about a centuries old monologue that’s never left him.
Daniel Dae Kim talks Avatar: The Last Airbender,” Sam Esmail creates spaces for Julia Roberts to challenge herself, and David Oyelowo has The Treat.
Reinaldo Marcus Green talks about portraying a legend in “Bob Marley: One Love,” Cord Jefferson breaks down his Oscar-nominated debut film “American Fiction,” and Daniel Dae Kim has “The Treat.”
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Oscar-nominated director Jonathan Glazer to talk about his 2023 Best Picture contender, The Zone of Interest. Next, Sundance Film Festival director Eugene Hernandez joins to discuss the future of independent film. And for The Treat, director Sam Pollard talks about the music that “opened up” his brain.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who is up for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Alexander Payne’s 2023 film The Holdovers. Then, director and showrunner Lulu Wang talks about her new Prime Video series Expats, starring Nicole Kidman. And for The Treat, Billions co-creators David Levien and Brian Koppelman talk about a dark 1990 film that changed the way they saw movies.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Emmy-winning writer, director, and actor Dan Levy, whose follow up to the much loved comedy series Schitt’s Creek is the Netflix film Good Grief. Levy wrote, directed and stars in the film. Next, director Andrew Haigh joins to talk about his latest film, the high-concept drama All of Us Strangers. And on The Treat, Tony winning actor Leslie Odom, Jr. talks about a rapper he’d like to see on Broadway.
Brad Falchuk on “The Brothers Sun,” Laurent Bouzereau on Steven Spielberg, and Dorsay Alavi on The Treat.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes actress Taraji P. Henson, a recent SAG Award nominee in the category of Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for the musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s 1982 novel The Color Purple. Next, Origin director Ava DuVernay talks about adapting the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. And on the Treat, Upload creator Greg Daniels talks about that rare source of comedy inspiration: books.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee Colman Domingo, who’s currently starring in both the biopic Rustin and the musical adaptation of The Color Purple. Next, actress Rashida Jones talks about the Hulu series The Other Black Girl, which she produced. And on The Treat, Have You Got it Yet? director Roddy Bogawa talks about a “punk rock” documentary that “hijacked” his life.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Hua Hsu, whose memoir Stay True — about grief, friendship, and identity — is now out in paperback. Then, co-directors Bethann Hardison and Fédéric Tcheng discuss their film about Hardison’s groundbreaking activism for people of color in the modeling industry. And for the Treat, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse co-director Kemp Powers talks about a novel whose precise details inspired him in his own storytelling.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Grammy winners Billie Eilish and Finneas, who talk about their Grammy nominated song “What Was I Made For?” from the 2023 blockbuster film Barbie. Then actor and director Benny Safdie stops by to talk about his role in the Showtime series The Curse. And on The Treat, our own Elvis Mitchell talks about some unconventional Christmas favorites.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back actor and producer David Oyelowo, who is currently starring on the Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Next, director Brian Helgeland stops by to talk about his latest film, the crime drama Finestkind. And on The Treat, Pulitzer Prize winning writer Hua Hsu talks about a jazz saxophonist whose music felt like life.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with storyteller Noah Hawley, whose series Fargo is now in its fifth installment on FX and Hulu. Then, we re-visit Elvis’ conversation with Bottoms director Emma Seligman. And on The Treat, Priscilla director Sofia Coppola talks about the book that inspired her latest film.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes actor and now author Patrick Stewart, who stops by to talk about his memoir Making It So. Then May December director Todd Haynes joins to discuss his new film starring Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman. And on The Treat, Barbie director Greta Gerwig talks about a 1972 glam rock album that still takes her on a ride.
This week on The Treatment, “Barbenheimer!” First, Elvis welcomes Greta Gerwig, director of the highly regarded summer box office smash, Barbie. She talks about her cinematic inspirations and how she hopes she hit the mark with her take on the iconic toy. Then, actor Cillian Murphy — star of Oppenheimer — joins to talk about disappearing into the role of “father of the atomic bomb,” J. Robert Oppenheimer.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back director Sofia Coppola, whose latest project is Priscilla, adapted from the 1986 memoir Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley. Then, director Thom Zimny talks about his latest documentary Sly about action icon Sylvester Stallone. And for the Treat, Slip creator and star Zoe Lister-Jones reveals an album that kept her company as she worked on the Roku comedy series.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes the filmmakers behind the short documentary Now and Then – The Last Beatles Song to break down the making of the Beatles’ recently released “final” song. Then, Greg Daniels, the creator of Prime Video’s Upload (and many other iconic comedies) stops by to talk about the show’s third season. And on the Treat, Shortcomings director Randall Park reveals a favorite album that’s a real trip.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with journalist, CNN host, and author Jake Tapper to discuss his latest novel, the thriller All The Demons Are Here. Next, filmmaker Dorsay Alavi talks about her film Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity, which chronicles the late jazz great. And for The Treat, Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy talks about The Beatles’ “brilliant” song “A Day in the Life,” and why he believes it laid the groundwork for future musical innovation.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Reggie Rock-Bythewood, creator and showrunner of the Apple TV+ series Swagger, to discuss the show’s innovative way of filming sports action. Next, Bottoms director Emma Seligman talks about executing the highly specific tone of her genre-mashing high school movie. And for The Treat, actor and director Emilio Estevez shares the meaning he finds in repeatedly traveling through America by car.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Randall Park whose directorial debut is the adaptation of Adrian Tomine’s graphic novel Shortcomings. Next, Dr. Stacy L. Smith, founder of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, joins to discuss the state of diversity in Hollywood. And for The Treat, Justified: City Primeval star Timothy Olyphant talks about an artist whose work moved him.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with producer and writer Fenton Bailey to discuss his book ScreenAge: How TV Shaped our Reality, from Tammy Faye to RuPaul’s Drag Race. Then, writer Nick de Semlyen dives into the action hero era in his latest book The Last Action Heroes: The Triumphs, Flops, and Feuds of Hollywood’s Kings of Carnage. And for The Treat, Grammy-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski talks about a fateful night of music that propelled her career.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes filmmaker Roddy Bogawa, co-director of the new documentary Have You Got it Yet? The doc examines the life of Syd Barrett, the erratic-yet-widely-revered founding member of Pink Floyd. Next, The League documentary director Sam Pollard talks about the largely unknown history of the Negro Baseball Leagues. And, for The Treat, The Kingdom of Prep writer Maggie Bullock talks about her favorite fashion writing that goes beyond clothes.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with longtime friend of the show, director Wes Anderson, whose latest film is the science fiction dramedy “Asteroid City.” Next, actor Lionel Boyce joins to talk about his role in the highly anticipated season two of FX’s “The Bear.” And for the Treat, “Shrinking” actor Jason Segel pays tribute to a mentor who gave his career a huge boost when he was at a personal crossroads.
This week on The Treatment, “Barbenheimer!” First, Elvis welcomes Greta Gerwig, director of the highly regarded summer box office smash, Barbie. She talks about her cinematic inspirations and how she hopes she hit the mark with her take on the iconic toy. Then, actor Cillian Murphy — star of Oppenheimer — joins to talk about disappearing into the role of “father of the atomic bomb,” J. Robert Oppenheimer.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes actor Timothy Olyphant, who revives one of his signature roles — roguish Deputy US Marshal Raylan Givens — in FX’s Justified: City Primeval, the newest iteration of the Elmore Leonard inspired series. Next, actress Zoë Chao stops by to talk about season two of the Apple TV+ series The Afterparty, and about joining the cast for the recent revival of the beloved Starz series Party Down. And for The Treat, actor Bill Hader talks about the tough-but-essential documentary, The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On.
Note: These interviews were completed prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back writer-director Christopher Nolan, whose latest project is the film Oppenheimer, about J. Robert Oppenheimer, “the father of the atomic bomb.” Next, artist Mr. Cartoon joins to discuss his show Just My Imagination currently running at BEYOND THE STREETS & CONTROL Gallery in Los Angeles. And on The Treat, filmmaker Brooklyn Sudano talks about a place that grounds her.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Oscar-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley, whose latest role is as the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí in the film Dalíland. Next, actress and writer-director Zoe Lister-Jones joins to discuss her genre-bending series Slip, now streaming on Roku. And on The Treat, Winning Time writer Rodney Barnes talks about a pair of TV movies (and an adjacent short-lived TV series) which revealed his personal path to Hollywood.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with director Numa Perrier to discuss her new romantic comedy on Netflix, “The Perfect Find,” starring Gabrielle Union. Next, David Gelb, director of the Disney+ documentary “Stan Lee,” talks about his film, a memoir of sorts of the late Marvel publisher. And for The Treat, actor and director Zach Braff raves about a miniseries about the drug trade he can’t believe slipped under the radar.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with longtime friend of the show, director Wes Anderson, whose latest film is the science fiction dramedy “Asteroid City.” Next, actor Lionel Boyce joins to talk about his role in the highly anticipated season two of FX’s “The Bear.” And for the Treat, “Shrinking” actor Jason Segel pays tribute to a mentor who gave his career a huge boost when he was at a personal crossroads.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Grammy-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski to discuss the new 7-CD set she curated, Written in Their Soul: The Stax Songwriter Demos. Next, writer Terry McDonell joins to talk about his memoir “Irma: The Education of a Mother’s Son,” about his late mother. And for the Treat, Oscar-nominated actress Stephanie Hsu reveals the writer and activist who inspired her to keep up the fight.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” co-director Kemp Powers to talk about the latest installment of the superhero saga. Next, director Calmatic drops by to talk about his re-imagining of two 1990s classics: “White Men Can’t Jump” and “House Party.” And for The Treat, director Timothy Scott Bogart talks about a Bob Fosse film that he happily stole from.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back actor and director Emilio Estevez who stops by to chat about the re-release of his 2010 film “The Way.” Next, writer Maggie Bullock talks about her book, “The Kingdom of Prep: The Inside Story of the Rise and (Near) Fall of J. Crew.” And for The Treat, actor Joe Manganiello talks about a favorite Quentin Tarantino film that had an impact on his career almost 30 years after its release.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Brooklyn Sudano, daughter of disco icon Donna Summer and co-director of the new documentary “Love to Love You, Donna Summer” on Max. Next, writer Aidan Levy discusses his book on the jazz great Sonny Rollins, “Saxophone Colossus: Sonny Rollins.” And on The Treat, writer Sam Wasson talks about a “thrilling” and cinematic singer-songwriter.
This week on The Treatment, we listen to Elvis’ recent conversation with actor Laurence Fishburne from the Freep Film Festival in Detroit last month. Next, a conversation with filmmaker Garrett Bradley, who spoke with Elvis at KCRW in February as part of Frieze Los Angeles. And for The Treat, Emmy-winning actress Alex Borstein talks about a singer who was on repeat while she worked on a screenplay.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Diallo Riddle, co-creator and one of the stars of the series “Sherman’s Showcase” and “South Side.” Next, director Todd Field joins to talk about his latest film, “Tár,” starring Cate Blanchett. And for The Treat, comedian Chris Redd talks about another legendary funnyman who helped Redd see the comedy in his struggles.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes writer Abraham Josephine Riesman, author of “True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee” and her latest, “Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America.” Next, director Benjamin Millepied joins to talk about his feature film debut, an adaptation of “Carmen.” And for The Treat, songwriting power couple Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez talk about their inspirations on the page and in song.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back Emmy-winning actress and comedian Alex Borstein, who’s currently starring in the fifth and final season of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and her own comedy special “Corsets and Clown Suits,” both on Amazon. Next, director Timothy Scott Bogart discusses his new film “Spinning Gold” based on his father Neil Bogart’s career as a music industry titan. And for the Treat, comedian Marc Maron talks about comedy inspirations, past and present.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back Bill Hader, the Emmy-winning actor and co-creator of the HBO series “Barry,” which is now in its fourth and final season. Next, “Showing Up” director Kelly Reichardt and her frequent collaborator, Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams, sit down to talk about their film about a sculptor with drama in her personal relationships. And for The Treat, “Party Down” star Adam Scott explains why a gender-bending movie from 1982 is close to “perfect.”
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes actor and screenwriter Owen Wilson, who’s starring in the comedy “Paint,” about a laconic public television host with a painting program. Next, writer Scott Z. Burns joins to talk about his ambitious and star-studded AppleTV+ series “Extrapolations,” about the wide-ranging effects of climate change. And for The Treat, writer Abraham Josephine Riesman talks about the dystopian alternative future in her favorite Philip K. Dick novel.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Oscar winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, whose newest project is the Hulu musical series “Up Here.” Next, director Chad Stahelski joins to talk about the fourth and final chapter in the John Wick franchise, “John Wick: Chapter Four.” And on The Treat, “The Banshees of Inisherin” director Martin McDonagh talks about the film that first showed him what a director does.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back actor and director Zach Braff, whose newest film as director is “A Good Person,” starring Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman. Next, MoviePass co-founder Stacy Spikes joins to talk about his memoir, “Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider.” And on The Treat, Mark Ramsey, host and producer of “FADE IN: Quentin Tarantino & Pulp Fiction,” shares his first encounter with a film icon.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with actor Willem Dafoe, whose newest film is the thriller “Inside.” Next, film critic and historian Farran Nehme revisits an infamous Oscars moment from 50 years ago. And for The Treat, the newly Oscar-sweeping directing duo Daniels talk about inspiration they find outside Hollywood.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with old friend and WTF host Marc Maron, whose new comedy special is “From Bleak to Dark” on HBO Max. Next, writer Rodney Barnes talks about his graphic novel “Blacula: Return of the King,” a reimagining of a classic character. And on The Treat, Oscar winner Domee Shi talks about the animated film that still transports her.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back actor Adam Scott, who is currently starring in the third season of the revived cult favorite “Party Down” on Starz.
Next, playwright and actor Lee Edward Colston II joins to talk about his play “The First Deep Breath,” which is finishing up its run at the Geffen Playhouse. And on The Treat, Storm King Comics publisher Sandy King Carpenter discusses the horror novel from two centuries ago that still has something to teach us.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Academy Award nominee Stephanie Hsu, who’s up for her supporting role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
Next, writer Sam Wasson talks about his latest book that goes behind the scenes of moviemaking, “Hollywood: The Oral History.” And for The Treat, director Kasi Lemmons delves into the magical realism of her favorite authors.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Academy Award-nominated directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Sheinert, who are up this year for the mind-bending “Everything, Everywhere All, at Once.”
Next, director Domee Shi joins to talk about her nominated animated feature “Turning Red” about a tween who turns into a panda when she is feeling intense emotions. And for The Treat, Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro talks about the beauty of noir.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Academy Award nominated director and writer Martin McDonagh to discuss his film “The Banshees of Inisherin.” Next, director Sam Pollard breaks down the rivalry and complicated relationship between NBA greats Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain in his new Netflix documentary “Russell.” And on the Treat, “Aftersun” director Charlotte Wells talks about the song that helped channel her ideas and experiences into her feature film debut.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with actor Joe Manganiello, whose dramatic episode of the PBS show “Finding Your Roots” was life changing. Next, “Shrinking” star Jason Segel talks about getting to work opposite legend Harrison Ford in the new Apple TV+ comedy. And for The Treat, director Elegance Bratton explains why he loves a famous 17th century painting even though he’s not sure who painted it.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Kasi Lemmons, director of the new biopic “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” Next, Sandy King Carpenter, co-founder of Storm King Comics, talks about the horror comics publishing powerhouse. And for The Treat, “Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story” author and New York Times culture reporter Joe Coscarelli digs into a 2004 documentary that helped inspire his career path.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Charlotte Wells, director of the acclaimed film “Aftersun.” Next, writer Jerry Stahl talks about his latest book, “Nein, Nein, Nein: One Man's Tale of Depression, Psychic Torment, and a Bus Tour of the Holocaust.” And on The Treat, director Paul Feig explains how an ordinary object that sits on his desk changed the course of his life and career.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Academy Award winning director Guillermo del Toro, whose latest project is a new adaptation of “Pinocchio.” Next, actor, musician and self-described android Janelle Monae joins to talk about her unusual role in “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” And for The Treat, writer Jeremy Dauber tells us about the Stephen King stories he read as a young child that still show up in his dreams.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Diallo Riddle, co-creator and one of the stars of the series “Sherman’s Showcase” and “South Side.” Next, director Todd Field joins to talk about his latest film, “Tár,” starring Cate Blanchett. And for The Treat, comedian Chris Redd talks about another legendary funnyman who helped Redd see the comedy in his struggles.
This episode originally aired on October 22nd, 2022
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with director and actor Robert Townsend, whose groundbreaking film “Hollywood Shuffle” turned 35 this year. Next, photographer Carell Augustus talks about his book “Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Hollywood Moments.” And on The Treat, filmmaker Brett Morgen talks about a 1990s David Bowie album that marked a new chapter for the late artist.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with director Elegance Bratton, whose film “The Inspection” is based on his experience as a queer Black man who goes from being homeless to joining the Marines. Next, Emmy winning actor Jeremy Strong talks about his latest role in the James Gray film “Armageddon Time.” And on The Treat, director Robert Townsend talks about a 1974 film that reflected his experience and had a killer soundtrack.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with director and actor Vera Drew, whose film “The People’s Joker” is a queer reimagining of Todd Philips’ “The Joker.” Next, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, whose career of blockbusters in film and television spans five decades, joins to discuss his latest megahit “Top Gun: Maverick.” And for The Treat, “Love and Rockets” co-creators Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez talk about two films whose meanings continue to evolve for them.
After trying to buy a number of hockey teams, prolific TV/film producer Jerry Bruckheimer discusses the joys of co-owning the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Academy Award winning screenwriter and acclaimed horror auteur Jordan Peele, who’s here to discuss his latest genre-bending film “Nope.” Then we revisit our recent conversation with actress Chloë Sevigny about her take on “quiet acting.” And for The Treat, we listen back to Danyel Smith’s take on the ‘80s R&B hit “No Parking on the Dance Floor.”
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with writer Joe Coscarelli to talk about his new book “Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story.” Next, director Sacha Jenkins reveals a different side of jazz icon Louis Armstrong in his AppleTV+ documentary “Louis Armstrong’s Black and Blues.” And for The Treat, Broadway actress Sharon D Clarke talks about how a song written for someone going through a hard time inspires her every time she listens to it.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Gina Prince-Bythewood to dive into her new historically based epic, “The Woman King,” starring Viola Davis. Next, first time director Owen Kline goes deep into the comic world with his debut film “Funny Pages.” And finally, on The Treat, New York Times theater critic Jesse Green tells us about the iconic Broadway composer who ignited his lifelong passion for language.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Emmy nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry, who is currently starring in the fourth and final season of FX’s “Atlanta.” Next, writer-director Paul Feig, whose new book is “Cocktail Time!: The Ultimate Guide to Grown-Up Fun,” talks about bringing a cocktail party sensibility to his film sets. And for The Treat, writer and director Rebecca Miller explains how a classic play from the early 20th century captures the light and dark of life today.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, also known as the Hernandez brothers, who created the Love and Rockets comics, now out in a special boxed set commemorating the 40th anniversary of the first issue. Next, Jeremy Dauber, author of “American Comics: A History” joins to give historical perspective and round out the comics conversation. And finally on The Treat, actor and director Clea DuVall explains how ‘90s alternative female rock made her feel less alone as a struggling teenager and still inspires her in her work.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with comedian Chris Redd, whose new special on HBO MAX is “Chris Redd: Why Am I Like This?” Then, Olivier Award winning actress Sharon D Clarke talks about her role in the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” And on The Treat, actor, director and producer Tyler Perry tells us about his friendship with another media powerhouse that’s a treat for him.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with comedian and Golden Globe winning actor Ramy Youssef, whose Hulu series “Ramy” is currently in its third season. Next, writer and director Rebecca Miller stops by to talk about her new collection of short stories called “Total.” And on The Treat, actor Jon Hamm tells us about an author whose books he can’t stop recommending.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with director and actor Robert Townsend, whose groundbreaking film “Hollywood Shuffle” turned 35 this year. Next, photographer Carell Augustus talks about his book “Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Hollywood Moments.” And on The Treat, filmmaker Brett Morgen talks about a 1990s David Bowie album that marked a new chapter for the late artist.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Peabody Award winning comedian Hasan Minhaj, whose newest special is Netflix’s “The King’s Jester.” Then, actor and director Clea DuVall tells us about “High School,” the new Freevee series she’s helming, based on the memoir by indie pop duo Tegan and Sara. And finally on The Treat, writer-director John Hamburg tells us why FX’s “The Bear” makes him want to challenge himself.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Emmy winning actor Jon Hamm, who is currently starring in the mystery comedy “Confess, Fletch.” Next, director Brett Morgen discusses his latest documentary “Moonage Daydream” about the late David Bowie. And on The Treat, “The Woman King” director Gina Prince-Bythewood reveals the Lauryn Hill song that’s on repeat when she’s working.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with multi-hyphenate Tyler Perry, whose latest film “A Jazzman’s Blues’ may be his most personal. Next, director Walter Hill talks about his fresh take on the western with his new film “Dead for a Dollar.” And on The Treat: Australian director George Miller talks about a seemingly simple children’s story that contains multitudes.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Gina Prince-Bythewood to dive into her new historically based epic, “The Woman King,” starring Viola Davis. Next, first time director Owen Kline goes deep into the comic world with his debut film “Funny Pages.” And finally, on The Treat, New York Times theater critic Jesse Green tells us about the iconic Broadway composer who ignited his lifelong passion for language.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with longtime friend of the show and multi-faceted artist David Alan Grier, who is currently appearing on FX’s “The Patient.” And we revisit two of our favorite segments: a conversation with “The Wire” co-creator David Simon, and The Treat with “Late Night with Seth Meyers” host, Seth Meyers.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis talks all things Emmys with Lorraine Ali of The LA Times and Clayton Davis from Variety. Next, New York Times theater critic Jesse Green discusses his new unconventional biography of and co-written with the late Broadway composer Mary Rodgers “Shy.” And for The Treat, musician and writer Nabil Ayers talks about the surprise Stevie Wonder album that was his masterpiece.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes menswear designer Emily Bode, whose work showcases vintage materials and techniques. Next, MUBI Podcast host Rico Gagliano talks about the second season of his podcast and its focus on old movie theaters. And finally, for The Treat, writer-director Ron Shelton talks about a Sam Peckinpah film he first watched as a young baseball player, whose themes have resonated in his work as a filmmaker.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Oscar-winning director George Miller, whose newest film is “Three Thousand Years of Longing,” starring Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba. Next, “Me Time” director John Hamburg talks about why he keeps coming back to notions of masculinity in his films. And finally, for The Treat, “The Good Fight” creators Michelle and Robert King each pick a film that inspires them.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down for the first time with Emmy nominee Trevor Noah, host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” Next, actor and director (and Emmy winner) Jason Bateman returns to The Treatment to talk about the choices he made for the final season of the Netflix series “Ozark,” as both actor and director. And finally on The Treat, actress Maya Rudolph talks about a Gene Wilder film that showed one of the many sides of one of her idols.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with actor and director Ethan Hawke to talk about Hawke’s newest project, the HBO Max documentary series “The Last Movie Stars” about actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Next, writer and musician Nabil Ayers joins to discuss his memoir “My Life in the Sunshine.” And on The Treat, LA chef Neal Fraser explains why a lobster dinner showed him food could be more than just fuel.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Seth Meyers, host of NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” Meyers talks about how the show has changed for the better since the pandemic began. Next, “We Own This City” writer and producer David Simon explains how we’re continuing to lose the drug war. And finally, on The Treat, menswear designer Emily Bode talks about the vintage clothing items that inspire her.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with Emmy-winning actress Maya Rudolph, who currently stars in the Apple TV+ series “Loot.” Next, writer and director Ron Shelton joins us to talk about what really went on behind the scenes of the 1988 baseball classic “Bull Durham.” And finally, on The Treat, actor and director Ethan Hawke tells about a stage performance he witnessed that was life affirming.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back director and novelist John Waters, whose latest tasteless and delightful work is the novel “Liarmouth: A Feel-Bad Romance.” Next, ZMF Headphones founder Zach Mehrbach joins us to talk about bringing the experience of being in an old movie theater to his headphone design. And finally, Morning Becomes Eclectic co-host Anthony Valadez talks about the song he heard as a kid in LA that still moves him.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down for a conversation with graphic novelist Adrian Tomine, whose recent work inspired the film “Paris, 13th District.” Next, a conversation with TV creators, writing partners, and partners in life, Michelle and Robert King, whose current TV dramas include “The Good Fight” and “Evil.” And finally for The Treat, MUBI podcast host Rico Gagliano talks about why the, at times, bleak Wim Wenders film “Wings of Desire” gives him hope.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with New York Times columnist Frank Bruni to discuss Bruni’s memoir, “The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found” and how he approaches writing. Next chef and restaurateur Neal Fraser tells about his immersive dinner-theater experience “Revive: Los Angeles” currently at the downtown LA event space Vibiana. And finally on The Treat, graphic novelist Adrian Tomine explains how Mike Leigh has helped his storytelling.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis sits down with music journalist Danyel Smith, whose newest book is “Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop.” Next, director Simon Curtis talks about his most recent film, currently on Peacock, “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” a continuation of the beloved TV series. And finally, “Late Night with Seth Meyers” host Seth Meyers tells us why a short story by George Saunders keeps his writing honest.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes actor and director Ben Stiller, whose newest project as director is the Apple TV+ series "Severance." Then actress Chloë Sevigny speaks about her latest role as a mother in crisis in the Hulu true crime series “The Girl from Plainville.” And finally on The Treat, music journalist and author of “Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop,” Danyel Smith tells us about the Midnight Star album that brings it all back.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Seth Meyers, host of NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” Meyers talks about how the show has changed for the better since the pandemic began. Next, “We Own This City” writer and producer David Simon explains how we’re continuing to lose the drug war. And finally, on The Treat, menswear designer Emily Bode talks about the vintage clothing items that inspire her.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes actor Bob Odenkirk, star of “Better Call Saul,” which is in its final season on AMC. Odenkirk also wrote the memoir “Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama” about his long and ultimately satisfying career in television. Next, Bomani Jones, host of HBO’s “Game Theory with Bomani Jones,” talks about the challenge in having nuanced conversations about the intersection of sports and culture. And finally, on The Treat, “Rutherford Falls” co-creator Sierra Teller Ornelas talks about the impact of the film “The Godfather” on her as a storyteller.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes comedian and director Jerrod Carmichael, who explores truth and honesty in his HBO special “Rothaniel” and his feature directorial debut “On the Count of Three.” Next, Paula Pell, one of the stars of Peacock’s “Girls5eva” talks about coming into her prime as a performer in her fifties. And finally, on The Treat, director John Waters reveals the 1940s film that set him on his unique and outrageous career path.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Robin Thede, creator and star of HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show” to talk about the groundbreaking show’s cinematic look and multi-layered approach to comedy. Then “Rutherford Falls” co-creator Sierra Teller Ornelas joins us to discuss some of the absurd situations she has found herself in as a Native American that have found their way into the show. And finally, for The Treat, culture critic Gerrick Kennedy talks about the impact of Whitney Houston’s 1998 album “My Love is Your Love.”
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back Academy Award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. Black’s newest project is as executive producer and showrunner of the FX limited series “Under the Banner of Heaven,” streaming on Hulu. The series is adapted from Jon Krakauer’s book of the same name. Black won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for “Milk” in 2009. Black, a former member of the Mormon church, tells The Treatment about his own complicated relationship to the church and why he was drawn to the story. He says while he originally tried to adapt the book into a screenplay, the story was too complex to be condensed into two hours. And he says the series is a warning for people who don’t question documents written hundreds or even thousands of years ago.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back Alex Kurtzman, co-creator, along with Jenny Lumet, of the adaptation of “The Man Who Fell to Earth” on Showtime. Kurtzman directed the film “People Like Us” and is the co-writer of several films, including “Transformers” and “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” “The Man Who Fell to Earth” is an adaptation of the 1976 film starring David Bowie, which was an adaptation of the Walter Tevis novel by the same name. Kurtzman tells the Treatment that while he had reservations about adapting the cult favorite, he believed he and Lumet could bring something new to the story. He says star Chiwetel Ejiofor was an ideal actor to collaborate with because of their similarly cerebral approaches to the text. And he says the pandemic afforded him the time to deepen the music choices in the series.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back actress Molly Shannon, who is currently starring in the Showtime series “I Love That for You” and has written a memoir “Hello, Molly!” Shannon, a “Saturday Night Live” alum, has also recently appeared in the HBO series “The White Lotus” and “The Other Two.” Shannon, who lost her mother and sister in a car accident as a young girl, tells The Treatment she began her memoir with the accident because it deeply impacted the direction of her life. She talks about the genesis of her SNL Catholic school girl character Mary Katherine Gallagher. And she says her father was her biggest cheerleader and her first acting teacher.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back Emmy-winning actor Bill Hader, who is also the co-creator of the HBO series “Barry,” which has just returned for its third season. Hader also was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” for eight seasons. Hader tells The Treatment one of the keys to the distinctive tone of “Barry” is taking away the idea of genre. He says the third season deals more directly with the consequences of several of the characters’ actions. And he explains why when writing the show, Barry is often the last character he thinks about.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes director Maureen Bharoocha whose newest film is “The Prank,” starring Rita Moreno. Bharoocha is also the director of “Golden Arm,” an arm wrestling comedy. Bharoocha tells The Treatment she wanted to transcend movie genres with “The Prank” and not just stay in the comedy or thriller category. She says part of the fun of featuring the legendary Moreno in the film was having the actress play a strict teacher, a character she never played before. And Bharoocha says her characters may have been inspired by her stubborn and strong grandmothers.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back the showrunners of Prime Video's “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino to discuss season 4 of the comedy series. The Emmy-winning comedy is currently in production for its fifth and final season. The duo discuss the contrast between night and day in season 4 and talk about reclaiming the glamor of nighttime from the earlier days of film and television. They talk about why this season is all about consequences. And they explain the difference between real friends and show business friends.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back director, writer and actress Sarah Polley, whose new collection of essays is “Run Towards the Danger: Confrontations with a Body of Memory.” Polley’s films as a director include “Stories We Tell,” “Away from Her” and “Take this Waltz.” Polley tells The Treatment about her traumatic experiences as a child actor on the film set of “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen” and how those experiences still reverberate now as an adult director. She says she is averse to finding a rigid, inflexible narrative about one’s personality or experiences, but is open to revision and evolution over time. And Polley says it took a decades-long journey of health challenges to get her to a place of gratitude about her body.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes director Matt Reeves, whose latest project is “The Batman” starring Robert Pattinson. Reeves also helmed two of the “Planet of the Apes” films as well as “The Pallbearer.” Reeves tells The Treatment the only way he can make large genre films is to make them personal. He says he didn’t want to make another origin story for his iteration of Batman, but wanted to cover the early years of the superhero, where he was still trying to put himself together. And he discusses the similarities between Bruce Wayne and Tom, his protagonist from “The Pallbearer,” his earliest film.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back actress Regina Hall who’s currently starring in Mariama Diallo’s “Master,” a horror film about the first Black master of an elite fictional New England university. Hall’s other films include “Support the Girls” and “Girls Trip.” Hall is also co-hosting the 2022 Academy Awards on March 27 along with Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer. Hall tells The Treatment she was struck by how many people have said they see themselves in one of the characters in “Master.” She says her mother passed away during filming, which gave her portrayal a sadness and gravity that came from her grief. And she says her upcoming co-hosting gig is both exciting and terrifying.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Academy Award nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who is up for Best Actor for his portrayal of Phil Burbank in Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog.” Cumberbatch is also currently reprising his role as Dr. Strange in “Spiderman: No Way Home.” Cumberbatch talks about the superhero’s evolution while trying not to reveal plot spoilers for the upcoming “Dr. Strange” film. He discusses the central role physicality plays in his portrayals of both real life and fictional characters. And he talks about the two hardest days filming “The Power of the Dog.”
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes “BEL AIR” creator and director, Morgan Cooper. The series, which was inspired by “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” is streaming on Peacock. Cooper tells The Treatment he wants to tell everyday stories of “Black normalcy” in his work. He says his influences, which include hip-hop artists and producers J Dilla and MF Doom along with photographer Gordon Parks and Roy DeCarava, find their way into “BEL AIR.” And Cooper says, if not every viewer understands the specific choices and references he made in the series, that's OK with him.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes playwright Jeremy O. Harris, whose play “Slave Play” is at the Mark Taper Forum until March 13. The play received 12 Tony nominations, the most ever for a play. Harris also co-wrote the screenplay for the 2021 film “Zola.” Harris tells The Treatment that some of his inspiration for “Slave Play” came from two controversial films he watched as a child. He says he wants the play to make audience members feel uncomfortable and have tough conversations about race. But Harris also says going to the theater shouldn’t feel like someone is making you eat your vegetables.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back director Denis Villeneuve, whose latest film is the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s “Dune,” which is nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, which Villeneuve co-wrote. His other films as director include “Arrival,” “Sicario,” and “Blade Runner 2049.” Villeneuve tells The Treatment how fear weaves its way through many of his films. He talks about why his films often focus on the impact and aftermath of violence rather than the violence itself. And he says, in spite of the darkness of many of his films, he does believe that humans can evolve, and there is hope for the future.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back writer Gerrick Kennedy whose newest book is “Didn’t We Almost Have it All: In Defense of Whitney Houston.” Kennedy is also the author of “Parental Discretion is Advised: The Rise of N.W.A. and the Dawn of Gangsta Rap.” His writing has appeared in Vanity Fair, GQ, and The Los Angeles Times. Kennedy tells The Treatment that one of the misconceptions about Whitney Houston is that she didn’t have agency in creating her music and her image because of Clive Davis’ heavy influence. He says Houston was subjected to near constant and deeply invasive questioning about her personal life by a mostly white press in a way that few other celebrities have experienced. And he says he was deeply moved by her return to her gospel roots in the last years of her life.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Academy Award winning director and writer Joel Coen, whose latest film is “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” currently streaming on Apple TV+. This is Coen’s solo directorial debut. He shared the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay Oscars with his brother Ethan for their 2010 adaptation of “No Country for Old Men.” Coen talks about playing with the line between theater and cinema for the adaptation of “Macbeth.” He says watching previous film adaptations of the play was helpful in determining what he did and did not want his film to be. And he talks about how casting his wife Frances McDormand and Denzel Washington as the leads led to a small but significant change in the story.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes SAG Supporting Actress nominee Kirsten Dunst, nominated for her role in Netflix’s “The Power of the Dog,” directed by Jane Campion. Dunst has appeared in many films including “The Virgin Suicides,” “Melancholia” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Dunst tells The Treatment her entire approach to acting has changed in recent years, including incorporating dreamwork into her preparation. She says acting opposite her partner in real life, Jesse Plemons, in “The Power of the Dog” helped her both on and off set. And after acting in so many different roles, Dunst talks about the dream project she has yet to do: a musical.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes back Academy Award winning director Guillermo del Toro, whose latest film is an adaption of the novel “Nightmare Alley” by William Lindsay Gresham. Del Toro’s 2017 film “The Shape of Water” won Oscars for both Best Director and Best Picture. Del Toro tells The Treatment about the recurring theme of monsters in human form in his films. He discusses how dreams and nightmares weave their way into the storytelling of “Nightmare Alley.” And he talks about how cell phones and the internet have made it difficult for him to set his films in the present day.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Tabitha Jackson, Director of the Sundance Film Festival. This year’s festival has shifted to an online format because of the pandemic. Jackson tells The Treatment this shift will make the festival’s offerings even more inclusive than in years past. She talks about why she is worried about the “tyranny of story,” and says we have to move away from the traditional western three-act story structure to allow for a more transcendent movie-watching experience. And she recommends festival goers seek out the films they don’t think they will like.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes director Reinaldo Marcus Green, whose latest film is “King Richard,” which takes a closer look at Richard Williams, father of tennis greats Venus and Serena. Green’s other films include “Monsters and Men” and “Joe Bell.” Green tells The Treatment about the personal connection he felt to the story, growing up with an eye on playing major league baseball. He says it was important that the film show the pride the Williams family felt in their home in Compton, California. And Green says he believes Richard Williams was ahead of his time in his approach to not pushing his daughters to the edge of burning out.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Lin-Manuel Miranda, the multi-talented director, actor and songwriter, who has two projects premiering at the end of 2021. The Pulitzer Prize winner for “Hamilton” directed his first feature, “tick, tick…Boom!” on Netflix, and he wrote the songs for Disney’s new film “Encanto.” The film “tick, tick…Boom!” tells the story of the late playwright and composer Jonathan Larson, and Miranda says seeing a production of “tick, tick…Boom!” off-Broadway after Larson’s death solidified his desire to create his own art, even if no one would ever see it. Miranda says he was inspired by the “Golden Age” of Disney musicals in writing the songs for “Encanto.” And he says both the late Stephen Sondheim and rapper Jay-Z show the importance of making music reflect the way people speak.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes Oscar-winning actress and first time director Halle Berry. Berry’s directorial debut is “Bruised” on Netflix, which is about a disgraced MMA fighter who is battling her own personal demons. Berry also plays the lead in the film. She won the Oscar for her leading role in “Monster’s Ball” in 2001. Berry tells The Treatment that she is often drawn to characters who are broken down and searching. She says she actually shot one of her most challenging scenes on the first day of filming. And she says she wanted the look of the film to reflect the harsh, worn down world of the characters.
This week on The Treatment, Elvis welcomes writer Laurie Woolever, whose new book is ‘Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography’ about the late writer and television host Anthony Bourdain. Woolever was Bourdain’s assistant and collaborator before he died in 2018. She is also the co-host of the podcast ‘Carbface for Radio.” Woolever tells The Treatment that Bourdain wasn’t always the brash, outgoing person people saw on television. She says he was both deeply cynical and yet romantic. And she says that as open as he was about his flaws and his addictions, there were parts of himself that he held back from the public.
Writer and director Amy Koppelman on the same question all of her work attempts to answer.
Musician and actor, and author Steven Van Zandt on being in the right place at the right time.
Director and actor Rebecca Hall on finding the language to understand her family’s complex history
Music producer Mark Ronson on why we shouldn’t be surprised that Paul McCartney is a fan of Public Enemy
Author and producer Jonathan Taplin on joining the circus of rock and roll in the 1960's.
Journalism professor and author Ava Thompson Greenwell on the ‘heavy backpack’ that Black women in newsrooms carry