The Next Reel Film Podcast

Does this sad sack turn for Steve Martin work? How depressing can Charles Grodin get before he’s not funny anymore? How much work did Neil Simon have to do to adapt the original book? Tune in to this week’s show to get these answers and more!

Show Notes

By 1984, Steve Martin had played an idiot, a down-on-his-luck sheet music salesman in 30s Chicago, a noir detective, and a mad scientist – quite a variety of characters, though all very specific in their characterizations. Because of that, seeing him play a pretty normal, non-affected straight guy in Arthur Hiller’s comedy The Lonely Guy almost seemed a bit of a surprise. Surely, Martin was looking for a variety of parts so he could show off what we could do, so it makes sense. The film didn’t end up being a success, but it still allowed Martin the chance to play something a bit different yet again. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Steve Martin series with Hillers’ 1984 film The Lonely Guy.

We talk about why a lot of this film doesn’t work, but why parts of it do work. We look at why comedy beats with Dr. Joyce Brothers may work (or not, depending on your take), but how her presence does seem to date the film a bit. We look at the team behind some of the technical elements, including composer Jerry Goldsmith. And we look at other cast members like Charles Grodin and Judith Ivey and chat about what works with their performances versus Martin’s.

It’s a tricky little film that feels at times like the parts are better than the sum. Regardless, it has some great comedic beats, even if the tone is a mess. We have a great time talking about it on this week’s show so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.