🎧▶️ WATCH or LISTEN to the debut episode of the 5AM StoryTalk Podcast - VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUTUBE or scroll down!
📖 READ this episode by going to the TRANSCRIPT tab that is located closer to the start of this article. I’ve assigned correct speakers, which will make it an easier - albeit, still imperfect - read if you prefer text.
Be sure to also listen to Justin’s BONUS EPISODE in which he breaks down a seminal piece of art from his life.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
Welcome back to the 5AM StoryTalk Podcast, my friends. Season 3 is here, and it’s kicking off with one of the most exciting conversations about cinema and how and even why we tell stories that I’ve had here.
Justin Simien burst onto the scene back in 2014 when he wrote and directed his debut film Dear White People — which is, as far as I’m concerned, a masterpiece. It’s such a complex, provocative, no-holds-barred satire of race relations on university campuses today.
I emailed Justin at the time to tell him how much I loved the film, but also express my worry that Hollywood would come for him, as a rebellious Black man, to try to put him in a box, to understand and control him, to try to make him dance for them. We’re going to talk about whether I was right.
After Dear White People, Justin turned the film into a TV series that ran for three seasons on Netflix, wrote and directed a horror film called Bad Hair, and directed Haunted Mansion for Disney.
He was slated to create the “Lando Calrissian” TV series for Disney, too, but it apparently died somewhere along the way like 4/5 of their Star Wars development slate. But that’s a series I would’ve wanted to see from him – if he’d been allowed to do his thing with the story, I mean.
Justin and I are going to have a wide-ranging conversation about cinema, about art in general, about Black cinematic history and what it’s like to try to find your voice in Hollywood as a Black filmmaker. But also, about navigating the politics of the industry, especially today in Trump’s America where a docuseries like his “Hollywood Black” — which he won an Independent Spirit Award for — would’ve never been made. You’re in for a reality check here that’ll also leave you – oddly – inspired by what could be coming next for cinema.
You’re also going to want to listen to my bonus ep with Justin, in which he breaks down a seminal piece of art from his life – Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Bonus Episode: Justin Simien Talks '2001: A Space Odyssey'
🎧▶️ WATCH or LISTEN to episodes of the 5AM StoryTalk Podcast - VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE!
Remember, this is the secret sauce of this podcast, so to say. My guests return for bonus eps to blow your mind with deep takes on artworks that changed their lives. And this ep with Justin? Good god, did he blew my mind. This is a masterclass on fearlessly deconstructing cinema – especially sacred cows.
Okay, let’s do it. Let me introduce you to my old friend, the brilliant, the absurdly talented filmmaker…Justin Simien. (This is the part where you hit PLAY, in case you’re wondering.)
Be sure to subscribe to Justin Simien’s Substack newsletter — THIS JUST IN!
If this podcast episode adds anything to your life but you’re not up for a paid subscription, you can still support my work here by buying me a “coffee”. It’s hugely appreciated - and you might even get a shoutout in the Notes!
