Rian Johnson: Creative Control Through Self-Funding

Resources

Resources & Recommendations

Films

• "Sentimental Value" by Joachim Trier - Described as a story of love, family, and reconciliation, this film is highlighted as a "must-see film of the year" and a "modern masterpiece."
• "Blue Moon" directed by Richard Linklater - This film, starring Ethan Hawke, is presented for awards consideration in all categories.
• "The Worst Person in the World" directed by Joachim Trier - This film is mentioned as a previous work by the director of "Sentimental Value."
• "Rush Hour 4" - This film is discussed in the context of its financing, distribution, and the involvement of Donald Trump, Brett Ratner, and Paramount.
• "Knives Out" - The first film in the "Knives Out" series, which successfully revived the whodunit genre for a modern audience.
• "Glass Onion" - The second film in the "Knives Out" series, which was released on Netflix.
• "Wake Up Dead Man" - The newest Benoit Blanc mystery, featuring Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, and Jeremy Renner.
• "The Brothers Bloom" - A film by Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman.
• "Looper" - A film by Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman.
• "Star Wars" saga - Rian Johnson discusses his experience directing "The Last Jedi" within this franchise.
• "The Last Jedi" - Rian Johnson's entry into the Star Wars saga, which he describes as a positive experience despite the associated discourse.
• "Brick" - The micro-budget neo-noir film that marked the beginning of Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman's partnership.
• "Frankenstein" by Guillermo del Toro - A film starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, praised by the New York Times.

TV Shows

• "Poker Face" - An Emmy-nominated series created by Rian Johnson, inspired by classic episodic detective shows.
• "Columbo" - A classic episodic detective show that inspired Rian Johnson's "Poker Face."
• "Magnum P.I." - An episodic TV show mentioned as an inspiration for "Poker Face."
• "The Rockford Files" - An episodic TV show mentioned as an inspiration for "Poker Face."
• "Quantum Leap" - An episodic TV show mentioned by Rian Johnson as a show he enjoyed.
• "Russian Doll" - A show mentioned for featuring Natasha Lyonne, who later starred in "Poker Face."

People Mentioned

• Donald Trump - Discussed in relation to pressuring David Ellison regarding "Rush Hour 4."
• Larry Ellison - Mentioned in the context of Donald Trump talking to him about "Rush Hour 4."
• David Ellison - Larry Ellison's son, whose prerogative it is to greenlight movies, and who was reportedly pressured by Donald Trump regarding "Rush Hour 4."
• Brett Ratner - The director associated with "Rush Hour 4," whose controversies are discussed.
• J.R.R. Amar - A producer/financier mentioned as putting together the "Rush Hour 4" project.
• Arthur Sarkissian - A producer who shopped the "Rush Hour 4" project around Hollywood.
• Kathleen Kennedy (Kathy Kennedy) - The head of Lucasfilm, whose role in navigating the Star Wars franchise is discussed.
• Carrie Hart - Part of the brain trust at Lucasfilm during the making of "The Last Jedi."
• Ryan Roberts - Part of the brain trust at Lucasfilm during the making of "The Last Jedi."
• Pablo Hidalgo - Part of the brain trust at Lucasfilm during the making of "The Last Jedi."
• Leland Cheang - Part of the brain trust at Lucasfilm during the making of "The Last Jedi."
• J.J. Abrams - Co-writer of the script for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (Episode VII), which Rian Johnson worked from for "The Last Jedi."
• Larry Kasdan - Co-writer of the script for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (Episode VII), which Rian Johnson worked from for "The Last Jedi."
• Natasha Lyonne - The actress who stars in "Russian Doll" and "Poker Face."
• Peter Dinklage - Mentioned as potentially taking over a role in a hypothetical future project if Natasha Lyonne were unavailable.
• Tony Toasts - Showrunner for the second season of "Poker Face."

Organizations & Institutions

• KCRW - The radio station broadcasting "The Business" podcast.
• Sony Pictures Classics - A sponsor presenting "Blue Moon."
• Paramount - The studio distributing "Rush Hour 4" and previously passed on the project.
• Lionsgate - A studio that passed on "Rush Hour 4."
• Warner Brothers - The studio that previously held rights to "Rush Hour 4" and decided not to make it.
• Netflix - The streaming service that acquired rights to two "Knives Out" sequels and will stream "Wake Up Dead Man." They also have a three-picture put deal with Ram Bergman's company.
• Millennium - A company that reportedly tried to set up "Rush Hour 4."
• Lucasfilm - The production company responsible for the "Star Wars" franchise.
• T-Street - Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman's production company.

Websites & Online Resources

• Puck News - The publication where Matt Belloni works and wrote an article about "Rush Hour 4."
• KCRW.com - Where listeners can stream "The Business" and other KCRW shows.

Other Resources

• Eleanor Coppola's documentary about Apocalypse Now - Rian Johnson references scenes from this documentary to describe his own panic during the writing process.