Happy Sad Confused

Ben Stiller makes his "Happy Sad Confused" debut to talk about directing the new limited series, "Escape at Dannemora", his various films from "The Cable Guy" to "Tropic Thunder" and his love of "Star Trek".  

Jason Reitman just can't stop giving us to this year with not one but two exceptional films! The Academy Award nominated director of "Juno" and "Up in the Air" joins Josh on this episode of "Happy Sad Confused" to discuss re-teaming with Charlize Theron and Diablo Cody for "Tully" and directing Hugh Jackman for the first time in the political drama "The Front Runner".

Richard E. Grant joins Josh to talk about his illustrious career, from "Withnail & I" to "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" and the upcoming new Star Wars film. He even puts up with Josh's obsession with "Hudson Hawk". A true gentleman. 

The doctor is in! Sure "Happy Sad Confused" has welcomed "Doctor Who" veterans like Matt Smith and Karen Gillan in the past but here is a first--the current custodian of the iconic role themselves!  And if anyone is up to the challenge of this role it's certainly Jodie Whittaker who makes a delightful first appearance on the show in the middle of a hectic whirlwind New York Comic Con week. Josh and Jodie talk at length about the process of landing the famed role, the weight of being the first female to assume the mantle, and trace the actress' past, back to childhood and her first important roles in "Venus" and "Attack the Block". 

You'd be hard pressed to find a more impressive trio of films in a young filmmakers' career than Damien Chazelle's trifecta of "Whiplash", "La La Land", and his newest effort, "First Man". It's no wonder the 33 year-old stands as the youngest recipient of the best director Oscar in history (that would be for "La La Land").  In this return visit to "Happy Sad Confused", Josh and Damien delve deep into the appeal and challenges inherent in a space race film like "First Man", from the technical obstacles to the emotional underpinnings. Chazelle also candidly talks about the influence of Steven Spielberg (an executive producer on "First Man"), whether we'll ever see a genre or franchise film from him, and more.