Ep199 - Jon Avnet, Director ‘Three Christs,’ ‘Righteous Kill,’ & ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’

Jon Avnet has directed, written, and produced dozens of motion pictures, television movies and Broadway plays, winning Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, Peabody's, DGA Awards, the Humanitas, Golden Globes and the AFI's Franklin Shaffner Medal. Avnet is known for his work as a director on movies like ‘Fried Green Tomatoes,’ ‘The War,’ ‘Up Close & Personal,’ ’88 Minutes,’ and ‘Righteous Kill.’ Recently, he’s also directed shows like ‘Rake,’ ‘Justified,’ Sneaky Pete,’ and ‘Manhunt.’ The director’s latest film deals with identity, but also schizophrenia. ‘Three Christs’ follows Dr. Alan Stone who is treating three paranoid schizophrenic patients at the Ypsilanti State Hospital in Michigan, each of whom believed they were Jesus Christ. Based on a book, the film stars Richard Gere as Stone, and Peter Dinklage, Walton Goggins, and Bradley Whitford as the patients. In the interview, Avnet discusses the differences and similarities of the characters in ‘Three Christs,’ why he’s “frustratingly slow” at casting, why some TV shows aren’t as good as they should be, why he produced ‘Black Swan,’ why filmmakers should appreciate rejection, and how obsession helps with career longevity. If you enjoyed this interview, join millions of viewers for the new YouTube video essay series, Creative Principles, which dissects new films, series, and more: bit.ly/2FARJz5