Ep 28. Charlie Rose - Marion Cotillard / Andrew Solomon / Prison reform (November 28, 2012)

In this episode of Charlie Rose, three unique conversations take place. First off, Marion Cotillard, a French actress, sits down with Charlie Rose to discuss her role in the 2012 film Rust and Bone. Cotillard elaborates on the responsibilities of her character, a woman who suffers a tragic accident and falls into the world of underground fighting with the hopes of redemption. She also discusses her admiration for the director of the film, Jacques Audiard, and the unique dynamics of the French film industry.

Following Cotillard's interview is a conversation with Andrew Solomon. Solomon, an author and professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University, discusses his book Far From the Tree, which explores the bond between parents and children in the face of identity differences. Solomon discusses the concept of vertical identity, where a child has a similar identity to their parents, and horizontal identity, where a child's identity is vastly different from their parents. The book delves into several unique case studies, including deafness, dwarfism, and autism, and the challenges and successes of raising children who are different from themselves.

The final segment of the show discusses prison reform. Charlie Rose speaks with a panel of experts, including Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black, and Ryan J. Davis, campaign director at the organization Sightline, which works towards solutions that reduce the human and financial costs of wrongful convictions. The group discusses the current state of the United States prison system, including issues such as prison overcrowding, sentence lengths, and mandatory minimums. Together, they explore possible solutions to these pressing issues, such as alternatives to incarceration and restorative justice programs.

Overall, this episode of Charlie Rose provides a diverse range of conversations, highlighting the unique personal experiences and insights of each of its guests. From the world of French cinema to the complexities of raising children with unique identities and the state of the U.S. prison system, this episode offers a thought-provoking range of topics.