Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 497 Jay Roach
- March 2, 2012
Tavis Smiley season 7 episode 497 features acclaimed director and producer Jay Roach. Roach is known for his work on politically charged films like Recount, Game Change, and Trumbo, as well as blockbuster comedies like Austin Powers and Meet the Parents.
The episode kicks off with a discussion about Roach’s early career, which began in the world of television commercials. After working in advertising for a few years, Roach transitioned to feature films and landed his first major gig directing the smash hit comedy Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. He talks about the challenges of working on a big budget production and the unexpected success of the film.
Roach goes on to discuss his interest in tackling political subject matter. He explains that his early fascination with politics and history led him to pursue projects like Recount and Game Change, which both explore major moments in recent American history. He talks about the research process for these films, which involved a deep dive into the political climate of the time and extensive interviews with key players.
The conversation then turns to Roach’s latest project, Bombshell. The film is a dramatization of the events leading up to the downfall of Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, who was accused of multiple instances of sexual harassment by female employees. Roach talks about the challenges of portraying real people and events onscreen, as well as his interest in exploring the nuances of the #MeToo movement.
Throughout the episode, Roach reflects on the changing landscape of the film industry and the role of filmmakers in shaping culture and politics. He talks about his own responsibility as a director to tell stories that matter, and the potential impact that his films can have in sparking conversation and inspiring change.
Tavis Smiley and Jay Roach also discuss the role of humor in tackling serious topics like politics and sexual harassment. Roach argues that humor can be a powerful tool for highlighting social issues and holding those in power accountable for their actions. He cites his own experience working on satirical comedies like Austin Powers and The Campaign as examples of how humor can be used as a tool for social commentary.
Overall, Tavis Smiley season 7 episode 497 is an insightful conversation between two creative minds. Jay Roach’s thoughtful perspective on the intersection of politics and popular culture is sure to inspire viewers to think critically about the stories we tell and the impact they have on society.