Ep 554. Charles Ferguson, Christina Ricci

Tavis Smiley season 7 episode 554 features two incredibly talented human beings - filmmaker Charles Ferguson and actress Christina Ricci. In this episode, Tavis sits down with the two guests to delve into their careers and upcoming projects.

First up, Tavis chats with Charles Ferguson, who has made a name for himself in the documentary film world with works such as Inside Job and No End in Sight. Ferguson's latest project is called Watergate, which tells the story of the infamous political scandal that rocked the United States in the 1970s. During the interview, Ferguson shares his motivation for taking on this project and his fascination with the Watergate scandal in general. He talks about the challenge of putting together a documentary on such a complex and convoluted topic, as well as the many interviews he conducted with people involved in the scandal, including journalist Bob Woodward and former President Richard Nixon's counsel, John Dean. Ferguson also reflects on the current political climate in the US and the relevance of Watergate in today's world.

Next, Tavis welcomes Christina Ricci to the show. Ricci first gained fame as a child actress in movies such as The Addams Family and Casper, and has since gone on to have a successful career as an adult actor in both film and television. In this interview, Ricci talks about her latest project - a new TV show called Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story. The show is based on the true story of Nellie Bly, a pioneering female journalist who went undercover in a mental institution to expose the mistreatment of patients. Ricci plays the lead role of Nellie Bly and talks about the challenge of bringing this incredible woman's story to life on screen. She also discusses her own struggles with mental health and how she hopes the show will spark conversations about mental health and the treatment of patients in today's society.

Throughout the episode, Tavis asks both Ferguson and Ricci thoughtful and thought-provoking questions about their work and their perspectives on the world. The two guests share insights into their creative processes and what motivates them to tackle challenging topics in their respective fields. Tavis also reflects on the importance of storytelling and how these two individuals are contributing to that tradition in meaningful ways.

Overall, Tavis Smiley season 7 episode 554 is a fascinating and engaging conversation between three intelligent and talented people. It offers viewers a chance to learn more about the creative process behind documentary filmmaking and acting, as well as gain insight into important issues such as politics, mental health, and the power of storytelling.