1/31/22: An Interview with Adam Mckay | SmartLess w/ Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
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Episode Highlights
Career Shift
Adam McKay's transition from comedy to message-driven filmmaking marks a significant evolution in his career. He attributes this shift to the realization that the world had changed, particularly after the 2007-2008 financial collapse, prompting him to explore more serious themes in his work 1. McKay's films, such as "The Big Short," reflect his commitment to using art as a platform for social commentary, addressing issues like climate change and economic disparity 2.
I always thought, you know, I can't remember if it was Jayu or will that touched on the fact that when he made that transition from comedy to saying something in addition to comedy about the world and I remember seeing his name, and I can't remember what it was. I'm just like Adam McKay from Saturday Night Live. Wait, did the big short. It took a second to process.
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His ability to blend humor with critical societal issues has redefined his role as a filmmaker.
Innovative Techniques
McKay employs innovative techniques in his films to merge storytelling with social commentary. His approach in "The Big Short" involved breaking the fourth wall, a method that allowed him to engage audiences while delivering complex information about the financial crisis 3. In his series about the Showtime Lakers, McKay utilized various filming formats, including Super 16 and 35mm, to create a visually unique experience that reflects the cultural impact of the team 4.
We use 35. We use Super 16. We actually got a 1979 video camera they called the ikegami. We shot a bunch on that. We sometimes blend in still photos, sometimes real footage from the time. So it's got this collage feeling. That's really cool.
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These techniques highlight McKay's dedication to crafting films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
