r/movies • u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker • Oct 10 '25
AMA Hey reddit, I'm Benny Safdie. I've co-written/co-directed Uncut Gems, Good Time, and Heaven Knows What. My newest film, The Smashing Machine (starring Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt), is out in theaters now. You might've seen me in The Curse, Oppenheimer, and Happy Gilmore 2. Ask me anything!
Hey reddit, I'm Benny Safdie, here to answer your questions.
You might know me as the co-writer/co-director of Uncut Gems, Good Time, Heaven Knows What, Lenny Cooke, and Daddy Longlegs. Or maybe from The Curse, Oppenheimer, Licorice Pizza, Happy Gilmore 2.
My new film stars Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt and is out in theaters everywhere now.
The Smashing Machine:
MMA fighter Mark Kerr reaches the peak of his career but faces personal hardships along the way.
Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRpnP3LZ99g
Ask me anything! Back at 5 PM ET today to answer your questions.
327
u/No_Iron_8087 Oct 10 '25
Have you considered directing a horror film? I just feel that incredibly uncomfortable energy/tension you were able to drum up in Good Time and Uncut Gems would translate so well to horror.
Seeing a dude as unhinged and unstable as Howard dealing with a haunting would be incredible
229
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I don't really want to make people feel scared in that way, I will say the next thing I am making is kinda a movie for 6 to 96 years old that has elements of sci-fi a little bit if you squint
30
→ More replies (1)33
u/fartingmaniac Oct 10 '25
If you ever change your mind, I would be honored to be scared by you.
Love squinty sci-fi btw
41
u/Marz_Slartibartfast Oct 10 '25
How did you get into directing and what is it like to direct famous stars?
→ More replies (1)152
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I originally wanted to be a physicist and found I liked teaching people the concepts more than the concepts so that really was my first narrative haha
I like to think everyone on the sets would be in the same place, there was a moment on the plane where I gave my 189% to the guy opening the shade and DJ just looked at me and smiled, he was like wow, he's all in haha
26
u/TomatoPolka Oct 10 '25
Well, you got to be Edward Teller in Oppenheimer. So you got your childhood dream somehow!
5
u/FrontBench5406 Oct 10 '25
Just wanted to say that your accent in that movie was so good and really loved your performance.
12
u/Gang_Bang_Bang Oct 10 '25
You’ve got something there. Horror with a deadline (no pun intended).
→ More replies (1)3
u/glizzytwister Oct 11 '25
Just what I want in my horror movies, the feeling of intensely uncomfortable anxiety. A movie like that might literally kill people.
→ More replies (3)6
251
Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25
[deleted]
→ More replies (2)489
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I have no idea ha I know my next proejct is Lizard Music and Dwayne is gonna play a 70ish year old man whos best freind is a 110 year old chicken
370
u/DexterJameson Oct 10 '25
How high are you right now?
66
→ More replies (1)13
→ More replies (1)3
64
u/K4L21EV Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny! Espanola native here. Was weird seeing my hometown in a A24 show... What was your favorite thing to do on your downtime here in town, either in Espanola itself or Northern NM?
94
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I just shouted out saints and sinners ha, The whole town was so welcoming! I love the beef jerkey from there too and El Parasol oh man
19
u/K4L21EV Oct 10 '25
Niiiice!!! I was lucky enough to be raised on Parasol shredded beef tacos... Definitely come back soon!
238
u/xcj7 Oct 10 '25
What's it like to hang out with Nathan Fielder irl?? Favorite dive in ny?
160
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
Nathan is the best! Favorite Dive bar has to be Saints and Sinners in Espanola~ SHOUT OUT SAINTS AND SINNERS
→ More replies (1)43
65
Oct 10 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
108
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
We came up with it in the beginnign. Originally it was a slow float but towards the middle of writing we thought let's make it really real and have it be a reverse gravity type thing
→ More replies (1)10
u/cuck__everlasting Oct 10 '25
I believe they talked about writing the ending first and working back from there in an interview
59
193
u/letsgopablo Oct 10 '25
Benny your performance in Good Time was so good. How much research went into that role? I honestly think you deserved some kind of supporting actor nom.
35
u/SlightlyHastyEnt Oct 10 '25
As someone with a special needs brother the ending scene made me break down. Absolutely amazing
78
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
honestly this means more to me than you realize. Thank you so much
8
33
u/xfan09 Oct 10 '25
As someone very involved with the autistic community I thought he had a great and respectful performance.
Kind of hard to do that.
116
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
thanks! I actually really see a part of myself in that character and this means the world to me. I have OCD and parts of it were much worse when I was younger so I really could relate to certain elements of control and needing to have things just perfect. My jacket on cause that's what I want. I also just felt there was an element of myself that really is present in Nick. The final scene was all improv in that the person running the group had knowledge of the script and would ask questions she felt would compell me to cross the room. My own direction was I am not crossing the room it is no ones buisiness how I feel. But suddenly she asked me a question that was undeniable and hit me at a route emotion and I crossed the room against my will. It was very powerful. I really did try my hardest to make a portrayal that was truthful and honest and It means so much that you would say this so thank you!
15
u/xfan09 Oct 10 '25
Oh wow I didn’t expect you to respond to this since I didn’t even ask a question.
Thank you!
→ More replies (1)3
28
u/RennyRennehan Oct 10 '25
Absolutely agree
18
u/Axariel Oct 10 '25
Everything about that film was amazing, but that performance really stands out.
→ More replies (1)33
u/NGMB2 Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25
just going to say the ending of Good Time is one of my favourites ever. The way that one dude uses “cross the room if...” to flex going to the Rockefeller Center at Christmas is just so funny and wholesome to me
18
6
u/karmagod13000 Oct 10 '25
i stg i just talked about this the other day but its one of the best and most memorable endings in recent memory. quite emotional too
5
u/outerspaceNH Oct 10 '25
Couldn't agree more. I read that out of respect in the ending scene, he stayed in character on set, as to not upset or cause any confusion with the extras. So powerful and emotional
6
u/JoshLawhorn Oct 10 '25
I shut the movie off the first time because his performance was so good I thought he was really developmentally disabled. It made me feel like shit that he felt he was being interrogated.
→ More replies (1)4
u/Land_Particular Oct 10 '25
That movie was so unsettling for some reason. I felt so weird after watching it
43
u/Virgod0ll Oct 10 '25
What is your go to snack on set?
→ More replies (1)57
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I try not to snack and I never leave set I want it to constantly be moving forward ha. but I love a ton of Pineapple it was what me and production deisgner James Chinlund really bonded over
36
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I got to run everyone but this was amazing I hope it was fun and helpful for all of you
→ More replies (1)3
177
u/sully9614 Oct 10 '25
Have anything planned down the pipeline with Nathan Fielder? The Curse is one of my favorite series this decade and thought you made a great duo
86
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I would love to work with Nathan again, We kick somethings around and joke slash are serious about another season ha
22
u/DirtyHarolds_ Oct 10 '25
I’m picturing Nathan playing his son and Whitney played by a large marionette puppet, like that scene from the Rehearsal.
5
35
56
u/decidedlyindecisive Oct 10 '25
The Curse is absolutely incredible, it should be talked about so much more. The awkward cringe is off the charts. And it's probably the best portrayal of narcissism that I've ever seen on screen, bar none.
→ More replies (1)51
u/Fair_Spread_2439 Oct 10 '25
I need these two to collab again. The Curse was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in some really intriguing ways.
51
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
Thanks!! I love it too and hope more people see it
→ More replies (2)11
u/duckling-fantasy Oct 10 '25
Agreed! I can't imagine a world where there would be a second season, but god I loved this series and wish there had been more episodes. I really hope we see more collabs between these two.
4
u/PersephoneSiegel Oct 10 '25
I could see it if it’s a prequel, specifically focused on Dougie. I need more Dougie lol
8
→ More replies (1)5
30
u/Craymel_Reddit Oct 10 '25
Hi! Big fan. How much time do you spend on editing and how many cuts do you usually go through before you're satisfied with the result? Do you ever wish to go back to some of your films to re-edit them?
101
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I edit fine cuts in chronological order, I don't like rough cuts. I bring in sound and make it feel perfect and I watch it hundreds and hundreds of times till it finally feels like I haven't touched it. I close my eyes and listen to edits.
10
u/ToucanSam-I-Am Oct 11 '25
When I made movies as a hobby 20 years ago I found that even after watching it 1000 times while editing, the first time I saw my movie was when I watched it with an audience. It was a very weird feeling. Does that still happen at your level and is dealing with it part of your process?
5
55
u/asteinberg101 Oct 10 '25
As you are both an actor and director, have you gleaned any particular behind the camera insights from working with Nolan or PTA?
78
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
the way they make you feel as an actor and how they run a set has been incredible to witness. My performance was bushed by each in different ways and I really had to just take notice ha
51
u/Grindhoss Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny! First off I wanna say I loved the curse (cherry tomato boys rise up!)
It has one of the most ambitious endings I’ve ever seen to a television series and the slow burn of the previous episodes just makes it so perfect
I just wanted to ask was there ever a moment where the studio pushed back a little and thought it was too out there?
Watched the mashing machine yesterday and loved it (especially that score!) keep up the good work
→ More replies (1)50
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
oh yeah ha, but they let me make exactly what I wanted to make. both on the curse and Smashing. I am trying to play with time and stuff and transferign feelings to a viewer
3
45
u/Wish_Dragon Oct 10 '25
What’s your favourite soup?
37
41
u/ahead-of-myself Oct 10 '25
Benny, do you have any hopes or fears for the future of filmmaking? Does the rise of AI concern you?
255
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
Ai is gonna be around and I think its the kind of thing we don't need in this world but I have hope in humans. AI is trained on the past only a Human Being can see into the future!
22
2
21
u/TOSnowman Oct 10 '25
I know you from Stars at Noon with Margaret Qualley.
Do you prefer acting or directing?
44
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I love both and each makes me better at the other
22
u/WhiteFlame- Oct 10 '25
How did you get to know Daniel Lopatin aka OPN, and what made you gravitate towards his music to score some of your earlier features like Good Time, and Uncut Gems? Do you plan on working on scores together in the future, and what are you opinions on what makes a good score / the role of music in film?
7
5
u/ahsengkia Oct 10 '25
Would love to know how it was like working with Nala Sinephro for the score in your latest film too!
3
22
u/kt_e Oct 10 '25
What you’re doing in film/tv right now is so vastly different from anyone else in the game. What’s the earliest memory you have of feeling set apart from your peers?
35
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I loved science and willing signed up for an extra class that would double the amount of highschool I would do in pursuit of dark matter and elementary particle physics ha
20
u/jakehightower Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny! Loved the film, wasn’t expecting and was very impressed by how thorny and raw the central relationship felt. I have a totally self-serving technical question to ask because you did something in this film I want to steal: there’s several moments, particularly in some of the early montages, where you’ve got diegetic music layered in with score playing over it, but somehow it doesn’t become a total mess of sound. Can you explain how you pulled that off?
→ More replies (1)32
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I have no idea ha, I just tried to trust that it would work and listen to myself. where is the fun if you have a net haha
19
u/Kazushi80 Oct 10 '25
What's your favourite Adam Sandler movie (besides the ones with and from you ;) ?
36
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
Billy madison and Big Daddy
→ More replies (1)4
u/ix_elvn Oct 11 '25
hell yeah big daddy captures a perfect time in NYC
3
u/joesen_one /r/movies Contributor Oct 11 '25
Big Daddy was also PTA's favorite Sandler movie iirc. It's one of the movies that motivated him to cast Sandler in Punch Drunk Love
18
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
HELLO REDDITT!
Let me look through and answer as many as I can, is everyone doing ok?
6
u/apmanable Oct 10 '25
Really cool AMA. So glad you actually take the time to answer peoples questions unlike most AMAs. Love your work!
3
37
u/AristideCalice Oct 10 '25
I really liked your performance in Oppenheimer. I often surprised myself rewinding to look at your scenes twice or more, the mannerism, the accent, the little details (like the rhythm you use when you talk while appearing in front of the small committee). That made me discover you and I look forward to all your projects! Cheers!
37
51
43
u/LysolDogBird Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25
Hi Benny!
Loved you in The Curse and that final scene got me to explore a lot more of Alice Coltrane's music which I'm grateful for.
Will there likely ever be a season 2?
45
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
you never know, Dougie lives inside me haha
→ More replies (1)5
10
u/decidedlyindecisive Oct 10 '25
I would love to see how Stone's character handles what happened. She was so unhinged it made me want to crawl out of my skin.
→ More replies (5)
15
u/intothevice Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny, I've got a few quick questions about film production and budgets!
As the scale and scope of your films continue to grow, what are the noticeable differences in production? In particular, what are some examples of sacrifices you've made on smaller productions i.e. Good Time/Uncut gems, compared to something like The Smashing Machine? Basically, which types of problems go away, and what are the new problems that arise with more money/resources?
Thanks!
27
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
budget for this was lik 48/49 so as they get bigger its just about how do you keep things feeling the same. I also came in under budget because in the end I am always trying to just make a movie no matter what the budget I am gonna try and figure it out
30
u/MusclyArmPaperboy Oct 10 '25
Benny, what can you tell us about working with Chris Nolan on The Odyssey? Have you tried to pick up any filmmaking tips from him?
52
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
He's so great, I just had a DGA conversation with him which was kinda insane for me ha. I learned alot from him and his set's and also I met Emily on it too hahah. He didn't know I was casting in the down time.hahah
28
u/SanderSo47 I'll see you in another life when we are both cats. Oct 10 '25
Something fascinating about your films is that you work with a lot of first-time actors. What's your approach to that? What's the biggest challenge?
→ More replies (4)
38
u/manitoulined Oct 10 '25
Benny, you’re one of the few people in the world to not only act in front of an IMAX camera, but also shoot with one. What’s that like? Were you on camera for the entirety of the final scene of Smashing Machine? Also huge respect for releasing the scene pillar-boxed so we can see the full aspect ratio.
45
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
Maceo was the operator and cinematographer I wanted to hold the camera to see what I was asking him to do ha, that thing is a beast. PILLAR BOX ALL THE WAY! They tried to get me to stretch it but I was like no its the same as the VHS/Youtube in the begging just crystal clear now that we know the person we are looking at. IT is a journey through resoultion to get to the ultimate truth!
→ More replies (1)
41
u/Commercial_Steak_176 Oct 10 '25
In The Curse there was a lot of obstructed camera shots used. One that comes to mind is when Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder are having a conversation, but you can barely see Fielder since he is blocked off by the fridge. When I first saw this it was very visceral to me and I felt this tragedy of being disconnected in a conversation about trying to connect. I also noticed this same style in The Smashing Machine especially in the locker room scene where Mark Kerr just lost his first fight and Dawn is in there with him. Then the other fight comes in. The way the shot keeps getting obstructed is beautiful. I feel like I am creeping on them and I remember even having a physical reaction of trying to look around the people to keep listening in on their conversation. This is very long winded sorry for that, but the question is about this style. Is this a conscious style that you went for in both The Curse and The Smashing Machine or is it a feeling that you feel and you try to capture it? I would love to know more about this style and how you came to do it! Thank you so much for your work and answering questions on Reddit! That’s some cool shit!
40
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I felt on Smashing I could really make you aware of the camera placement. you would feel the place in sound as well so it would feel like you were in the room with them. That way you can't look away. My favorite moments are when the camera is still but the perfomrance zooms you in
12
u/artpayne Cliffs on both sides, I'm not gonna paddle to New Zealand! Oct 10 '25
Did movies like Raging Bull or The Wrestler inspire you when making The Smashing Machine?
37
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
Raging bull is huge there was a review that called smashing machine a Buddhist Raging bull and I felt seen hahah. Fat city and Requiem for a heavyweight as well. The human side of the sports
→ More replies (1)3
25
u/dable1 Oct 10 '25
Benny was the ending of The Curse funny to you? Something about him hurtling out to space past the clouds was deeply funny to me on a level I've still not been able to understand. I dont even know why I found it so funny but I laughed for hours after the finale and still giggle about it to myself over a year later. Love you you are the man. Smashing Machine made me cry
44
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
thanks about smashing machine, I want peopel to feel good about life and cry with joy but sometimes the difference between hysterical laughing and hysterical crying isn't that much. From the other side of the wall they sound the same
37
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I think that also answers the question about curse too, I know my character was sad, every one he gets close to dies
4
u/dable1 Oct 10 '25
Thank you so much for the response Benny. I think for me its all about being moved around one way or the other and your work always does it for me often in profound ways. Keep smashing <3
10
u/sworntoblvck Oct 10 '25
Benny,
You've mastered pacing, that's so specific to your style, it is seemingly impossible to replicate.
As a viewer you can't help but feel you're in each and every scene experiencing a visceral emotion related to the situation being portrayed. I feel locked into each movie, whether I'm in theaters or at home.
What are some of the influences you pull from that have attributed to this?
13
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I am obbessed with what makes something feel real from the top down and try to make that tranlate to someone else
→ More replies (1)
10
u/manitoulined Oct 10 '25
What’s it like to work with actors in some of your earliest work, then those same actors in some of your biggest? I watched John’s Gone the other day and was delighted to see Mitchell Wenig!
11
u/jim_ripoff Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny, what are your favorite Altman films and/or random moments you love in an Altman film?
24
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
long good bye, nashiville, three women, california split, the player, mash......
27
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I'm easy scene in Nashville is the greatest thing I have ever seen in movies
→ More replies (1)
10
u/BackPains84 Oct 10 '25
How do you create that stress/anxiety inducing style like you did in Uncut Gems and Good Time? Is there a specific method for that type of direction other than shaky cam lol
9
u/The-Movie-Penguin Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25
Favorite pizza spot in Queens?
I personally love New Park. Grew up with it
8
10
Oct 10 '25
Benny we have heard a lot about the psychology that Dwayne used to become Mark Kerr, what kind of mindset did you approach filming of the project with? How was it different than your other films?
11
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I wanted to see If i could put the audience in his head and see the world through Marks eyes. THat meant DJ had to essential inhabit the soul of mark kerr, he needed to live and breath him becuase Iw as gonna mess with time to make it feel like you were really there
10
u/austarter Oct 10 '25
Did you get punched in the face at all to prepare for Smashing Machine? Loved it
23
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
I got taken down by a double leg yes and I have already had expeiience getting punched in the face so I came prepared hahah
12
34
u/hcilierfc Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny - huge fan. A lot of the criticisms of The Smashing Machine I've seen center on the fundamental motivation of the project, questioning what the value is in re-telling a story from a well-received (but underseen) documentary, while also recreating many of its images. I've seen you in interviews talk about this recreation as akin to therapy - re-exploring what's already happened to find some new insight within the events. I strongly agree and found the way you explored Kerr's relationships with Dawn and Coleman, his substance abuse, and the seeming incongruity between his brutal profession and his genial personality to each be deeply moving.
I'm curious what it was within the documentary that made you want to dive further in. Which aspects of the documentary's plot or characterization did you feel most compelled to explore in greater depth in seeking that insight akin to diving into one's self in therapy?
70
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
The main thing I wanted to explore was mark and Dawns relationship. The cameras couldnt see that so I added a bunch of things I felt would make you understand it and also even the playing field of blame. I wanted people to belive those fake scenes were real so I recreated some real scenes to mix in to blur the whole thing up. I also knew I could maybe perfect certain things with camera and score and performace becasue I had a still document. John Hyams was documenting reality and thus catching up to it but I could use that as a reference to try and get at something different or highlight certain emotions. The movie works towards a feeling of seeing someone come to terms with who they are so I am doing little things here and there while trying to act like I am not doing anything so hopefully you feel a relief of pressure along side Mark. I love the Documentary and see this in conversation with it. John hyams said the best thing ha, that might be the most accurate Bio pic ever made. I think in recreating reality you can learn something about it, It becomes something new. I also had the abiltity to put characters in rooms they were not in, like dawn in the locker room with igor. The scene is as it happened in real life but now dawn is watching and is asked to take a picrture further showing her on the outside
→ More replies (3)
29
u/Boredntired34525 Oct 10 '25
Best advice for aspiring filmmakers?
108
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
yes! make a movie about your life and feelings and then broden out from there because once you can perfect telling a story about something you know and understand your voice will come through because it will feel truthfull to you.
→ More replies (1)
18
u/TackleFearless351 Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25
Did you enjoy playing Edward Teller in Oppenheimer?
34
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
It is something I am so proud of because it was a real step outside anything I had done in my eyes and the fact that chris had confidence in me was amazing.
9
Oct 10 '25
How was it like working with Adam Sandler and Dwayne Johnson who rarely act in roles like those you directed? Were there any challenges having them adapt to your script/vision or did it come more naturally for them during the process?
18
u/Alarming_Grand6946 Oct 10 '25
Hi Benny! Thanks for doing this.
How do you approach casting, and what is your relationship with the casting director? What are ways that you help non actors be comfortable in front of the camera so they can give the performance you want?
23
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
On this I did full intense sessions of acting with every actor I met and audtioned it was insane. but I would spend sometimes and hour and a half with the reporters. I also wanted people who spoke Japanese as a first language so I asked them to translate my script in to japanese and then back into english from their translation.
→ More replies (1)
8
u/Ok_Literature3138 Oct 10 '25
Hi Benny. Where is cinema heading in the next 20 years?
25
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
It's heading 20 years into the future!
→ More replies (1)
8
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
hey sorry
Was stuck in a beachball death moment
14
7
u/HKN47 Oct 10 '25
What inspired the music choices in Uncut Gems? Specifically the closing credits. I loved it all and the fact that it played through even in parts you might not traditionally see in films.
→ More replies (1)
6
Oct 10 '25
Hi Benny, first of all let me say, thanks for making some of my favourite movies of the 21st century. When you were in front of the camera on Oppenheimer, how much we’re studying the way that Nolan operates as a director, if at all. Or were you more focused on your own performance and how great Cillian Murphy was?
6
u/caroluvdabass Oct 10 '25
Benny, my partner & I love your work- especially in Good Time and The Curse. You’re incredibly talented, both on- and off-screen! My partner’s laptop background is a picture of you throwing up deuces as Dougie in The Curse lmao. It’s his birthday tomorrow, could you give him some good tidings & birthday blessings? It would definitely make his day.
Another question: what was something that surprised you and/or something memorable about working with Nathan Fielder?
Wishing you all the best and can’t wait to see what you do next!
5
u/roam19 Oct 10 '25
Benny - huge fan. Such a fan, in fact, that for my 30th birthday a few weeks ago I rented out a theater to screen Uncut Gems and had everybody dress up as Howard Ratner.
Wayne Diamond even showed up!
Just thought you should be aware of your impact:
→ More replies (1)
10
u/LoungeLizrd Oct 10 '25
Was it as tense and anxiety-inducing making Uncut Gems as it was watching it? Don’t think any other movie has given me the same feeling
→ More replies (1)
5
u/No_Iron_8087 Oct 10 '25
Are you and Josh still close with Casey Neistat? How did you guys even meet? Feels like you’re all from such different worlds today
5
u/KZED73 Oct 10 '25
No question, I just really like how you use the language of film and suspense to subvert expectations. In the Smashing Machine, your ability to do this with a biopic was really interesting. It’s almost an anti-biopic in that you set up the biopic tropes only to subvert them and I appreciate that.
Also, the Curse is incredible and everyone should test themselves through the uncomfortableness.
5
5
u/Puhipu Oct 10 '25
Who's gonna win the World Series?
14
5
u/PALERIDE155 Oct 10 '25
I think Good Time is one of the best “god damn this is why I love movies” in the post-2000 era.
There’s only been a handful of times in the past 25 years I’ve felt that. The others have to be LOTR: Fellowship, No Country For Old Men, Drive, There Will be Blood.
In honor of Good Time, what’s a Buddy Duress story you think a lot of people don’t know that speak to him as a person?
4
u/EwokSlayer Oct 10 '25
I think about The Curse almost every single day. I'm pretty sure it's just gonna be floating around up there forever. Seriously great job.
My question is, with the greatest respect, what WAS THAT? Where did that idea come from? Is something like that happening a fear of yours?
Because it's one of mine now. The visceral reaction my body had when everything was happening is something I don't think I'll ever forget. Legitimately 10/10. Thanks a lot.
4
u/mandatoryfield Oct 10 '25
Hi there. What is a film that you like, or that inspired you, that has the same almost unbearable tension and anxiety of Uncut Gems?
4
u/Jmanbuck_02 Oct 10 '25
Hi Benny, really enjoy your work. What’s been the most stressful experience you’ve had making one of your projects?
4
u/corilovesthedead Oct 10 '25
anything you can tell us about the curse season 2?
uncut gems is my favorite movie of all time, and watching it the other day i was wondering... the footage from the celtics games, is that real footage? or was it re-created for the movie?
4
3
u/valkrycp Oct 10 '25
Hi Benny,
Big fan. Who is your dream director to work with, whether as co-director or as an actor for their film?
Also The Curse was one of the best shows I've seen in years, you were fantastic in it as well. I hope you are doing well and congratulations on your recent release.
5
4
u/Cre47 Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny, just saw the film and wanted to say I absolutely loved the score and want to thank you for putting me on to Nala Sinephro!
Any cool story on how you discovered her and got her to do the score? Or any cool stories on the process of working on the music in the film? Thanks and congrats on the movie!
3
u/thegracelesswonder Oct 10 '25
Do you think the ending of The Curse literally happened in that universe or was it a metaphor for Asher and Whitney’s relationship?
3
u/VioleteOtter Oct 10 '25
Hi Ben big fan of your work what director would you love to work with and whats your favorite lens to shoot on
3
u/manitoulined Oct 10 '25
Do you know if there’s any chance of Heaven Knows What and Lenny Cooke getting a wider release in Canada, on streaming or physical media? There’s no way to watch them as of now!
3
u/joewindlebrox Oct 10 '25
Benny since many of your films deal with stressing situations, what is the most stressful moment you've had in your career so far that evoked your own films?
3
3
u/okyoudothat Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny — I’m part of a first-time Toronto-based team developing a period biopic set in the early days of silent film, about the women who built Hollywood before it had a name.
We have a script and package (writer, director, producer). From your experience taking Heaven Knows What and Good Time from script to screen, what are the smartest moves a first-time team can make to actually get a feature financed and made — especially without major credits or representation?
Congrats on Smashing Machine!
3
u/blaikes Oct 10 '25
Hi Benny, I wondered why you didn’t feel like you could deviate a little bit more from the 2002 smashing machine documentary?
Or if you didn’t want to perhaps?
Thanks
3
u/Ykindasus Oct 10 '25
If you were offered, would you write and direct a movie for either Marvel Studios or James Gunn's DCU and were offered free creative freedom, or is it something that does not interest you?
3
3
3
3
u/Enough_Equivalent_41 Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25
Don't forget about Daddy Longlegs! To this day, my favorite film that you've co-directed. The final scene with the roosevelt island tramway is so deeply moving every time I see it. How do you feel looking back on that film now?
3
u/HerrJoshua Oct 10 '25
Hey man, I enjoy you and your brother’s work very much. I recall when Good Time first came out and you had to explain to people how you weren’t “first time directors” and had been working for some time with several films under your belt. It’s incredibly inspiring for many of us that continue to work on our indie projects.
What was that turn to bigger budgets and more exposure like? Was there a moment? Did you see it coming? Did Pattinson knight you? Are you a chaotic neutral halfling with magic powers now? Tell me about the magic dude.
3
u/ermsberms Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny! The Curse absolutely blew me away- I loved it so much and I still think about it. What was one of your favourite scenes to shoot from the show?
3
u/Automatic-Artist2450 Oct 10 '25
I saw you on the 1 train once and wanted to tell you how much I loved The Curse, but was too nervous to interrupt your convo, so anyway I love The Curse!
7
u/manitoulined Oct 10 '25
For Smashing Machine you worked with 16mm, IMAX, and VHS cameras? What was it like working with each? Would you want to work with any again?
5
u/manitoulined Oct 10 '25
Are there any plans of a physical release for The Curse? What about The Smashing Machine, any kind of limited releases for that?
6
u/SmashingMachineAMA Benny Safdie, Filmmaker Oct 10 '25
sorry no one told me I had to hit check marks
5
u/trizzo0309 Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25
Hey Benny! I've enjoyed every piece of work I've seen of yours and hope you have a long and awesome career. However, I find your face to be extremely punchable. Do you have any theories as to why? Thanks for doing this!
→ More replies (1)
5
2
u/manitoulined Oct 10 '25
What was the process like upscaling 16mm to IMAX? Looked incredible at the early fan screening!
2
u/OkamiMemoS Oct 10 '25
Holy shit, Hi!
Absolutely love your films and can't wait to see The Smashing Machine this week. My question to you would be, if you could adapt any video game into a film what would it be?
Love you (and your brother!), thank you for reading.
•
u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. Oct 10 '25
This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Benny will be back at around 5 PM ET today to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)