John Turturro

19th March 2019

John Turturro’s an acting legend. Lots of directors have actors they like to work with. Turturro’s a favorite of both Spike Lee and the Coen Brothers. Starting from “Do The Right Thing,” he’s appeared in nine of Spike’s films, four from the Coens.
He can play tough. Devious. Vulnerable. Brooding. Weird. He’s never not himself, but no two roles are ever the same.
He talks with Jesse about his latest film, “Gloria Bell.” It’s directed by the Chilean filmmaker Sebastian Lelio, kind of an English language remake of his breakthrough 2013 film “Gloria.” It’s a story about relationship from two people in late middle age. Its messy, nuanced, and the performances from both Turturro and Moore… just keep you transfixed.

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Photo: Robin Marchant / Getty Images
John Turturro on ‘Do the Right Thing,’ ‘The Big Lebowski,’ his new film ‘Gloria Bell’ and more
Acting legend John Turturro joins us to chat about his latest project Gloria Bell. It’s a movie about a relationship between two people who’ve both already been through a lot. Turturro plays Arnold, a retired Navy officer. He stars opposite Julianne Moore, who plays Gloria.

It’s filled with both the highs and lows that come with new relationships. They’re both divorced. And things are especially complicated for Arnold. His adult children still turn to him for money. Gloria, on the other hand, is more free-spirited and for the most part is independent from her family. She’s never really had a reason to settle down. She works a regular nine to five, and spends her nights at clubs around Los Angeles dancing to Earth, Wind and Fire and Anita Ward.

It’s a love story that’s messy and nuanced. The performances from both Turturro and Moore are touching, emotional and engrossing. Turturro will tell us how he nailed down the subtleties and complexities of playing a character that might seem like an average joe. Plus, he’ll share stories from his time working on some true classics – Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing and the Coen Brothers The Big Lebowski.

Check out this interview on YouTube here!

In this episode...

Senior Producer
Producer
Maximum Fun Producer
Maximum Fun Production Fellow

Guests

  • John Turturro

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Bullseye is a celebration of the best of arts and culture in public radio form. Host Jesse Thorn sifts the wheat from the chaff to bring you in-depth interviews with the most revered and revolutionary minds in our culture.

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