DeepSummary
The episode features an interview with actor, producer, director, and author Griffin Dunne, who discusses his memoir 'The Friday Afternoon Club' and his family's history in Hollywood. He talks about growing up surrounded by famous people, including his aunt Joan Didion and his friend Carrie Fisher. Dunne also delves into the tragedy of his younger sister Dominique's murder and how it affected his family.
Dunne shares insights into his father's struggles as a closeted gay man and his journey from a social-climbing party host to a renowned crime writer for Vanity Fair. The conversation touches on Dunne's documentary about his aunt Joan Didion and the uncomfortable aspects of interviewing a family member. Dunne reflects on the role of storytelling in his family and how he aimed to honestly portray their lives in his memoir.
The discussion also covers Dunne's acting career, his perspective on the changes brought by streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon, and his thoughts on the future of storytelling. Throughout the interview, Dunne provides a candid and eloquent account of his life, family dynamics, and the power of storytelling.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Griffin Dunne's memoir 'The Friday Afternoon Club' provides a candid and poignant exploration of his family's history in Hollywood, personal tragedies, and the power of storytelling.
- Dunne's relationship with his father, a closeted gay man struggling with alcoholism and social climbing, shaped his understanding of masculinity and resilience.
- The murder of Dunne's younger sister, Dominique, had a profound impact on his family and is a central focus of the memoir.
- Dunne's documentary about his aunt, the renowned writer Joan Didion, allowed him to explore her life and work in a unique and personal way.
- The memoir delves into Dunne's friendship with Carrie Fisher and the dynamics of navigating fame and success in the entertainment industry.
- Dunne reflects on the changes brought by streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon and their impact on the entertainment industry.
- Throughout the interview, Dunne emphasizes the importance of storytelling in his family and his optimism about the future of narratives, regardless of the medium.
- Dunne's memoir offers an intimate and honest portrayal of his family's experiences, highlighting the power of storytelling to process grief, explore relationships, and understand one's identity.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “If you don't see it, you're just. Because you're not thinking about time, because you're just looking at her just coming up with, do I say this? Do I not.“ by Griffin Dunne
- “When I was a kid, I had this idea of what a man was. But as I got older, I realized I'd been raised by one all along.“ by Griffin Dunne
- “I do think I have great faith in the written word as well. I think that that will survive every possible kind of climate change. Culturally, you can imagine. They'll always be books.“ by Griffin Dunne
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Episode Information
On with Kara Swisher
Vox Media
6/24/24