Transcript

Oscar Isaac | SmartLess

From SmartLess · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 59 min · 12,929 words · 372 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Oscar Isaac | SmartLess", an episode of SmartLess published October 27, 2025 (59 min, about 12,929 words). It mentions 20 people, works and ideas, including Frankenstein, Broadway, SmartLess, Circulation, Amy Lynn Bradley.

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 5:00: SmartLess, Hollywood Bowl, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lang, Caroline
  2. – 10:00: Frankenstein
  3. – 15:00: Amy Lynn Bradley, Broadway, Circulation, Instagram
  4. – 20:00: Broadway
  5. – 25:00: Broadway
  6. – 30:00: Broadway, Frankenstein
  7. – 35:00: Frankenstein
  8. – 40:00: Amy Lynn Bradley
  9. – 45:00: Circulation
  10. – 59:10: Frankenstein, Amy Lynn Bradley, SmartLess

Notable quotes from "Oscar Isaac | SmartLess"

  • Record, or, sometime, or, I'll, say, I, have, to record a smartless.
    about SmartLess · at
  • I was we I was over there, Willie, last night with Jay.
    about Mark Willie · at
  • And, I, just, watched, Frankenstein, last night. It's you're wait, a, second., You, got, home, from, the dinner and watched Frankenstein.
    about Frankenstein · at
  • What was the award? I don't even remember what the Tony, Awards.
    about Tony Award · at
  • And, it, was, cool, to, be, up, there., That, was my first time doing Broadway. And it was kind of by happen because Yeah. Yeah.
    about Broadway · at
  • They were going to be auditioning for it. I just really went in hardcore on learning like Travis picking and, doing, all, that, and, it, it, was, Yeah.
    about Travis picking · at
  • A row. I think I'm going to watch it this weekend. And I had but, Bradley, texted, me, last, night., He watched till the final text was at 3:30 this morning saying, I just…
    about Amy Lynn Bradley · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Amy Lynn Bradley — Person · 3 mentions · first at
  • Mark Willie — Person · 1 mention · first at
  • Lang, Caroline — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Yeah,, because, I, haven't, hung, out with Caroline yet, really. So, Oh sorry. Can I say that? Oh.
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda — Person · 1 mention · first at
    It, was, at, the, the, awards, dinner., The Yeah., Or, no,, it, was, it, was, I, think before that it was the Lin Manuel Miranda kind of things that he does in the street.
  • Coen brothers — Person · 1 mention
  • Mary Lou Henner — Person · 1 mention

Books & papers

  • Frankenstein — Book · 6 mentions · first at
  • Circulation — Book · 3 mentions · first at
    Cuz we were What, about, Hamlet?, That, was, in, at, the public.

Companies & orgs

  • Instagram — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Yeah,, it, just, popped, up, yesterday, and, I just saw you hammering away on the skin on, your, on, your, Instagram.
  • Jar — Company · 1 mention
  • Public Theater — Company · 1 mention

Products & tech

Concepts & topics

Places & events

  • Broadway — Place · 4 mentions · first at
  • Hollywood Bowl — Place · 1 mention · first at
    That's, where, you'd, go, if, you, want., But anyway, I'm I'm nervous about it because it's it's going to be the Hollywood Bowl and we got a couple guests.

Full transcript with timestamps

Can I just be shameless and say what I'm actually really excited for? Can I just say it?

Yeah. I'm, really, excited, for, our, live, show. Oh, I'm, nervous., I'm, nervous.

I'm, I, always, get, nervous. Are, you, guys, nervous, about You're, talking, about, the, one, that's coming up November 15th out there at the Hollywood Bowl. I'm very nervous about

That's, the, one, where, people, can, go, to smartlist.com/live to get tickets. That's the one I'm talking about.

Wait,, what's, what's, the, what?, Wait, wait wait. It's, smartless.com/live is, where, I, would, go, if, I, wanted, to, buy, a ticket.

That's, where, you'd, go, if, you, want., But anyway, I'm I'm nervous about it because it's it's going to be the Hollywood Bowl and we got a couple guests.

I, had, a, bowl, of, Honey, Nut, Cheerios, for Okay,, great., All right,, let's, get, to, an all new Smart List smart. What do you guys call it when you say you know, when you're scheduling something like I can't I I've got I've got I've got a I'm doing a pod. Uh I'm doing a record. Um how do you refer to what we're doing right now when you talk to other people?

I, just, record., I, say, record., I, say record. Record, or, sometime, or, I'll, say, I, have, to record a smartless.

You, got, a, smart, list. It's, it's, a, long What, do, you, say? I've, said, I've, said, pod, a, couple, of times and it just feels terrible.

Yeah,, of, course, it, Well,, it, sounds terrible. Yeah. Hey,, what, about, the, three, of, us, get, to put our our chest and faces on each other on Sunday for the first time in uh in forever?

What, do, you, What, do, you, mean, we're, all going to have dinner on Sunday? Sunday, night?

Yeah. Yeah., All, right., Good., I, don't, think Amanda Amanda's going, right? Amanda's, not., So,, I, actually, have, an out, but I was thinking since you guys are going to be there.

Well,, you, better, be, there., I'm, going, to be solo, too, this Sunday. So, it's going to be So, we're going to have Yeah. Jason, will you be will you be

Do, you, want, me, to, wear, something special? Yeah. I want you to pick me up. I want you to pick and open my door.

And, I'm, going, to, wear, that, thing, that you that I always asked for. No,, I, got, I, got

Hey,, we, saw, uh, we, missed, you, last, night. I was we I was over there, Willie, last night with Jay.

Oh,, you, were? Yeah,, just, for, a, quick, bite. Quick, bite. How, was, that? Yeah,, it, was, good., It, was, good.

Oh,, good., Okay. Okay., Okay. Okay., So,, you, guys, Well,, I, get, Well, we're having dinner tonight.

That's, right., Me, and, Will, are, having dinner. You guys going to go to Jar? Doesn't matter.

Yes., How, did, you, know, that?, That truly?, Yeah., Yeah. You, want, to, go, or, no?

Well, nah,, we're, gonna, see, each, other, Sunday. You, can, come., Come. Thank, you.

It's, going, to, be, fun. Um,, yeah,, because, I, haven't, hung, out with Caroline yet, really. So, Oh sorry. Can I say that? Oh.

Oh,, boy. Oh,, well,, the, internet, saying, it,, so, I think we can. I, don't, know.

Um,, wait,, what, did, we, talk, about, last night saying? Oh, yeah. We talked about Hey, will have you seen this alter ego thing? thing I was talking about at the table where it's a new device. It's like an AI device and you put it in the back of your ear.

Yeah., Listen, to, this., This, sounds, like, a nightmare. And, all, whenever, you, whatever, you, think of it translates into uh

audio, audio. Yeah., Audio, text. You, imagine, that, like, basically, having, a microphone on in your brain.

That's, a, nightmare. Yeah., But, I, mean, o, only, if, you, turn, it on like you you don't it's not like

you, know, I, I, would, I, would, venture, to say people would pay thousands and thousands of dollars to have that eliminated if that was something that was stuck on

most, people., Imagine these thoughts were vocalized the jails would be full and, they'd, empty, their, accounts, to, get rid of it.

Yeah., But, I, mean, it's, it's, voluntary. You don't it's not like stuck to your head.

No,, I, understand, that., I'm, just, saying they're going to have a tough time. Uh

Kill, JB., Kill, JB., Kill, JB., Kill, JB. has money for this new device. That just sounds like a like a

I, hope, Jason, misses, this, but, I, hope Jason misses this but Hey,, did, I, did, I, leave, too, abruptly, last night?

No,, you, actually, triggered, a, mass, exodus which was fantastic. We all left right after that. It was I you know

Wait,, what, do, you, mean, we, all?, How, many? What are we talking about? 15, 20, 25, people.

No,, it, was, like, eight, six, people., Eight people. Hang, on, a, Wait, a, second., Pump, the brakes. What was I left out of?

This, was, this, was, a, this, was, a, specific little bite. Um uh it's, a, bite, and, smile., It, was, a bite, and smile.

Bite, and, smile. And, I, don't, know, these, people. Exactly., Not, not, very, well, at, all.

Okay. Um, but, we, also, Yeah. You, have, a, guest, today. I, do., I, know., We're, going, to, get, right to it. I was going to share one more thing, but that would love to hear it.

I'd, love, to, hear, you, worked, on, material. Go ahead. No,, it's, not., It's, It's, Okay,, here, we go.

No,, no,, no., Wait,, wait,, wait,, wait., I want to hear. No,, no,, it, it, was, just, that, it, was, that topic that whole thing about, you know men and women and like sexual opportunities. So, like I asked all the women at the table, like if a if a guy came to the door and there was the best looking guy in the world, would you and and he propositioned you whether you know, politely or impolitely, whatever it was, just based on looks, would you go for it? And of course, unanimously every girl around the table was like "No, I would never do that."

I, think, you, can, be, much, more, specific than that. You can you can you can say what the actual

Well,, it, was, it, was, it, was, like, if, if, a guy if a if a like drop deadad gorgeous unbelievable guy was at your door and he like exposed himself but not really like but like in a in a or answered in a robe or something and of course every girl was like no that's disgusting that's weird and bizarre and not and then but conversely all the gay guys and the straight guys were like yeah I would totally go for that.

You, know what, I, mean?, meaning, if, it, was the opposite, if the door opened and a woman had her robe open

the, guy, would, say,, "Oh,, yeah,, cool, if, I come in." Um,, you, know,, as, opposed, to, the, And, I guess Sean was making a a statement about the difference in uh sexes.

It, reminds, me,, it, reminds, me, of, this, old joke that my grandfather had, and this is almost a dad joke, but it's worse. is a grandfather joke, which is a guy's on a desert island

and, he's, there, by, himself, for, years, and years, and, years, and, all, a sudden, this beautiful woman comes out of the surf and she's got she's wearing a wet suit and she says, "Uh, when was the last time you had a nice cold beer?" And he's like "Oh my god, it's been forever." She reaches into her wets and pulls out a beer and he chugs it down. She goes "When was the last time that you had a smoke?" And he's like, "It was years." And she's like pulls out a cigarette lights and he's like "Oh my god, it's incredible." And then she looks at him and she goes, "When was the last time you played around?" And he goes, "You got golf clubs in there?

That's a good one. It's a grandfather joke. Perfect, segway. But, Shaunie, told, me, a, great, grandfather joke. Granddad joke. Really? Dad joke last. Yes. Was it the cat?

Yeah., How, do, uh maybe, Sean, should, tell, it? I, kind, of, punched, up, the, reading, a little bit.

Okay., Go, ahead., Go, ahead., Go, ahead. What?, Yeah., So,, what, up? No,, it's, What, is, a, How, does, a, cat, like its steak?

Rare. Oh, my, god. I, can't, even., It's, not, It's, so, not, even funny. All, right., You, got, to, have, the, little tidy claws up when you do it, too. Oh that'll help it. That'll help. Guys, we're so silly.

We're, over, We're, over, time, already., All right, look. Look. We got a guy. We got a guy.

Guess, we'll, just, thank, our, guest, now. And we'll, apologize, first. He's, a, big, deal,, guys., I, I, might, geek out a little bit. I'm a huge fan. He was born in Guatemala and then he kind of pingponged around the United States as a kid while his dad finished his medical residencies. He almost joined the Marines before making a sharp pivot to Giuliard. He spent most of his teens in Florida playing bass and singing in a Scott punk band, including one that opened for Green Day. But now he's one of Hollywood's most versatile actors playing everything from a folk singer mad genius tech guy, a rebel pilot, a superhero, a Shakespearean royalty. He's ridiculously talented, absolute joy to watch. One of my favorite actors of all time, Oscar Isaac.

Oscar, Isaac. Oscar. Absolutely. Oscar, see the claws. I'm, so, telling, my, my, six-year-old, this joke when he gets old school.

Well,, you, know what?, Okay,, we're, rolling speed and action. Let's Let's see your reading on rare.

He's, like,, I, can't, defeat,, man. I think the claws are definitely necessary.

The, You, need, the, little, kitten, claws. Yeah, Sean's got great dad jokes. You got any dad jokes, Oscar? Uh no. I My heart's pounding. You guys are so fast and so funny. You're so intimidating with your speed of wit.

Oh,, no., No., You, should, read, what, people say about me on this thing. They're so sick of me at some point.

I'm, sick, of, me. I'm, really, happy., You, know,, because there was a moment there. I remember during the pandemic where I think

there, was, a, moment, where, it's, like,, "Oh, can I come and do the show way back then and I I was stuck on there." Yeah.

You've, been, on, my, list, to, be, on, the, show since day one. Yeah,, you've, been, on, my, list.

You, have, not, stopped, working, on, the greatest things that this business has to offer since then and before. Um, well done. I'm so so happy. Every time I see you in something, I get more of you.

And, I, just, watched, Frankenstein, last night. It's you're wait, a, second., You, got, home, from, the dinner and and watched Frankenstein.

No,, I'm, sorry., During, the, day, yesterday, not last night. Oh,, thanks, for, the, phone, call.

But, wait,, but, and, we're, going, to, get, to that, but Oscar, holy moly, man. That your performance was

I'm, so, excited, to, see. I, know., I'm, so, sorry. I, mean,, just, incredible., I, don't, know how you do it. But anyway, listen. Thanks for being here. Um, I'm guessing when we met a couple years ago, you could probably feel what a big fan I was.

Oh,, no., Oh,, no., Oscar,, you, describe, it from your side. What happened to be honest?

It, was, at, the, the, uh, awards, dinner., The Yeah., Or, no,, it, was, it, was, I, think before that it was the Lin Manuel Miranda kind of things that he does in the street.

Right. Right., And, then, we, all, had, to, like, go out if you're in a show. He's, erased, that., It, turns, out, he's erased that from his memory.

I, have, a, notoriously, terrible, memory. Especially in like an over stimulated moment like that which was insane.

I, know., Me, too., I'm, like, so, insane. But, I, remember, you, were, so, sweet, at, the uh what was the award? I don't even remember what the the

Tony, Awards. No,, no,, no., It, was, before, that, where everybody kind of has a dinner on a stage.

Oh, yeah., How, awkward, awkward, was, that? Yeah., Yeah., There's, a, crowd, and, then we're all on stage eating

like, we're, on, display., Yeah. And, then, you, came, over, and, said, hi. Wait, wait wait wait., Sorry., Just, I, just want to put it.

So, you're, all, on, stage, eating, and there's a crowd in the theater watching you

watching, you. Well,, they're, eating, too,, right? Okay. Yeah. Right. I, think, so.

I, don't, remember, meals, on, the, I, couldn't see him. I couldn't see him. You, can't, really, see, them, because there's lots of lights on.

I, mean,, this, is, a, new, kind, of, dinner theater where everybody's eating including including the cast.

And, then, let's, get, and, then, let's, get, to Sean coming over and doing the offensive whatever it was while you're

Was, it, about, Dune?, Was, it, about, what, was it about Star Wars? Was that Maybe, it, was, a, Star, Wars, thing., But, we were we were on, you know, we were we were across the street from each other.

You, know,, you, were, doing, Oscar., You, the triumphant the much celebrated play.

I, was, doing, the, the, marginally, tolerated play across across the way Sydney Bruce.

And, it, was, cool, to, be, up, there., That, was my first time doing Broadway. And it was kind of by happen because Yeah. Yeah. Cuz we were we were

What, about, Hamlet?, That, was, in, at, the public. Oh,, I, didn't, know, that.

Which, is, what?, Technically, off, Broadway. Yeah,, that's, off, off, Broadway., Yeah.

Yeah., But, anyway,, I, I, I, just, um, you know, huge fan. But I want to talk about I had no idea you played instruments and like

inside um Oh my god. Yeah., Lund., Uh incredible. Is, that, you, really, playing, in, the, movie too?

Yeah. And, was, that, a, requirement, the, Cohen brothers wanted? They, did., They, actually, were, mostly, at first they were just auditioning musicians.

I, had, no, idea, you, were, a, musician. That's so crazy. Yeah., When, I, So, I, played,, you, know,, I mean I I didn't play folk music necessarily or like that kind of style. Uh and so when I knew when I heard that they were going to be auditioning for it. I just really went in hardcore on learning like Travis picking and

and, doing, all, that, and, it, it, was, Yeah. Wait,, what's, what's, Travis, picking? Travis, picking, is, kind, of like, it's almost like a rag like rag time on piano where you know the left hand is doing the baseline and the right hand is doing the melody.

Can, you, do, it? Yeah., It's, called, stride, piano., Yeah. Stride, piano., Yeah., So, it's, you're, kind of doing that with a guitar where the thumb is doing the baseline. Really these guys are just playing the melody.

Oh, my, god., Difficult, man. Yeah., Yeah., It's, kind, of like, a, Yeah. Yeah, it's like almost like the the drumming where you have to kind of get some separation between the

Jason,, I, saw, you, drumming, in, a, music video yesterday. Is that uh Do you want to comment on that?

What? What, is, that? Wait,, was, it, uh, was, it, the, uh, um, uh, uh It, must, have, been, a, Black, Rabbit adjacent music video.

Oh,, right., Oh,, that., Yes. Yeah,, it, just, popped, up, yesterday, and, I just saw you hammering away on the skin

on, your, on, your, Instagram. On, my, Instagram. Yeah,, it's, it's, a, crazy I, saw, the, first, episode, of, that., You're so great at it. It's like you're so kind of so effortless.

Can, I, Can, I, tell, you, last, night, I, I haven't I haven't started it yet cuz I want to have a I want to binge it all in a row. I think I'm going to watch it this weekend. And and I had uh

but, Bradley, texted, me, last, night., He watched till the final text was at 3:30 uh this morning saying, "I just finished Black Rabbit. It's incredible. It's unbelievable." And then he called me this morning. He's like, "Baitment literally, I'm not this is not exaggerating.

Baitman, is, an, incredible, actor., I, can't I know scene in the car with this with the coins and the reaction to the gun be like get it out of my face is so so funny and real. It was so great. But Oscar, back to you. I want to talk about your memory because I'm wondering if I have Alzheimer's or is it is it just us actors that Well, although Will is an anomaly.

Yeah, he, can, remember, everything., He's, Mary Lou Hen's brother. Um, but do you think that our brains have morphed into a onetrick pony where we can just remember lines and everything else it decides I can't I can't have this and it it self-edits things that are not uh going to our bottom line.

Like, I, still, I, still, know, all, these Shakespeare monologues, but I can't I think it's a I think it's like um maybe it's like this anxiety. The moment there's even a slight doubt about a memory, it just erases or a person's name or or anything. Like the second there's a hesitation, it goes.

Do, you, have, face, blindness, at, all?, I have a little bit of that where you're just like

I, do, where, I'm, just, like, Scotty,, my husband Scotty's like you've met that person like 20 times. I'm like really?

And, it's, horrible., It's, a, horrible thing. I, think, it, is, that, thing., It's, like, the it's like a hiccup that happens and then you're like it's like a paralysis.

Yeah,, I, have, this, I, have, a, good, memory but I I do have that too. It's not face blindness, but I can't remember people say we met or we know each other or we did the thing. Like that part of my brain is completely cut off. I can remember

but, like, you, know, to, like, February, of 2003 you can remember February 2003. February 2003 I auditioned for uh for um Arrested Development and uh that was in February. Yeah.

Oh, Jesus., Like, but, like, November, 2018 you probably know what was going on.

Yeah,, I, do., November, 2018,, I, went, to England for uh 6 days. That's, [ __ ], crazy.

Nuts. That, is, crazy., Pull, it, up., I, don't, get that. The, brain, is, amazing.

But, then, there, are, certain, parts, of, it that I that I can't remember. And I can also remember dialogue as well, Oscar. And I can remember also through

I, guess, from, like, voiceover, stuff, over the years. I can remember copy from voiceover campaigns that I did 30 years ago.

Here, comes, the, GMC, tie-in,, guys., GMC., I did it this morning. I did. I did.

Was, anything, professional, grade, this morning? No,, but, you, can, get, 0%, on, all, 2025, GMC Terrain AT. That river does a damn itself.

Okay,, Oscar,, I, want, to, talk, about, your So, not not only did I not know that you played in a band and sang in a in a band in a band called the Worms, right?

One, of, the, names, of, the, band. The, Worms. What, kind, of, music, was, it?

Scott,, obviously. Yeah,, like, Scott, Punk,, right?, Oh,, boy., I can smell the weed from here. There we go. This was before I wasn't drinking or like I didn't drink alcohol till I was like 24 years old. So I was like I was straight edge

really., I, was, Yeah., Like, I, didn't, So, I was always the odd one out. But, but, how, did, you, go, how, did, you, do that thing where you cuz Sean said it in the intro uh ineloquently that you were in a band and you were in SCA bands and that and then you all of a sudden go to Giuliard. Was that one day like you're like, "Hey guys, I'm out of the band. I'm going to Giuliard." like kind of

really, for, real, a, little, bit., It, was, But you guys did straight from Marines to Giuliard,

which, was, it, was um, I, was, Yeah., Yeah., I, mean, a, little bit. Um Wait,, were, you, driving, a, moped, with, a raccoon tail on it when you were playing in the band

and, suspenders?, Yeah. Yeah. Really?, I'll, bet, you, were. I, love, God,, I, remember, those.

How, many, times, have, you, seen Quadrofenia? No, sorry. Keep going. Um, yeah., No,, I, I, had, graduated, high school. I was in this different band called the Blinking Underdogs.

Uhhuh. And, uh, and and, we, uh, surprised, that, cleared., No, one had that. Huh.

Nobody, had, it., They, had, the, blinkers. They had the underdogs, but they didn't.

And, just, so, you, know,, Oscar,, I, was, in, a band called Sounds from the Stairs. So it's all all the names are. So keep going.

Yeah. Um Blinking, Underdogs., So, many, different band names. Uh but but uh but yeah. And so I came up to New York to do this off off off Broadway play

while, you, were, while, you, were, in, the band. Yeah., Yeah., And, we, were, touring, but Florida. We didn't really get out of Florida.

Uhhuh. And, this, was, kind, of, as, the, third, wave was cresting and kind of coming down of SC right?

Uhhuh. And, uh And, when, when, did, you, start, Closet Heterosexuals? That was the third band.

That, was, that, was, before, SCA., That, was hardcore. That was a hardcore band.

Okay., That, was, hardcore., Okay,, got, it. Ch. CH., Is, that, what, you, called, it?

Um,, and, now, you, do, you, still, collect guitars? Cuz I know you collect Well,, wait,, Sean., Sean,, he's, telling, a story about how he went to New York to do the play. What are we doing here?

Well,, no., I, went, to, do, the, play, and, then I was up there and I passed by Jiuliard and I was like "Ah, Giuliard. Let me let, me, go, in, there, and, and and, see, see what's up." And I asked

Come, on. Yeah., Yeah., And, I, asked, for, an application. And they said that the deadline was due uh already. was this was like a Tuesday and it it had been due Friday and I kind of like smoozed the lady and I was like can I just take it back and

and, she's, like, well, take, it, maybe, you turn in next next year and I went home that night and I filled it all out and I came back the next day and she took it and like you know posted

what, else, did, you, have, to, do, to, get, it? Was there was there an audition process?

Yeah., Then, there, was, a, then, there, was, a whole audition process where I had I had to come back and u

do, like, a, monologue do, a, couple, monologues, and, do, like, a movement class and a dance belt and uh

wear, a, dance, belt, or, while, you, have, a dance belt. Did, you, ever, had, that, rare, dance, belt collection?

Great., I, don't, have, guitars, but, I, have, a great dance belt collection. Sure.

Were, you, able, to, confirm, that, the, other applicants had to wear the dance belt? The funny thing, no, the dance belt thing actually was not about the audition, but the first day of when you got in, they're like, "This is what you have to do." And I remember I I went in with my dance belt, and nobody else had put on a dance belt.

We, got, another, one. Got them. Why, would, you, put, a, dance, belt, down, just for a monologue?

Because, that's, my, craft., Okay,, I, got, it. I got it. Don't question. We'll, be, right, back. And now back to the show. Um,, all right., So,, what, to, Will's, point. Okay. So, but how did you where did you So, you were in this band, but you always had this kind of inkling to

Yeah,, I, was, doing, plays, I, was, doing plays in Miami as well. So, I was doing both at the same time all together.

And, where, did, the, Marines, come, in? That, was, uh, the, guy, the, saxs, player, of the worms.

Sure., Uh, he, and, I, just, got, really, got his dad was a Navy Seal and so we started talking about going going in being you know getting like buff and you know and just like going in on the buddy system because you could do the buddy system at that time

which, is, what, what's, a, buddy, system? The, buddy, system, is, that, you, go, in, with a buddy and then you get to do all of basic training with your pal your buddy. You get to do the whole thing. So like that sounds great.

I, mean, it, just, sounds, rad., I, mean it, sounds, so, fun,, right? pull-ups and push-ups and all this stuff. It's going to be great. And

the, thought, that, you, even, thought, that you could like I I would never occur to me I wouldn't even look it up cuz I'm like I'm not getting anywhere close to that.

Right., You're, going, to, get, kicked, out when you go when you enter the barracks.

But, but, then, they're, like, and, then, I said, you know, oh, and I'll go in for combat photography. I had watched, you know, Full Metal Jacket and I'm like yeah, like be a combat photographer.

Yeah., And, uh, and, so, we, started, doing, the training like you would meet up every weekend and start like doing the training with the some of the Marines like a early training. And

so, you, did, that? Yeah., Yeah., And, I, even, went, and, I, did the um you go to like a hotel and they do all like your um examinations and health stuff and you take your first oath and there's like a second oath you have to do.

Wow., And, then, I, and, when, I, first, signed up, I remember they gave me a pamphlet that had all like the famous Marines like the artsy marines, like Brian Denah and uh I forget who else.

And, I, was, like, uh, I, was, like, great., And uh and then I went to sign up like when I actually really had to sign up, but I was, going to, go, in, as, a, reservist, and, I was like, I'm here for combat photography. They're like, oh no, that's just full-time. And I said, well, what what can I do instead? And they said anti-tank. And I was like, so against the tank? Yeah.

I'm, like,, uh, how, do, I, get I'm, gonna, think, about, that, real., Let, me just think about it. Then then the sax player quit the band and so he and I weren't really close anymore. So I lost my buddy and then we got enough money this and then we got enough money to like record an album that summer like to record our own like CD

right? And, so, I, was, like,, I, think, I'm, not, going to do it. Oh, wow. You, did, not, go, through, the, the, the, basic training.

No,, I, didn't, go, through, any, of, that. Wait,, so, but, then, you, So, I, want, to, go back to the thing because I didn't know you collected guitars. So you how many guitars do you have?

I, don't, really, collect, guitars., I, mean, I I have some guitars, you know but, you, told, the, Cohen, brothers, you, did. I'll bet.

Seven. Seven's, pretty, good. Seven, guitars., A, lot, of, guitars., That's a collection.

Yeah. Was, that, the, last, audition, you, were, on? The last audition I ever did was for Huducker Proxy.

Whoa. Yeah. So, it, was, for, the, Cohen, brothers., I, mean I I I'd read today for the Cohen brothers. I I was that the last audition you've ever done?

No., My, last, my, last, audition, was, for Mike Nichols. Really? Wow. For, Betrayal, on, Broadway.

Wow. Oh,, wow. Wow., When, was, that? Terribly., It, was, a, 2014. I, remember, I, came, in, and, I, had, like listened to a lot of Harold Pinter to kind of do his accent

and, I, was, going, through, a, divorce, at, the time. So, I was like, man, I'm feeling this, thing., I, don't, know if, you're, aware of the the the

the, play,, but, it's, very, much, about, that infidelity and all that. Yeah., And, so, I, got, there, and, Juliet Ryland was the um the reader. She's a great great actress. Mark Lans's daughter.

Yeah. And, uh, and, I, did, the, I, did, the, first, the first scene and, Mike, Nichols, was, quiet, and, he, goes,

"Um,, where'd, you, get, that, accent?" I, was, like,, "Damn, it, where, did, I, where'd, I, get, it?", He's like, "Yeah, where'd you get it?" And I was like "Oh, I was listening to uh I was listening to Pinter uh I was listening to some recordings and kind of trying to do that." He's like, "Oh yeah. Well, I guess different English people sound differently." And I was like "And then why don't we do this next scene?" So, I did the next scene. And then he goes, "Would it make you sad to do this play every night?"

What, does, that, mean? I, was, like,, "Tick, question., How, do, you answer?" I, was, like, "I'm, just, going, to, be honest.", Like,, you, know what?, I, was reading it on the subway ride over here and yeah, you know, I'm kind of going through something right now and I feel really connected to like the grief of that and the pain of that and I feel like yeah, it would definitely be, you know, delving into that night by night. And then Juliet Ryland, God bless her she's like, but also fun too, right? I was like, oh yeah, no, but also so fun.

I mean, so fun doing this on Broadway with you. It'd be so fun. Yeah. And, then, they're, like,, thank, you., Thank you very much.

Thank, you. And, then, I, Yeah., And, then, I, walked, out and Who, got, who, got, it?, Do, you, remember, who got it?

Ra, Rafe, Spall. Okay. Yeah., Rafe, Spall., And, they, did, the, play. They did the play as a comedy.

Oh. As, well., So, the, right, answer, would, have been the opposite of Yeah., The, right, answer, was

Yeah. was, the, opposite., Yeah. So,, but, the, trick, questions, just, tell, me like what I want to do this at a comedy. So, yeah. Okay. That'd be fun.

Yeah. I, know. You, know., Okay., So,, born, in, Guatemala, which I did not know either, and then Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami.

Is, this, question, going, to, make, you, sad? Yes. But, also, fun., I'm, going, to, blast, I'm going to have a blast.

Keep, going., Keep, going., Keep, going. Wait., All, that, moving, around, before, you were 6 years old. And why? Because your dad is that's what I read that he was doing his medical something. Is it all because of your dad?

Yeah., I, mean,, also, just, like, that., Yeah. the immigrant story of like, you know coming to America for a better life. And so he he grew up in DC. He's Cuban. He was born in Cuba but grew up in DC

and, then, went, to, medical, school, uh, in Guatemala, him, and, his, two, brothers, and, that's where he met my mom and then they had my uh sister and then uh yeah then I was born in like we as I was 6 months old and then we moved to DC first like Virginia, Baltimore area, did kindergarten there then Louisiana cuz he went to LSU for his

residency, and, then, Florida, where, we, had family and his mom was there and we lived with my grandma for a bit and then

and, he, eventually, became, became, a doctor. Yeah. Yeah. Was, there, was, there, any, um, uh, pressure on you to to follow in his footsteps or did he fully embrace the the actor thing?

No,, he, kind, of, he, um, was, also, a, bit, of, a frustrated uh artist as well like he would make movies with his brothers on a you know 8mm camera and

and, that's, what, the, initial, spark, was for you too maybe. Yeah., Yeah., He, would, like, bring, home every Friday was like a movie night and he would bring home these like mystery movies that we'd watch

and, then, he, bought, a, camcorder, and, we we'd make like home movies. So, he, must, have, been, kind, of, thrilled when you kind of got into this a little bit.

Yeah,, he, was, into, it., He, was, into, it until I became competition. Is, he, still, with, us?

He's, still, with, us. And, so, he, must, be, I, brought, him, to, the Frankenstein premiere in Venice.

Oh,, that's, so, cool. Which, was, good., Do, you, remember, who, the first actor was that he showed you that you kind of latched on to and was like "Oh, I'd like to have those chops when I'm older."

Tim, Curry. Yeah. Oh,, really? Cuz, I, remember, I, saw, he, showed, we watched Clue.

I, love, that. And, then, we, watched, Legend. Uhhuh., I, love, that. And, when, I, realized, it, was, the, same [ __ ] guy.

What, about, Rocky, Horror? Yeah., Well,, then, yeah,, Rocky, Horror after that. Although dad didn't bring that one home for movie

night. But, uh, but, man,, like, I, just, I, couldn't believe that that was the same guy. And I noticed it cuz the way that his lip curled at one point as like the devil

and, you, went, like,, "Oh, my, god." Yeah., Oh,, you, can, Whoa. Yeah., Yeah., Yeah.

Um, what, not, to, jump, around., Sorry., But what about how about Cuba? I've always been fascinated with Cuba. Have you Have you been able to go to go there since your dad has roots there?

I, haven't, been., I, haven't, been,, you know, like I I grew up in Miami Cuban world, which is like everyone's so traumatized and afraid and so complicated, but I've I've wanted to go. We almost went when Lon Davis came out. Actually, we were going to go to the film festival and at the last minute it didn't happen. But, uh, it's definitely

a, place, I, want, to, go. Current, I, feel, so, dumb., Um,, as, usual, you, can't, you, can't, go, there, freely.

It, opened, up, for, a, moment. Yeah. Uh,, under, Obama, and, then, closed, up, and now closed up again. Well, like as an American, like Canadians go I know that a lot of Canadians go there on on holiday all the time. There are lots of flights and I know Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's right.

Cuba. I, mean,, why, would, you, want, to, go, like cuz it's beautiful or Well,, there's, our, quote, for, the, day.

I, mean,, [ __ ], it. Enjoy, your, uh, your, vacation. I, mean,, it's, an, incredible, place,, you know.

How, many, demographics, are, you, trying, to get rid of at once, man? You, don't, know., I, just, I, just, didn't know what the draw was. Like, I know what the draw is. Put the shovel down.

It's, got, incredible, culture., serious guy. Okay., Okay., Okay., I, just, didn't, know what to drive.

Hey,, I, can't, wait, to, go, to, Cuba. They, feel, the, same, way, about, you, and, the mall. What's their dream?

Why, does, he, go, to, the, mall, all, the, time? Okay., So,, anyway,, Oscar,, um,, so, I, grew, I grew up super super Catholic. You grew up very is it safe to say evangelical or Christian?

Evangelical. Now,, let's, get, into, religion., What?, No, I think it's f I think it's fascinating because

you, know, because, they, you, you, were, like devout talking, spiritual, abuse.

Totally., Totally., I, love, talking, about we don't have to talk about it but I I love

do, cuz, I, don't, I, know, zero, about religion. Please educate. I, I, mean,, you, know,, it's, it, there's, some wonderful Catholics, there's some wonderful Christians, and then there's the ones that are beyond hypocritical that

But, do, you, guys, know, like, what, is, the difference between Catholic, Christian Evangelical uh Episcopalian Protestant Methodist Lutheran?

They're, all, Christian., They're, all, under this big umbrella of Christian Christianity right?

But, how, what, is, the, big, is, there, a singular difference that that separates each one of them? like as far as interpretation of the Bible goes or

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yeah., I, guess short, answer kind of got but, is, it, but, is, it, like, an, identifiable like could it be a Jeopardy question like what is the single difference between Lutheran and Episcopalian? Is it

like, put, it, this, way, like, the, Episcop Episcopal Church came from is Church of England, right? And it was established as a as a sort of an offshoot of Catholicism because Henry VII wanted to be able to divorce his wife. Jesus Christ. So he established the Church of England. Luther comes along and then so of course it's a little bit different. It's kind of like uh a lot of people describe uh uh Church of England as sort of Catholic light without all the pageantry. That's a sort of a simplistic view and then there are all these different Yeah.

Yeah., In, Catholicism, there's, a, lot, more inter intercessors I guess is a word you know like the saints and people that you pray to and

like, you, said, the, pageantry, um, which, to go to Frankenstein is a very Catholic Mexican. Look at this pro

[ __ ], version, of, but, he, talks, about, it very much in that way you know the Christ figure like the forensic nature of the crucifixion.

Yes. How, about, when, how, about, in, the, movie when the monster is up in the thing? It was just

just, shy, of, being, a, cross. Definitely., No,, we, called, it, the crucifixion. There's even a thorn, you know, the the metal thorns on the head.

No,, totally., I, thought, it, was, cool., But that but did was that a conscious choice of GMO or whoever to not make it a a specific cross but just at an angle?

Have, it, a, little, bit, angle? Yeah., You, know what, I, mean? Yeah., I, wasn't, wasn't, an, accident.

Now,, is, is, working, with, GMO, del, Toro everything that you would hope and think that it that it is? He he just strikes me as just such an infectiously enthusiastic and kind leader, not to mention his his creative abilities are just unmatched. Um Yeah. Yeah. It was uh it was I had I was like a kid. There was just so much joy. It was so much so much fun. It was this particular approach to it too where I mean well while he was writing it he's like I'm making you a banquet and and really he really did it was just like a feast of stuff to do every day. We only spoke in Spanish to each other.

We, would, he, would, uh, he, would, direct, in jokes mostly like dirty Mexican jokes but also in like and and he he was just uh ebulent really funny. There was no whispering behind monitors, you know. It's like if there was a problem everybody knew it. If something was great, everybody knew it.

Oh,, that's, amazing. Um,, it, was, just, really,, really, fun., He would, um, and it's like zero pretention whatsoever. You know, he was, he'd be like,

"Uh,, Karon,, I, need, I, need, a, lot, of, hamon on this one." He's like, "Camon, hamon with with mustard and mayonnaise to make it go down easy. I just need you to look up and look right past the camera and hold it." Or there you'd be like, "I need you to I need you to do the Maria Christina," which is like a tel nolla thing, you know? He's like, "I need you to be in profile." And then walk across a counter to him and then stop and turn around and look

right?, Super, dramatic, you, know?, He's, like,, "Just, give, it, to me. Give this make this one Mexican happy." You know

I, love, that, the, scope, of, the, movie, is, so massive. Like it How long was the shoot? I mean, it it spanned nearly eight months.

Wow. Um,, with, where, was, it?, There, was, a two-month break where he shot miniatures in in London.

Uh,, we, shot, it, in, Toronto, and, in, the, UK, Scotland. And do, you, do, you, when, you, do, something, like that with a with a director like that who has such a vision, right? And he has and and he has a such a but but from what I understand from you also a very collaborative uh uh u spirit. Do you uh and not to get sort of too but do you when you are in that your your ability what are what are the sort of the parameters or are there any of of sort of bringing stuff in your thoughts and feeling like you can just go out on a limb

uh, with, a, guy, like, him, is, it, just, pretty wide open in that way it, is, like, that, was, the, one, thought, when I was going into it like I know he's an animator I know like the visual language is so precise

um, And, so, I,, you, know,, I, went, in expecting, like,, all right,, the constraints are going to be tight, but that's the that's the job. But, uh, he actually was in in a very different, he he talks about like making the movie with Bradley really shifted him like it really opened him up

in, like, an, amazing, way., And, he, credit Nightmare Alley. Yeah,, Nightmare, Alley., He, credits, him, a lot with like

just, him, learning, how, to, listen, to, the movie. He would talk a lot about that while we were shooting it. just like the movie kind of tells you what it needs.

In, fact,, at, one, point, I, was, saying, like I don't you know I'm I find myself like am I not shaking it up enough? Am I not like being kind of dangerous enough and going out on a limb enough? And he's like no that's that's an idea.

It's, like, the, movie, kind, of, tells, you what it needs and what however you're responding is what it's needing.

And, if, it's, needing, you, to, be, this, way then then don't second guess that so much. He he gave a lot of feeling to all of us

of, like, you, can't, fail., I, wrote, this stuff for you. It's there's nothing to like reach for

right? Which, was, great., Uh, and, also, but, you know but also there it was a very it's a very specific kind of performance. He said you know it's not naturalistic. It's heightened.

I, want, speed, of, language,, speed, of thought. There's not a lot of pausing for you guys.

Um, it's, it's, kind, of, high, camp., um, and high melodrama and just all heart like that's what he wants it to be in a while. So he was really specific about the tone before you guys got started.

That's, helpful., That, God, that's, really helpful I bet. For, sure., Um, and, did, he, did, he, did, he attempt to sort of give you a taste for that collectively by doing any sort of like table reads ahead of time or rehearsals in a group on like around a table?

No,, he, didn't, want, to, do, that, so, much. We had we did have one big table read.

Mhm., uh, with, like, the, execs, and, all that. Uh and that was it. I mean, he you know, because he was quite protective of the script as he was writing it.

Yeah. Um, you, know,, I, think, partly, out, of, just like a little insecurity as well, like I'm not sure it's quite there yet.

Um, and, so, he, kept, adjusting, and, I, mean every day he was working like even behind the monitor he was drawing his um

uh, storyboards. He would be quilting the movie as we went along. Like sometimes you would do a take and he would like put it right into the flow of the edit. So he would just show you like we did the last scene of the movie and the next day he came in with you know Johan Johansson music on it and

showed, the, edited, scene, to, me. How, did, you, how, did, how, did, you, like that or how did it affect what you were doing?

Well, that, I, mean, that, example, in particular was was interesting because you know it was the last scene of the movie and so I I want to try to to talk about it without giving too much away a bit. It's like a highly emotional crescendo of the whole thing.

And, you, know,, I, spent, the, day, like, in the zone like listening to all my sad sack music and you know, like looking at pictures of of sad times, you know doing like the full anti Mike Nichols moment and

this, is, in, the, Arctic, in, the, Arctic, right? Yeah., In, the, ship. Yeah. And, you, know,, and, like, did, you, know, and I went in and like didn't talk to anybody and I laid down. We did this scene and there was tears and everybody was really happy and GMO was you know high five and oh yeah we got it and then the next day he showed it to me and I was like I don't I don't really buy it like me me I was like I don't I was like was that take five? I thought take five was the good take. He's like that's take five coming on. I was like I don't think that's take five and then we looked and it wasn't take five but then take five wasn't that much better either. Was it was it because do you think that you came in with too much of that? Too much of this and not listen check out what happened. So then then then uh uh I was sitting there and then GMO comes over and he's like what's what's wrong? I was

supposed to just do like a little insert of my hand grabbing his hand and he's like what's wrong? I was like I don't know man. I'm feeling a little insecure. And he's like well you are an actor. I was, like, I, know, I, know, but, but but, I just feel like should I have looked up maybe when I said sorry? Should I have I just, And, he's, like, no, no no, no, no., Those are all ideas. you know, you were honest and you thought about your mom and you thought about all these things and that was there and I was like, "All right okay." And then I went away for like 30 minutes and um I was like "Well, I just have, to, be a, dead, body, for, the, rest, of the day." And I came back and he had set up a whole different thing and I was like "What are we doing?" He's like "We're going to do it again. We're going to do your close-up again." And he's like,

"Yesterday from, yesterday.", And, he's, like,, "You know what?, It's, okay., Like,, we're, going to see if you know, we definitely have something. If you don't have anything that's okay. I'll just make fun of you for the rest of your life." you know

win-win., And, so,, like,, really, quickly, I'm like throwing on my earpods to try to like find a song to get me sad, you know, like I'm trying to do all the [ __ ]

and, I, just, I, didn't, have, any, time., I like laid down and, we, did, it and, we, did, like, four, takes

and, it, was, way, better, just, like, I, was, I didn't have time to try to like evoke anything

or, like, it, was, like, more, sober., It, was more severe. It just was like it was just was

you, didn't, have, to, bring, a, preconceived idea of what it should be as opposed to just letting it be.

Yeah., And, that's, what's, in, it's, what's what's in the film, you know. I, love, that.

We'll, be, right, back. And now back to the show. So,, but, that, that, adjustment, in, your performance came as a result of you watching what you were doing. And are you are you good about that? cuz I I'm sure you've worked as many actors as as we have, but but like some actors they they just they don't watch themselves. They can't watch themselves. I learned so much from seeing how bad I am. Sometimes it's like, "Oh, don't do that anymore." Or you think it's coming across this way, but it actually comes across.

That's, what, I, asked, Kristoff, Waltz, who's on it, right? It's like [ __ ] legend. I asked him specifically about that and he's like he doesn't watch. He's like because it's okay if you watch and you think it's not good. But the bad thing is when you watch it, you think it's good

and, like, that, can, be, way, worse. Why, is, that, bad? Because, then, it's, cut, together, and you're like, oh, maybe it wasn't that great

or, there's, just, like, a self-consciousness or you think, you know, it's just for him. But but this was but there's many times when I've watched something and I'm like I can do it better and I just and I can't. You know, it's it's in so I don't know, man. I don't know. But but that was there was a moment there after I that happened where I was like well this mean I have to watch every [ __ ] take or every scene and I just said no you know it I think yeah I it's for me it's not like a definitive

sure thought, of, like, one, or, the, other. Um, I've, also, asked, a, bunch, of, people this this question as well but um uh with all

Are, you, single? Yeah., And, what, is, your, sign, and, your rising? Um, with the incredible directors that you've worked with, uh do you ever fantasize about cherry-picking from each one of them and becoming a smoking director yourself?

Um, yeah, I sometimes. Yeah. I mean, I thought originally that's what I kind of was more into. Like I came into like acting all from like making movies with friends and doing that and

Yeah. Um,, yeah., Uh,, yeah., I, think, about, it sometimes. Oh,, that, would, you'd, be, incredible.

Please,, too., You, you'd, be, great when, you, say, think, about, sometimes, I wanted to do you have an idea in your mind of something that's kind of back there.

I, don't, that's, why, that's, why, I'm, like until that thing happens where it's like I I you know I think until that happens what scares me a little bit is just I'm incredibly indecisive

as, just, a, human, being, like, even, with, the menu or with anything I just get

I, get, just, crippled, like, I, I, don't, I don't know. So like someone being like red shirt or blue shirt I'd be like ah I don't know.

Oh, yeah. But but but I guess it's also a conversation., It's, like, I, don't know what's the you know so kind of looking at it maybe it's more of a conversation than a decision is

rightful., Right., Right. How, do, you, do, that, Jason? I, mean, you, if, you, I, I, when, somebody, told me once it's okay to say you don't know it it freed me up a lot like that that's actually a great a great answer when they come to you with all those thousands of questions. You say I'm going to come back to you on that. Give me a second to think about that. Um

yeah, it's, okay, to, do, that., Yeah,, it's, it alleviates a lot of the You, mean, in, life,, Sean?, You're, saying, I know. I mean it. I'm being serious. I think it's a really important life. I I do it too also when people go, they want an answer. I'm like, well, I I somebody told me like I don't have to answer them on their timeline.

That's, right., Yeah., I, only, learned, it, in like last 10 years where I've said a year ago.

I, don't, know, what, that, word, means., I don't know what you're talking about. What can you repeat what you just said? Like I I I don't care anymore. Um, but the I want to get back to um, well, I don't care about being perceived as like this. Yeah. No, I understand what you're saying.

You, know,, you, actually, help, me, with, like the not remembering people. Like I I just go out on a limb and I'll try I'll think I think your name is this

I'm, wrong. It's, okay., They, say, they, say,, "Nope, it's not Kathy. It's Melissa." And I'm like "Sorry."

I, go, I, I, go, a, step, further., I, go,, "I think your name should be this."

Sign, a, name., Wait,, so, a, little, more, of your of of your personal stuff, Oscar if you don't mind. Like your wife is this Alvir Lind. She's beautiful talented, incredible documentary filmmaker.

Really? Um,, yeah,, she's, incredible., Incredible. And she I just saw the trailer and I did not know this until I was researching you for King Hamlet, which

I, can't, wait, to, watch., It's, you, playing. It's it What is it? Is it the making of the play Hamlet and it's following you around from about the process from rehearsal to Is that what it is?

Yeah., So, in, 2017, it, was, this, crazy confluence of things that happened where um my mother passed away in February. My we got married in March. In April our first child was born. And in April I started rehearsals for Hamlet. Like this 4hour version of Wow Hamlet. this thing that I, you know, was working on for like 12 years. And so her being a documentary filmmaker and having a new baby and like just kind of not knowing how to process this, you know, she's from Denmark, too, and she's kind of thrust into this whole other world of stuff. She just started picking up a camera and started filming. You know around that time before before that, we were also filming like I would play music and she would like film little music videos and we would put them on Vimeo and stuff

right? And, um, and, so, it, was, kind, of, a, natural extension of that. So she just started filming because the idea was she was going to film some of the making of of this project and when all this stuff started happening, she just kept filming. So like when I went down to my mom for hospice, she was kind of there and I told her, you know, this the only way we can do this is if it's okay if this never sees the light of day as well.

And, she, said,, "Yeah,, of, course., Of course. I don't even know what I'm doing. I'm just filming because I don't know what the [ __ ] else to do." And so so that's what we did. And she filmed this whole process. and then um put it away and then about a year ago took out the hard drives and started looking through it and started piecing it together with her great editor that she's worked with.

Really, cool. And, then, she, kind, of, came, up, with, this kind of beautiful movie about what kind of what we do, right? Which is like how you deal with your life and how those things intertwine. And

yeah. Um did, she, did, she, did, she, say, to, you, "Hey, remember that thing we said we'd never show the light of day? I'm I'm working on it." Did Did she tell you?

She, like, Or, or, does, she, show, you something first? She, showed, me, something, first., She's like, "Hey, I've been putting this thing together. What do you think of this?" And Yeah. And I watched it. I was like I don't know what I think of that, but keep going. You know, keep keep going.

Oh,, that's, really, cool., And, with, a newborn on her hip the entire time. Yeah., How, did, she, sounds, incredible?, My god.

Yeah,, she's, incredible., Yeah., And, she shot it as well. And it's very it's very funny, too, because it's just it's the absurdity of everything that's happening. and

must, have, been, very, vulnerable, to, to watch that. Yeah., Yeah., To, watch, it, again., I, mean,, I hadn't seen any of that footage especially with my mom and our family and

you, know,, it, was, uh, Yeah,, it, was, really really intense, but really proud of her for doing it.

How, did, you, guys, uh, how, did, you, guys meet? Was it a Giuliard? No,, no,, no., She, she, happened, to, be, uh, in New York working on something

right?, And, uh, she, it, was, like, a, movie she had finished and it was like some afterparty for it. And my manager at the time was like you gotta come to this party and I was like I'm not I am preparing for my Cohen brothers movie. I'm not going to go to this thing. He's like you got

dude, there's, this, chick. You, got, to, you, just, got, to, come., And, I was, like, all right, but, I'm, going, to, go dressed as Lon Davis

my, hat, and, my, guitar. Yeah., Well, this, is, before, I, had, started right. But I dressed in the outfit and I was like and I'm going to go and I'm going to like uh I'm going to try to do this thing where I I can project warmth without smiling.

See, if, I, can, do, it,, you, know. Sure. Or, like, tell, a, joke, but, not, laugh, to, let anybody know it's a joke and let's see what happens, you know.

Wow., And, uh, and, so, I, went, in, and, I, was like sitting there with my fingerless gloves and eating and nobody else was eating and and her being like a you know a documentarian was like who's this little brown weirdo you know in the corner and uh and like comes over and starts talking to me and and uh and then I told her I was a musician.

No, way., No, way., Yeah., Perhaps, you've heard of the closet heterosexuals. And, at, one, point, she's, like, are, you, I can't tell. are you flirting with me?

Uhhuh. And, I, was, like,, yeah,, yeah,, I, am. A, face. That's, how, it, started.

Uh,, you're, not, Are, are, you, a, Are are, you a cat guy? I'm sure you asked you. I bet they bet that was the question at the junket, wasn't it?

That, was, the, question. Do, you, play, guitar, and, are, you, a, cat guy? It's, so, funny, like, a, lot, of, these, things that I'm saying too, like I do realize I do they're anecdotes that I have said before and so

but, they're, funny, like, after, you, say, I don't, know if, you, guys, get, this,, but like saying anecdotes after a while you feel like I think I'm lying

right? so much. I don't think this is true. Yeah., Yeah., Yeah., For, sure. But,, uh,, hang, on, with, Star, Wars., We'll get to it. I know.

I, know., But,, but, June,, I, know., I, can't wait. I, I, I, I, I, used, to, think, that, I, could speak to cats, so I would like go to the backyard and and like meow a lot and cats would come.

Oh,, boy., Hang, on, a, second. Let's, just, pause, in, here, for, a, second, Oscar. Go ahead. Elaborate.

That, was, it., It, was, just, like rare. And, they, would, pick, out., That's, why, you like the joke. That's why you like that joke so much.

All, right,, I, don't, have, a, lot, of, time. Hit, him, with, the, sci-fi. I, don't, have, a, lot, of, time., I, got, to, get through this stuff because I want to know about

Exmachina., I've, seen Xmachina., Incredible. Listen,, listen, me., I've, seen, it, like, 10 times. I know. I know every line. Scotty and I quote it all the time

you, know., Uh, we, still, go, uh, Kiyoko, Go, right? It's That made me laugh. Sorry. Wait. So, and it came out in 2014.

Yeah., How, crazy. Can, you, believe, the, relevance, it, has today? Yeah. Yeah., I, mean,, Alex, Garland,, he's, just

wild,, isn't, it? Yeah., Yeah., He, keyed, into, this, thing, and even the way that we gather information you know, he talk, you know, Nathan, the character I play um, talks about like, well, yeah, you know, I'm going to I gather all the signals from all the cell phones and I get it all and that's how

I, mean,, everything, you, talked, about, in the movie is happening right now. It's crazy.

Yeah., Yeah., I, I, just Yeah., I, wonder, does, that, occur, to, you when you see stuff or you're reading stuff that's going on in the world and you go, "Yeah, yeah." And like I I was there.

Yeah., Yeah., It, it, was, it, but, it, felt like that when I I read the script and then Alex Garland and I kept like talking about it and working on it. We would look at it from every angle and look at like the current uh you know literature and everything that was going on at the time and it just

it, felt, like, completely, locked, in, and you know Yeah., It's, it's, amazing, how, it, holds, up. Alex Garland is I mean this guy I mean right I mean

well, let's, hope, not, all, your, films, are harbingers uh Dune is a pretty bleak look into our future but now incredible film my god

amazing, and, you're, amazing, in, it, and Dindy Villanu like you get to you get all the you get all the great ones that you get to work with I read this I want you to tell the guys if you want to I can, tell, it, which, is, one, of the, best pranks I've ever heard of on any film shoot on Dune when you after the nude scene Speaking of dance belts.

Speaking, of, dance, belts. Go, ahead., You, can, tell, it. Well,, it's, called, What, is, it, really called? You call it a [ __ ] sock, right?

Well,, um, or, a, modesty, sock. Modesty, stock., That's, what, it, is. Modesty stock.

Not, everybody, calls, it, that,, but, yeah, I'm, going to, get, it, wrong,, but, you, you you left your you so you did the scene and you had a quote modesty sock on

and, you, put, it, in, Denise, jacket, pocket, right? and his chest bucket and, he, later, pulled, it, out.

Yeah., Yeah., Well,, I, left, and, then, I, got a picture of him holding it like what the [ __ ]

at, the, dinner, table, after, the, take. That's hilarious. And, then, he, said, I, he, says, this, is, true that Momma asked for it.

Oh, my, god. Oh,, really?, Really?, Well,, they'd, be smart to get it. They'd, be, smart.

Hopefully, they, got, a, wall, big, enough, or Yeah,, right. Good, for, you., Good, for, you., Good, for you. Uh Shanie, anything on Star Wars?

Yeah,, just, the, dumb, question,, the obvious questions like are you a fan right?, Tattoo, in, a, real, place,

right?, Look, at, this. What's, Darth, Vader, like, in, the, morning? No., Were, the, the, the, basic, questions, were you a fan? Were you freaked out that you got the part? Like was it were you a huge fan as a kid? No, but my family were huge huge fans like collectors and you know my my uncle in particular was massive massive.

You, loved, making, that, phone, call. Oh, man,, that, phone, call, was, h, it, was great and he came he was an extra a couple times. He got remember I brought him and he you know he he died a couple years ago which was you know but so rest in peace but it was the most amazing thing like I brought him

and, I, couldn't, find, him, and, he, was, like in Carrie Fischer's trailer just like hanging out.

Yeah,, that's, crazy, to, me., That's, crazy. I mean Scotty and I just visited the set of the new Star Wars movie with uh Sean Levy directing uh when I was in London and we got to go to the creature shop. I mean we that's like everything we're for., I, don't, know if, you're, into, that, but I was just like, it's so it's so cool that you were part of the reboot of this franchise. You were the the first

part, of, the, reboot., I, mean,, wild., And look at where it's at now. It's like last night at the dinner table, chasing and we're all sitting around and out of nowhere, I go, "Has anybody seen the trailer for Mandalorian and Grou?"

Just, silence., Nobody. Except, I, said, I, seen, it, and, it's fantastic. Yes., I, can't, wait, to, see, that, movie.

And, you, didn't, you, say, Yeah., that, you you have not seen the trailer or you refuse to see the trailer or

me?, No., God,, I, saw, it, sound, on, or something like that. Oh no,, no,, no., I, saw, it., I, love, it.

Oh,, no., There, was, a, guy, I, uh, I, was, with yesterday uh said that he he he will not see it yet cuz it'll get his he won't see it until it's closer to release because he's just going to get too excited.

You, can't, sustain, the, excitement, level. Yeah. Um, All right., Rapid, fire, before, we, let you go. Ready?

Yeah., If, we, were, roommates, for, a, week, what would be the one Oscar Isaac Cork that would drive me insane? And what's the one that I would love?

You, cook., Sean. Sean,, look, at, you. I, don't, really, cook., I, mean,, I, can, cook, but I don't cook a lot.

So, So, Sean's, not, happy, with, that., What would he love? Oh, god., Um, what, would, drive, you?

He, wouldn't, love, that., I, don't, cook, very much. Uh, what would you love? Um, I I um

theater, stories. Theater, stories., Hugs., I'm, very affectionate. Oh,, he, loves, a, hug.

There, you, go. Inappropriate,, unnecessary. Yeah., Impromptu, hugs. Hug, hugs., Hug, hugs.

Who's, Who, Who's, most, likely, to, win, in, a board game? You, Jessica Chastain, or Ethan Hawk?

Oh., Um,, I, guess, it, depends, on, the, board game, but uh, you know Scrabble., How, about, Scrabble?

Sure., Sure., Uh,, I'm, going, to, go, with Ethan cuz, you know, he's like a poet and a writer and he's just uh, you know that's kind of

I, can't, wait, to, see, his, show individually. He's I, know., Me,, too., He's, so, incredible, that day.

Yeah., Love, him. Yeah. And, you, I, love, that, you, I I, read, that you improvise for your two sons. No. What?

You, just, sit, there, with, you, sit, there with a guitar and you just make up songs for them.

I, I, did., Well,, now, it's, funny, cuz, like, I I did that for a while and then they were like, "Please stop."

And, so they, got, old, enough, to, say, stop. Yeah., that, they, just, didn't, like whenever I would like play guitar or sing. And that went away for a bit, but recently in the last year it's I just bought this looper pedal.

So, like, and, we've, got, this,, you, know, I'll just kind of show you a little bit like we got like old drums here. Look at this.

My, guitars., There's, the, looper, pedal down there. Um, and, so, we've, just, been, making, a, lot of music together.

How, old, are, they? Uh, he's, going, to, turn, six., Mads, is, going to turn six on Sunday and Eugene is eight.

Oh, my, god., Wow. Prime, time. I, know., That's, so, good, to, get, them, into that young.

And, how, old, were, you, when, you, started playing piano? Five. Really? There, you, go.

Yeah., Um, Um, Um, What, do, they, Do, they, Have they seen Dad's movies or anything?

Yeah., Yeah,, they've, seen, some, of, them. They've seen Star Wars. Eugene was actually asking me about Star Wars yesterday.

How, are, they, with, the, notes?, Are, they kind with the notes or they They're, They're, They're, a, little, tough with the notes, I got to say.

Kids, Kids, are, tough., I, can't, I, can't, say enough about you and Frankenstein. I just think it's an incredible performance. It just blew me away.

I, can't, say, enough, about, you, and everything, Austin, including this interview. You were you were fantastic and you were very nice to join us.

Really,, really, cool. Thanks,, guys., And, I, will, I, can't, wait, to see what you did in that movie, man.

Where, do, you, see, that?, He, and, Bradley just rocked it. Thanks,, man., Uh, no,, you're, one, of, the you're one of the great You're one of our greats, man. For real. Oscar, I've had the uh and you're a great dude. We've we hung out a couple times. You're such a great dude. It's so good to see you man.

Thank, you, for, being, here,, man., Enjoy, the rest of your day. Good luck with Frankenstein. We're all going to go see it.

Thank, you,, Oscar. Thanks,, buddy. Thanks,, guys. Thanks,, Oscar. Bye,, pal. Bye.

Well,, that, was, tough, saying, good, night to Oscar there. Yeah, I could talk to him forever.

Oh, my, god,, he's, in, so, many, of, my favorite movies. I mean, that ex Machina is just incredible.

But, you, But, wait,, do, you, see Frankenstein? I, can't, wait. Everything, that, guy, does, is, so incredible.

I, know., How, is, somebody, so, good? You, I, know., He's, so, good. Um it's, all, I, have, to, say., I'm, like, blown away. I'm literally We're all thinking here about all his different performances. You're like, "Oh yeah he's so good in that. Oh, he's so good in that." Yeah.

Do, you, think, it's, something, in, the, water at Giuliard or do you think they they come in they come in?

I, think, they, do, a, pretty, good, job, of, of vetting and and you know there aren't but what we should do is we should do an episode where we have the people from Giuliard who never did [ __ ]

Yeah., Right. Right., To, have, them, on. Yeah., Right., Or, the, people, that, didn't make it in, you know.

Or, the, people, who, didn't, make, was, us., So there there's, a, there's, the, first, three.

Doesn't, get, shittier, than, us., And, then do, you, think, they, Yeah., Do, you, think they do like do you think they teach people musicals in in Jill?

Like, what?, Like, can, you, think, of, any other top of your your head? Like, maybe, like, bye, bye, birdie.

Why, don't, you, commit, to, it? Bye, birdie. Bye, bye. Bye, birdie. That, was, a, really, short, outro.

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Questions about this episode

What is discussed in "Oscar Isaac | SmartLess"?

In order: 0:00 SmartLess, Hollywood Bowl, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lang, Caroline; 5:00 Frankenstein; 10:00 Amy Lynn Bradley, Broadway, Circulation, Instagram; 15:00 Broadway; 20:00 Broadway; 25:00 Broadway, Frankenstein; 30:00 Frankenstein; 35:00 Amy Lynn Bradley; 40:00 Circulation; 55:00 Frankenstein, Amy Lynn Bradley, SmartLess.

What is mentioned in this SmartLess episode?

20 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Frankenstein, Broadway, SmartLess, Circulation, Amy Lynn Bradley, Hollywood Bowl. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Oscar Isaac | SmartLess"?

The episode runs 59 min; the transcript is about 12,929 words in 372 timestamped sections.

More from SmartLess

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated November 18, 2025.