The No Film School Podcast

James Mangold Unwraps the Craft of "A Complete Unknown"

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In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman sit down with acclaimed director James Mangold to dive into the making of his latest film, A Complete Unknown. Known for iconic works like Logan and Ford v Ferrari, Mangold shares deep insights into his creative process, the importance of preparation, and how he navigates the complexities of storytelling. This holiday special offers invaluable lessons for filmmakers at every level.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and James Mangold discuss:

  • How Mangold approached depicting Bob Dylan’s relationships with iconic figures like Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash
  • The value of mentorship in filmmaking and how Alexander Mackendrick influenced Mangold’s career
  • Finding the balance between preparation and flexibility when directing
  • Mangold’s advice for capturing subtext and the unspoken dynamics between characters
  • The art of juxtaposition and how to craft impactful scene transitions


    • Memorable Quotes:

    • “You come to the set with a plan, but your actors are gonna add a lot, and you don’t want to be so slavish, so enslaved by your plan that you feel lost if an idea comes up with one of the actors that undermines the plan you came with.”
    • “The point for the director is to make everything look like you planned it—even if you didn’t.”
    • “What is the scene about, and what are the beats I must make sure the audience sees? Not lines, but what’s unsaid—the subtext, the human thought behind the eyes.”


      • Resources:

      • James Mangold on IMDb
      • Microbudget Workshop with GG Hawkins


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