Overview

"The Comeback Trail" has reached #1 on Paramount+, featuring an all-star cast including De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, and Morgan Freeman, with director George Gallo sharing insights about working with these legendary actors and his philosophy of collaborative filmmaking.

Gallo reveals the decade-long journey of "Midnight Run" from rejected script to cult classic, highlighting how De Niro's surprising comedy skills and Charles Grodin's perfect "ball busting" chemistry created what many consider an "almost perfect movie" with the ideal balance of comedy and action.

After 40 years in the industry and 100 screenplays (20 produced), Gallo emphasizes the value of persistence and collaboration, sharing that he's currently working on multiple projects including a horror film and a Carlo Gambino biopic.

Comedian Gary Owen discusses his unconventional career path from Navy Honor Guard to becoming "America's favorite white comedian" with a predominantly Black audience, performing ceremonial duties at military funerals and presidential inaugurations before transitioning to comedy.

Owen shares industry insights about joke theft, audience demographics, and his new stand-up special on Mint Comedy, emphasizing his belief that "you don't choose your audience; they choose you."

Content

The Adam Carolla Show with George Gallo and Gary Owen

George Gallo Segment

George Gallo discusses his recent film "The Comeback Trail" starring Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, Morgan Freeman, and Zach Braff, which is currently #1 on Paramount+.

The conversation explores the mystique around actors like Robert De Niro, noting that less public knowledge about actors can make their performances more compelling.

Tommy Lee Jones' "quietly brilliant" performance in "No Country for Old Men" is highlighted, with Gallo mentioning being inspired by Jones' monologue in that film.

Discussion shifts to "Midnight Run," which received 95% on Rotten Tomatoes:

- Considered an "almost perfect movie" with good comedy, action, and intrigue - De Niro excelled in comedy by "playing it straight" despite being known for serious roles - Charles Grodin is described as an "underrated actor" with a reputation for being somewhat difficult - Grodin hosted a news variety show on CNBC/MSNBC from 1995-1998 and passed away around 2021

The development of "Midnight Run" is detailed:

- Initially written as a two-thirds complete draft - Marty Bress became involved after directing Beverly Hills Cop - De Niro was cast despite never having done comedy before - Grodin's audition involved "ball busting" De Niro, which impressed everyone - The script had been rejected for 10 years because it was about making a movie with constant setbacks

De Niro insights:

- He compared his character to Wile E. Coyote - Surprisingly, he knows detailed references to Wile E. Coyote episodes - Though considered a serious actor, he has extensive pop culture knowledge

Gallo shares his comedy preferences:

- Likes older comedies with "smarter" humor - Favorites include The Original In-Laws, Blazing Saddles, The Out-of-Towners, and Preston Sturges films - Appreciates rapid-fire dialogue and ensemble comedies

The conversation turns to Woody Allen films:

- "Take the Money and Run" is highlighted, particularly a scene where Allen cuts a circle of glass from a jewelry store window - The Sol Bossa Nova song from the film was later used in Austin Powers - "Crimes and Misdemeanors" is described as an "important movie" with dark themes and Alan Alda's notable performance

Gallo reflects on his career:

- Has written 100 screenplays, with 20 movies made - Early scripts include "Wise Guys" (starring Danny DeVito, Joe Piscopo, and Harvey Keitel) and "Midnight Run" - Emphasizes the low probability of success and the value of simply working in the field - Mentions being actively involved on set during "Midnight Run," with director Marty Breast wanting him present to contribute jokes and lines

Personal details about Gallo's wife Julie:

- They met when she was 19 (he was 25-26) - She works in modeling and acting - Produced "Comeback Trail" - They've been together 40 years

Gallo discusses his filmmaking philosophy:

- Values input from experienced actors like De Niro, Jones, and Freeman - Emphasizes being confident but open to collaborative input - Prefers keeping takes fresh and limiting repetition - Believes in continuously "throwing track ahead, like a moving train"

Shares an anecdote about working with Morgan Freeman:

- Was initially nervous about directing him - Freeman was professional and easy to work with, quickly putting him at ease - Their interaction ended with Freeman saying they would "get along just fine"

Current and upcoming projects:

- "The Comeback Trail" is currently top-ranked on Paramount+ - A horror movie (described as "Roman Polanski-style") - A comedy called "The Accidental Gangster" - A film about Carlo Gambino (co-written with Nick Vallelonga)

Gary Owen Segment

Gary Owen discusses his new stand-up special on Mint Comedy:

- Recorded over two shows in San Jose - Initially planned for one hour but ended up with two hours of material - Chose a paid distribution model after being accustomed to free content platforms

Owen shares a story about performing with Kid Rock at the Ryman:

- Kid Rock was drinking and smoking during the show - He walked out mid-performance to "help" the comedian - After the show, Kid Rock refused to take a picture, which Owen found amusing

The conversation touches on joke theft and unconscious borrowing:

- Damon Wayans accidentally used a Joe Rogan joke about a lion - Owen suggests people have an "infinite capacity" to unconsciously adopt ideas they like - The real offense in joke theft is continuing to use material after realizing it's not original - Owen doesn't watch full comedy specials to maintain the originality of his material

Owen's military background is explored in detail:

- Joined the Navy after meeting with recruiters from different military branches - Motivation was to escape his trailer park living situation and seek opportunities - First two years served as an Honor Guard in Washington, DC - Performed ceremonial duties like funerals and parades - After Honor Guard, became a Military Police (Mastered Arms) - Served 6 years total (longer than typical 4-year enlistment) - Received an honorable discharge with some medical benefits

Honor Guard experiences:

- Performed as a "body bearer" (casket carrier) at military funerals - Experienced emotional desensitization from frequent funeral duties - Shared an intense moment where a fellow honor guard member slipped into a grave during a ceremony - Participated in Clinton's 1993 inauguration - Performed ceremonial duties like 21-gun salutes and cannon fire ceremonies

Owen's comedy career beginnings:

- Started doing stand-up while still in the Navy - Won a contest for "the funniest black comedian" in San Diego - Was selected for BET's Comic View while still enlisted - Curtis Gatson offered him the hosting position with 6 months left in his enlistment - Navigated military permission to film the show with help from supportive Black chiefs - Performed shows six days a week in San Diego before transitioning to LA

Financial context:

- Initial Navy paychecks were around $512 for two weeks - Was making almost $30,000 annually when leaving the military - In mid-1980s, worked construction making $8-9/hour ($240/week) - Shared apartments with roommates to afford rent

Unique audience demographic:

- Recognized by Ebony magazine as "America's favorite white comedian" - Historically had an 80% black audience - Audience has diversified with social media platforms - "You don't choose your audience. They choose you."

Personal background:

- Grew up in a trailer park called Island Lake Mobile Community - Comfortable performing in diverse neighborhoods - Started comedy at the Comedy Store in La Jolla

The podcast concludes with information about Owen's upcoming shows:

- Performing at Tommy T's Comedy Club in Pleasanton, California - Also at Laugh Out Loud Comedy in San Antonio - Fans can find details at GaryOwen.Live

Trump’s Proposal to Bring Back Alcatraz + Smokey Robinson Allegations + Comedian Gary Owen + Screenwriter George Gallo

Overview

Content

The Adam Carolla Show with George Gallo and Gary Owen

George Gallo Segment

Gary Owen Segment

More from Adam Carolla Show

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