Full Directors Roundtable: Bradley Cooper, Greta Gerwig, Michael Mann, Ava DuVernay & More

Ava DuVernay ('Origin'), Blitz Bazawule ('The Color Purple'), Bradley Cooper ('Maestro'), Greta Gerwig ('Barbie'), Michael Mann ('Ferrari') and Todd Haynes ('May December') join THR in Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter. The stars talk about bringing the director's vision to life, diving into a scene and being inspired be each other's work in this updated roundtable format hosted by Yvonne Orji. Shot on the Sony Burano.

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Full Directors Roundtable: Bradley Cooper, Greta Gerwig, Michael Mann, Ava DuVernay & More

The Hollywood Reporter

[subberfischer]

Guillermo del Toro makes me cry even when he's not directly involved. The man is a walking lesson in humanity.

[-rapha]

I'm a little.. shocked? at how kind & supportive the tone is here from the veteran directors to the newbies.. its refreshing! Great conversation

[krasipaskalevv]

This was one of the most wholesome conversations I have ever seen. Each of these people is so supportive, open-minded and talented. Incredible Directors. And the Guillermo love! An hour was not enough.

[Galactic]

Man Guillermo Del Toro is like a mythical creature behind the scenes encouraging all his friends to keep making great films. He's like the bard in DND just buffing everybody.

[daniescobarm]

I gotta admit i was initially a bit disappointed to see some of this year’s big names missing but this roundtable was INCREDIBLE. One of the best I’ve seen on here. The conversation flowed so naturally, it was such a great balance of more experienced VS younger directors, such diverse backgrounds and experiences. The moderator did amazing, letting them take over and just interjecting when absolutely needed. I loved this THR, thank you 🫶🏽

[samanthah]

I love the Guillermo was one of the people pushing Ava. He’s pushed so many boundaries with his stories and he pushes directors that do the same. I love him so much.

[Largopoint]

DuVernay’s reveal about her friendship and the support she got from Del Toro was quite moving. I guess I imagine people as accomplished as she are full of confidence and conviction every step of the way. But sometimes they aren’t.

[cinefiend]

I'm not part of the industry. I'm not a critic. I'm not a film professor. I just love movies and as someone who has watched pretty much every roundtable, this is absolutely one of my faves. People will argue about who deserves to be here. And maybe some had scheduling conflicts or whatever. But Hollywood Reporter is very smart in selecting these filmmakers: from actor/directors, musician/director, publicist turned director, veteran filmmakers who have been in the biz for so long. Each shared some incredible anecdotes that made this episode feel like it can go on for days. The connectivity; the drive; the passion to have an idea of a film, then to have it greenlit, then make it. Not every director gets to do that and Bazawule's journey had me riveted and made me happy he was able to fulfill that dream. DuVernay's mention of both Mann and Guillermo del Toro's support and guidance was so damn sweet. Greta's mention of Todd's movie being the first to present a different perspective about Barbie and Bradley's drive to keep going due to Michael. Much love and congrats to these immense talents.

[areapictures]

When Michael Mann tells you that the staging of your opening scene was fantastic, you know you've made it as a director.

[sheren_b]

I love that anecdote about Guillermo del Toro helping Ava DuVernay because GDT loves cinema so of course he will make sure to help and support when he can, he's also been thru various systems and situation that would be pushing back and even sabotaging him so he gets what she was going thru and what any of them can and will experience when going up against studios. We need more GDT's and I hope we can get more people like him at the executive level (probably impossible) and at the mentorship level so that directors can feel that supported and advocated for when theyre making their films.

[agraciotti]

Michael Mann tribute section was so great to see! <3

[c.bluefilms]

Whenever Rebecca Keegan's at the moderator helm, I can always trust that a great roundtable discussion is about to unfold. Thank you for continually bringing her back each year, THR. She's a maestro herself at creating a space where artists can share a discussion with such organic fluidity. AND she makes it look so much easier than it probably, actually is. A+++ 💯

[eme.]

The deep interest and respect shown towards each other around the table was something to aspire to; also, bravo to the interviewer, she demonstrated true virtuosity.

[ranibatra]

Whole lotta love around this table. No ego, just so much respect and kindness. Great roundtable!

[richkee]

That one part where Ava lists how her previous works have led up to Origin, and mentions Selma, 13th and When They See Us in succession... it really is incredible that she did all of those. She's incredible.

[comment]

This one has the most chemistry among the directors. Love it. Also love seeing the real deal filmmakers acknowledging Bradley Cooper while nobodies on Twitter discrediting him. Maestro is a great film.

[pattyw]

I adore Ava so much, she's such an inspiration. I'm floored by her intelligence and her tenacity and her work.

[milanmilutinovic]

Blitz has incredible underdog story, these American directors will never understand the struggle of making a film in a small or undeveloped country. I appreciate him so much and I wish him the best of luck in the future, what a great human being ❤️

[PictureBoxPuppy]

I love that they talked about dealing with studios/producers and managing their teams.

[kristinawalla]

at 15:41 i love what Blitz Bazawule is saying here about the insight and compassion he brought in for what it's like to be trying to come out of a traumatised state.
What a beautiful person he seems to be. I haven't seen the movie yet and love& cherish theColor Purple with Whoopie Goldberg, but hearing him makes me plan to go out n see his version soon ❤