A podcast about how to build a career in filmmaking. No Film School shares the latest opportunities and trends for anyone working in film and TV. We break news on cameras, lighting, and apps. We interview leaders in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and producing. And we answer your questions! We are dedicated to sharing knowledge with filmmakers around the globe, “no film school” required.
All content for The No Film School Podcast is the property of No Film School and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
A podcast about how to build a career in filmmaking. No Film School shares the latest opportunities and trends for anyone working in film and TV. We break news on cameras, lighting, and apps. We interview leaders in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and producing. And we answer your questions! We are dedicated to sharing knowledge with filmmakers around the globe, “no film school” required.
The Art of Coming Undone: Mary Bronstein on ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’
The No Film School Podcast
54 minutes
2 weeks ago
The Art of Coming Undone: Mary Bronstein on ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’
In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins speaks with writer-director Mary Bronstein about her searing psychological comedy-drama If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You. The film, starring Rose Byrne, Conan O'Brien, Christian Slater, and A$AP Rocky, explores the emotional breakdown of a woman navigating a mysterious illness in her child, an absentee husband, and a dangerously dependent relationship with her therapist. Premiering at Sundance and earning Rose Byrne a Silver Bear at Berlinale, the film has received critical acclaim for its raw emotional honesty and darkly comedic tone. Mary shares her deeply collaborative process with actors—particularly Byrne—and how performance, not just plot or technique, is the true core of her work.
In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Mary Bronstein discuss...
Mary’s non-traditional journey into directing via acting and method training
Why understanding acting is essential for directors
The intense six-week collaborative prep process Mary and Rose Byrne underwent to develop the character of Linda
How Mary tailors her directing style to unlock emotionally raw, performance-driven cinema
The importance of maintaining artistic integrity over commercial conformity
Why most screenwriting classes and formatting “rules” are, in Mary’s words, “bullshit”
The difference between directing for performance versus directing for aesthetics
Mary’s perspective on the resurgence of a new indie golden age
Memorable Quotes:
"If your performances are shit, your movie is shit to me." (12:49)
"By the time we get to set, there is nothing you could do that would be wrong." (30:34)
"My struggle is a creative one, not a commercial one." (42:08)
"You don’t wait for permission." (46:18)
Guests:
Mary Bronstein
Resources:
If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You is now in theaters via A24
Find No Film School everywhere:
On the Web: No Film School
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The No Film School Podcast
A podcast about how to build a career in filmmaking. No Film School shares the latest opportunities and trends for anyone working in film and TV. We break news on cameras, lighting, and apps. We interview leaders in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and producing. And we answer your questions! We are dedicated to sharing knowledge with filmmakers around the globe, “no film school” required.
