Conan Just Got Back From Sundance Film Festival | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Conan O'Brien discusses his unexpected foray into serious acting with his role in the Sundance Film Festival movie "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," directed by Mary Bronstein and starring Rose Byrne. Conan reflects on the unique experience of acting in a non-comedic role and attending the festival, highlighting Byrne's exceptional performance and humility. He shares his excitement about exploring new opportunities outside his comfort zone, including performing at the Newport Folk Festival. The conversation also touches on T-Mobile's travel perks, emphasizing seamless connectivity while traveling.

• Conan O'Brien introduces his podcast, "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend," with co-hosts Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley.
• Light-hearted banter among the hosts sets a casual and humorous tone for the episode.

"Hello and welcome to Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. It's me, Conan O'Brien, joined by Sona Movsesian, of course, Matt Gourley. How are you?"

• The hosts engage in friendly chatter, indicating a relaxed and humorous atmosphere for the podcast.

• Conan shares his recent experience at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.
• He mentions participating in a film titled "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," directed by Mary Bronstein.

"I just did a quick very quick 24-hour trip to Utah because I participated in the Sundance Film Festival."

• Conan's involvement in the Sundance Film Festival marks a significant event, showcasing his participation in a non-comedic film project.

• The film is described as different and powerful, with Conan playing a non-comedic role.
• The film is produced by A24, known for its prestigious projects, and stars Rose Byrne.

"I was approached by this very talented writer-director named Mary Bronstein and she had a script called 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.' It's a very different movie and I read the script and I thought, wow, this is very powerful, very cool."

• Conan's role in a serious film project highlights his versatility beyond comedy, indicating his willingness to explore diverse acting opportunities.

• Conan describes the bustling atmosphere of Park City, Utah, during the festival.
• He humorously notes the presence of fans with Simpsons memorabilia for him to sign.

"I flew in with David Hopping and was walking through Park City, Utah, and it's this whole thing there. I mean, the streets are just clogged with people and film fans."

• The description of the film festival atmosphere emphasizes the excitement and fan engagement typical of Sundance, reflecting Conan's popularity and cultural impact.

• Conan reflects on the fascinating process of working on the film and praises Mary Bronstein's work as a director.

"It was a fascinating process to do it and Mary did an incredible job."

• Conan's reflection underscores his appreciation for the filmmaking process and his admiration for the director's work, highlighting his respect for the craft.

• The speaker expresses apprehension about transitioning from comedic to serious acting.
• The absence of audience laughter, which typically indicates performance success in comedy, creates uncertainty in serious roles.
• The speaker's co-star, Rose Byrne, is praised for her performance, highlighting the speaker's desire to meet high expectations.

"I was certainly nervous to do it and then I had a weird detachment. It's very different from anything I've done before."

• The speaker was nervous about the transition to serious acting, which felt unfamiliar compared to their usual comedic roles.

"Everything I do is comedy just everything so you know because if you're watching it with an audience or if I'm performing it in front of an audience the laughter is what tells you how it's going."

• In comedy, audience laughter serves as immediate feedback, which is absent in serious acting, adding to the speaker's nervousness.

"I'm working with Rose Byrne and she absolutely kills it in this movie. She's spectacular and the reviews that she's had are amazing."

• The speaker acknowledges Rose Byrne's exceptional performance, which sets a high standard and contributes to their anxiety about performing well.

• The speaker describes feeling detached when watching their own serious acting performance.
• This detachment contrasts with the usual engagement felt during comedic performances.

"I was very detached from seeing myself. I just thought oh there's who I don't know that guy."

• The speaker experiences a sense of detachment from their on-screen persona, indicating an unfamiliarity with their serious acting identity.

• The speaker discusses their approach to acting, emphasizing a non-method style.
• They express a sense of detachment from watching themselves on screen, indicating a lack of interest in their own performance.

"Are you method? No, I am not method. Uh, but I mean I just, I wasn't, I don't know, I don't, I I felt a little detached from seeing myself."

• The speaker clarifies they do not use method acting techniques and feel detached from their own on-screen presence.

• The speaker highlights the performance of co-actor Rose Byrne, showing admiration and bias due to their involvement in the film.
• Positive reviews from critics have reinforced their appreciation for Byrne's performance.

"I wasn't as interested in seeing myself as I was in Rose Byrne, is so riveting in this role, and uh, I know I'm biased because I'm in the movie, but then all these reviews came out that really shone a light on her performance, which made me very happy."

• The speaker prioritizes Rose Byrne's performance over their own, finding validation in external reviews.

• The speaker admits a lack of knowledge about the movie industry, as acting was not a career goal for them.
• They express uncertainty about the film's release date, indicating their unfamiliarity with the industry norms.

"I don't know anything about the movie business. I've never aspired to be an actor; that was never a dream of mine."

• The speaker reveals their inexperience in the film industry and lack of ambition to pursue acting as a career.

• The speaker is curious about why they were chosen for the role, acknowledging the question as valid despite feeling slightly insulted.
• They suggest bringing in the director for insights into the casting decision once the movie is released.

"Why did she think of you? It's a she, I mean Mary Bronstein. Maybe when the movie comes out, she could come and talk about it, but um, I don't want to be insulting to you. It's just you don't, you just were, but you're also right, it's the exact right question."

• The speaker acknowledges the curiosity around their casting, suggesting the director could provide a better explanation.

• The speaker expresses admiration for Rose Byrne's humility despite her success and talent.
• Byrne's behavior in social settings reflects her modesty and lack of entitlement.

"I'm really proud of what Mary Bronstein pulled off and just blown away by Rose Byrne who could not be more humble."

• The speaker is impressed by Rose Byrne's humility, highlighting her grounded nature despite her achievements.

"She excused herself and like climbed over some furniture...she's so humble and just hope I'm not bothering anyone."

• This quote illustrates Byrne's considerate and unassuming nature in social situations.

"The thing I love about her the most is that she doesn't know she's Rose Byrne like no sense of entitlement."

• This statement underscores Byrne's lack of self-importance and her genuine humility.

• The speaker discusses engaging in diverse activities outside their comfort zone, such as acting and performing music.
• Emphasizes personal growth and enjoyment derived from exploring new ventures.

"I've done two things in the space of about six months that were both unusual experiences."

• The speaker is actively seeking out new and diverse experiences in their career.

"There was this movie that I shot...I did the Newport Folk Festival and played music and headlined it."

• The speaker highlights participation in both a film project and a music festival, showcasing versatility.

"Just getting to do a few of these things that are completely outside my comfort zone are really fun."

• The speaker finds joy and fulfillment in trying new activities beyond their usual scope.

• The speaker humorously discusses aspirations of joining the NBA, showcasing a light-hearted side.
• This reflects an openness to dreaming big and engaging in playful banter.

"My tryouts for the NBA...the Spurs are looking for a 6' 4 in water boy."

• The speaker jokes about trying out for the NBA, illustrating a humorous and imaginative mindset.

"I think I could do it, I'd be a real good water boy."

• This statement reflects the speaker's playful attitude and willingness to entertain ambitious dreams.