The Dangerous Art of the Documentary: R.J. Cutler

By Tiller Russell

The Dangerous Art of the Documentary

November 15, 2024 & October 31, 2024

Part Two

Director R.J. Cutler returns to the show to discuss his two latest biopic documentaries, “Martha” and “Elton John: Never Too Late.” In Part Two, R.J. discusses with Tiller about how Elton John walked into his life (0:35),  the theme of mortality in the film (4:30), exploring the most raw emotional moments of Elton’s life (12:00), and how Elton's relationship with John Lennon fundamentally changed his life (18:00).

Part One

Director R.J. Cutler returns to the show to discuss his two latest biopic documentaries, “Martha” and “Elton John: Never Too Late.” In Part One, RJ will share with Tiller how he and Martha first connected (3:00), creating a film around a potentially unreliable narrator (9:00), why Martha was the only on-camera interview in the film (12:00), how he prepared Martha to be vulnerable (14:30), why nothing surprises him when making documentaries (18:30), and what it means to be in search of ecstatic truth (26:00).

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Previous

Doc Talk Podcast: R.J. Cutler Responds To Martha Stewart’s Criticism Of His Netflix Doc, Shares Scoops On Elton John, Billie Eilish Films

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2025 Realscreen Awards nominations unveiled