George Clooney on Leatherheads (2008) – Directing, Comedy & Politics | Film Discussion

George Clooney joins Charlie Rose to talk about his football screwball comedy Leatherheads (2008), his love of period pieces, and why he wanted to direct something light after a run of heavy, issue-driven films like Syriana and Good Night, and Good Luck.

Clooney explains what makes a true “screwball” comedy, why Renee Zellweger was perfect for the film, and how romantic comedies still live in the shadow of The Philadelphia Story. He talks about acting and directing in the same project, what he learned from sitcom days and ER, and why period settings keep pulling him back.

He also opens up about British politics, his habit of voting out incumbents after two terms, why Tony Blair surprised him, and how he thinks about fame, success, and staying grounded after cutting tobacco and selling shoes.

Later, Clooney reflects on filmmaking heroes like Billy Wilder and George Stevens, working with the Coen Brothers, and his desire to keep moving across genres instead of being “the issues guy.”

00:00 Intro – Clooney’s Many Jobs
00:28 What Is a Screwball Comedy?
01:03 Why He Wanted to Direct Leatherheads
01:25 Renee Zellweger & Casting Period Players
01:54 Clooney’s Love of Period Pieces
02:22 Channeling The Philadelphia Story
03:10 Writing 40 Pages in One Night
03:46 Balancing the “Other Guy” in a Love Triangle
04:15 Casting John Krasinski & Likeability
04:37 On Star Quality You Can’t Fake
04:58 Fame, Complaining & Cutting Tobacco
05:35 Staying Grounded With an Italian Villa
05:59 Directing While Getting Punched in the Face
06:21 How Sitcoms Led Him to Directing
06:48 Why He Didn’t Direct ER
07:01 From Confessions to Good Night, and Good Luck
07:27 Unscr ipted & Learning From Improvisation
07:49 Directors Clooney Wishes He Could Talk To
08:15 George Stevens Before & After the War
08:44 Admiring Joel & Ethan Coen
09:05 Working With the Coens on Burn After Reading
09:32 What He Wants to Direct Next
09:58 Acting vs Directing – When to Stay Out of the Frame

Film Discussion is a curated interview archive and conversation series presented by Occupy Cinema. We spotlight the minds behind the movies—actors, directors, writers, and cultural critics—through thoughtful interviews, archival footage, and contemporary conversations. From Broadway to global cinema, Film Discussion explores the craft, politics, and impact of storytelling on screen and stage.

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