Paul Verhoeven, Naomie Harris

A legendary filmmaker and an actress on the rise visit Josh Horowitz for this week’s episode of “Happy Sad Confused”. In the 80s and 90s, Paul Verhoeven’s name was synonymous with Hollywood spectacle and at times, controversy. He directed a trio of acclaimed sci-fi films, Robocop, Total Recall, and Starship Troopers. But he also pushed buttons with sex, violence, and at times with sheer high camp with Basic Instinct and Showgirls. But for many years Verhoven has been making smaller films in Europe, often barely getting any attention in the states. He’s back in a big way with “Elle” (opening November 11th), a tale of yes, sex and violence, that earned a standing ovation in Cannes and widespread critical praise ever since. The filmmaker joins Josh to talk about his new film, why he refuses to censor himself, and what’s been missing in the many sub-par remakes of his films. Later in the show, Josh is joined by a true chameleon of an actor in Naomie Harris. She’s perhaps best known for her roles in 28 Days Later and two giant franchises, the James Bond series, and the Pirates films. But it’s her acclaimed performance in the small but powerful film, “Moonlight” that may prove to be the most important of her career. Harris talks about playing a crack addicted mother in the course of just three days on set and why she didn’t want the part at all at first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices